Multi-Radio Interface
The goal of the Miniature Terminal Attack Control Earplug (Mini TAC) program is to improve upon the state of the art hearing protection and radio interface provided to Air Force ground operators.
Currently available radio interfaces do not allow for communications in high noise environments, require an obtrusive boom microphone or handset, are not hands-free, and cannot be used effectively when noise discipline must be maintained.
Mini TAC will provide a lightweight, wearable interface to PRC-148 and 117F secure personal radios, the AIC-25 aircraft intercom, and PCs, while simultaneously improving communications intelligibility, protecting the user from blast-induced hearing damage, and restoring natural hearing for quiet ambient sounds.
The Mini TAC program focuses on taking the Mini TAC to mass production, and will address ergonomics, ruggedization, manufacturability, and operator usability issues. PSI is responsible for providing the pre-production phase of the Mini TAC program. PSI selected Gentex Electro-Acoustic Products to team on this effort, based on their experience mass-producing rugged communications systems for use by military operators.