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ICRC Homeland Defense Vehicle Deployed to Michigan National Guard
STERLING HEIGHTS, MI – January 10, 2007 – Integrated Concepts & Research Corporation (ICRC), a diversified technical and management services company, announced today the production and fielding of a new homeland defense vehicle that will improve the ability of first responders to react to terrorist attacks, chemical spills and other homeland security incidents. The first of these vehicles has been fielded to the Michigan National Guard’s Civil Support Team to augment its homeland security mission. A total of three vehicles are being deployed during the next six months to National Guard units and other first responders for a field evaluation program sponsored by the U.S. Army’s National Automotive Center.
Built on the International MXT medium-duty truck, the vehicle for the Michigan Guard is the first implementation of ICRC’s NG-VISIONTM (National Guard Vehicle Information System for Interoperability and Networking), which integrates multiple software applications and devices to provide first responders with rapid detection, identification and early warning capabilities. The NG-VISION application is a culmination of work performed by ICRC over several years aimed at the development of an in-vehicle software solution that enables the integration of advanced electronics, communications equipment, security/counter-terrorism features, and other smart technologies through a single user interface.
The Michigan Guard vehicle includes the following options as part of its NG-VISION application:
- Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) agent detection software that provides warnings about air quality outside the vehicle
- A HAZMAT database that provides information about specific hazardous materials
- A radio communications interoperability switch that allows first responders to talk to each other via dissimilar communications systems, including:
- Municipal public safety radios
- State and federal radios
- Military radios
- Landline, cellular and satellite telephones
- Night time surveillance provided by pan and tilt lighting systems, as well as a handheld infrared camera system
- Cellular Internet connectivity for access to offboard information
- A satellite phone for communications in the event of cell tower failure
- GPS navigation software with maps of the continental United States
- Vehicle diagnostics software compatible with the International MXT that allows users to troubleshoot vehicle problems and perform preventive maintenance
The plug-and-play architecture of ICRC’s NG-VISION system will allow future vehicles to accept other advanced technologies such as night vision, surveillance cameras, countermeasures, and non-lethal weapon systems. Its open architecture design also will enable existing vehicles to be upgraded as new technologies emerge.
“The threat of terrorist attacks and other security incidents presents a very real need for this vehicle,” said Kevin Mulrenin, vice president of ICRC’s Advanced Vehicle Technologies division. “NG-VISION helps overcome a critical problem experienced on September 11 – the inability of first responders to talk with each other on dissimilar radio systems. That ability coupled with other important features like the detection of nuclear and chemical agents, will greatly improve our ability to protect this country’s first responders and the larger population.”
About ICRC
ICRC is a diversified technical and management services company that serves the government market. The company’s core expertise lies in information technology, advanced vehicle technology, aerospace, engineering and transportation infrastructure. ICRC combines this industry expertise with a strong track record in project management, research, testing, analysis, purchasing and implementation. The company’s corporate office is located in Alexandria, VA, and it also maintains offices in Chantilly, VA, Detroit, MI, Huntsville, AL, Vicksburg, MS, and Anchorage, AK.
Contact:
Cheryl Bredehoeft
(703) 625-9130
cbredehoeft@constellargroup.com |
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