The Comgrenade
is a CRNR experiment to give the capability of large area audio recon to
ground personnel in all weather conditions. The current Comgrenade is designed
to be human propelled, highly durable, technologically adaptable, and weather
resistant.
The prototype
version of the Comgrenade is capable of being thrown up to a hundred yards.
The football shell of the Comgrenade is a commercial nerf football. Because
of the commercial purpose of the football, being both durable and capable
of long distance flights from human propulsion, the project developers
believed this to be the ideal shell for the initial versions of the Comgrenade.
Incorporating commercial technology with CRNR group technologies has consistently
been a core strength.
The internal
transmitter inside of the nerf shell can be replaced with many off the
shelf transmitters. Being adaptable to many different current transmitters
allows for a range of transmission distances, including satcom transmitters
and scramblers. For prototype purposes, we have proven the use of a 2
mile transmitter, and a 1 mile transmitter that will be demonstrated at
project Strong Angel. Most common receivers can pick up the transmission,
and does not require special equipment. The receiver can then be transmitted
into another transmitter, wearable interfaces, or even into a computer
to allow for live streaming on computer networks.
The internal
and external components of the Comgrenade allow for some degree of weather
resistance. Heat, and dry temperatures are easily managed. Dealing with
freezing temperatures and rain is also managed very well. The shell provides
a strong amount of shielding from the outside, and the internal transmitter
are in cased for both durability and weather protection.
Further tests
will be done to see how sensitive the Comgrenade is. Our current prototype
can transmit conversations within 10 yards of the comgrenade extremely
clearly. In some cases, conversations are not needed, and only sound and
vibrations will be desired. The Comgrenade is a clear solution for that
application.
Other deployment
means are also still in testing. The Comgrenade is capable of human propulsion,
vehicle deployment, or air drop. We are also experimenting with other
human propulsion methods such as the slingshot, and stringed instruments
like lacrosse sticks and kai lai sticks. Multiple shells can be adapted
for single transmitters. This would enable high dollar transmitter technology
to be reused with much cheaper custom application shells. Shell textures
are also in development to enable further distance via rolling and bouncing.
Mechanical propulsion of the Comgrenade using weighted motors is also
in development.
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