Wearable Antenna Technologies, Inc. Releases TVAS-IOTV, the Tactical Vest Antenna System implementation for U.S. Army’s IOTV Body Armor

Wilmington, NC. February 26, 2009 – Wearable Antenna Technologies, Inc. announces the release of its latest Tactical Vest Antenna System (TVAS) prototype for the Army’s IOTV tactical vest – the TVAS-IOTV. “There have been a number of challenges involved with designing an antenna that will work with the IOTV vest,” stated Bobby Dennis, CEO, “the primary challenge of the design was making the cables route through the vest in a way that will not interfere with the quick release mechanism of the vest.” Extensive research and testing had to be done to find a connector that simultaneously provides enough durability to meet the demands of a tactical environment and meets the quick-release requirements. “We think we have found a good balance with the connector, it has the ability to come apart in emergency situations, but will not unintentionally come apart.”

Wearable Antenna Technologies Inc, has implemented its User Evaluation Phase, in which several prototypes are provided to military personnel in order receive feedback before going into production. “We want to provide our Armed Forces with the best possible communications gear. Field testing of our gear by active duty operators provides us with invaluable feedback.” stated Andy Potanin, VP. “Far too often equipment is designed with limited input from the actual military personnel that will be using it in the future.” he added.

“There are still a number of challenges that lay ahead before we are in full production,” said Al Lee, Director of Operations “once the User Evaluation Phase is complete, tooling and durability testing must be conducted on the final design.” This testing will ensure that the components will meet the harsh conditions that are found in tactical environments.

Performance of the TVAS-IOTV will be equivalent to the performance of the TVAS-MTV as the fundamental characteristics are the same throughout the TVAS line. Official testing of the antenna’s performance has not yet been conducted, as the antenna is still in development. However, initial field testing and simulations show great promise.