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 High capacity digital recorders are available primarily
for special applications. These devices provide both processing power
and multi-channel recording capability. These systems use either of
two types of media: hard disk drives and solid-state memory (flash).
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) based devices currently offer virtually unlimited online memory
capacity, but this type of storage media is vulnerable to high G
shocks encountered during vehicle movement over rough terrain.
Vibrations, dust, heat and humidity also affect the reliability of HDD
based systems. Solid-state memory is used for applications where
systems are exposed to extreme environmental conditions. Systems that
use solid-state memory are usually more expensive and have more
limited capacity, but modern technology enables operators to use field
replaceable cartridges, which can hold as much as 128 GB of data each,
therefore offering nearly unlimited storage capacity.
One typical lightweight Digital Video Recorder is offered by
Tactronics. This DVR can store up to 26 hours of full motion video on
a 60 GB 2.5" hard disk. It can be mounted on aircraft, naval platforms
or AFVs, connecting directly to the video source (weapon's sight,
surveillance equipment etc.). This system uses removable recording
media to transfer files to an associated docking station for review.
The 'Mission Witness' is a typical solid-state recorder recently
introduced by RADA Electronic Systems for field applications. RADA is
offering the system, which is a derivative of its avionic
Net-Centric
Digital Recorder (NCDR), to support video capture from vehicular
military platforms. The system uses solid-state memory and has no
moving parts, thus offering very high resistance to shock and
vibration damage. Its built-in processor can be used as a network
server that offers shared memory for other systems on board. RADA
recently demonstrated this system in a RAFAEL built "Interceptor"
armored patrol vehicle based on the armored Humvee.
NCDR was integrated with the patrol vehicle's remotely
controlled weapon station and acoustic gunshot detector. 'Mission
Witness' can record up to 11 channels simultaneously, including six
video channels, two voice channels and three data channels. It can
also monitor and record all vehicle and weapons employment details.
These recorders can be integrated in combat vehicles to augment and
enhance their operability, for training, and for post-mission
debriefing. Other issues covered in this feature:
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