Solving Problems at Tough Stump Rodeo

With a “show” this good, it’s hard not to “tell” the advances made by PAR Government.

The annual Tough Stump Technology Rodeo in a rugged, austere environment in Alder, MT, demonstrates collaboration and innovation is best when it’s live. This gives customers and industry partners a chance to work on the fly, leading to reliable and trustworthy solutions.

Created by Tough Stump, the rodeo pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the modern data radio, UAS, and robotic landscape. This year’s collaborators included Teledyne FLIR, PAR Government, Red Cat, Hexagon Federal, goTenna, AgEagle, and Darley Defense. These partnerships bring together state-of-the-art technologies and cutting-edge solutions, creating an unparalleled showcase of innovation and ingenuity.

“Every year, we are proud to host an extraordinary event that showcases the latest advancements in various technological sectors,” said Tough Stump staff in a release. “This event is not your typical rodeo; it is a gathering of innovative minds and cutting-edge technologies…”

PAR Government’s participants included:

• Verne LaClair, PAR Government product manager
• SFC Chad Wiley (PAR Business Development, CPD/CPM, JTAC Instructor/Evaluator, Experienced SOF Soldier) working new ICS market
• CPT Tim Peterson (PAR Government Product Sales, TAK Server as a Service in the AWS Cloud) working Tactical Assault Kit / Team Awareness Kit (ATAK/WinTAK/iTAK) and Sit(x)
• Levi Terry (PAR Government Software Engineer, Cyber Security specialist) working Unmanned Aerial Systems

One of the standout demonstrations during the Rodeo was the proof of concept showcasing the Teal 2 drone flown through ATAK and UAS tool integration. This drone was tied into the Sit(x)® TAK/ATAK server network PAR Government had established in the TOC. This allowed 23 remote observers in 11 different countries the ability to see pilots and stream the UAV feed.

Additionally, by employing Starlink, in conjunction with Bryodyn Technologies, the team at the Rodeo was able to successfully push out data and hand off drone control utilizing PAR Government’s UAS Tool ATAK Plug-In to Soldiers at USASOC in Ft. Liberty, NC.

 “It was an impressive display, demonstrating the potential of satellite communications in enabling remote drone operations beyond line-of-sight,” said Wiley. “It was just one of many Rodeo highlights. Many participating companies put their solutions to the test in demanding conditions that mimic real-world scenarios.”

The event’s other highlights included:

• goTenna unwaveringly established and maintained the TAK backbone for the duration of the rodeo. Ensuring connectivity throughout the massive, treacherous Area of Operations (AO) and establishing a strong connection with a launched balloon that floated over 200 miles away, goTenna was a critical communications pillar for the entirety of the event.
• The successful backhaul of LiDAR data, UAV video, and Position Location Information (PLI) via established ad hoc MANET radios provided by Silvus Technologies, Persistent Systems and Domo Tactical Communications. All this data was used to establish a Common Operating Picture at the Operations Center located 35-40 miles away from each respective AO utilizing the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK). This real-time data transmission enabled decision-makers to make informed choices swiftly, significantly enhancing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of operations.
• Using radio and ad hoc MANET/mesh radio networks impressively, enabling the team to stream live video, LiDAR, and additional sensor data over 35 miles of mountainous terrain to the operations center. The radios from goTenna, Persistent Systems, Domo Tactical Communications and Silvus, operating in various spectrums (L, S & C bands), played a crucial role in establishing reliable and robust communication links, ensuring seamless data flow even in remote and demanding terrain.
• The eBee Tac drone ventured beyond line-of- sight and flew over 30 miles while conducting a precise mapping mission. As part of the ARTEMIS kit, the imagery collected by the eBee Tac was processed and produced a sub 3cm 3D map. The capabilities of this drone manufactured by AgEagle demonstrated its potential in remote sensing applications, especially in challenging and hard-to-reach terrain.
• The Ghost Robotics V60, a robot designed to navigate rough terrain, captured attention by carrying a LiDAR sensor from both Mach9 and Leica Geosystems through a jagged mining tunnel. This demanding demonstration was conducted in a situation created to mimic either search and rescue or subterranean warfare in an urban setting. The robot’s ability to stream a 3D point cloud back to the operations center via mesh networks, using radios like the MPU5 from Persistent Systems, opened new possibilities for remote data collection, reconnaissance, and exploration in hazardous environments.
• Tough Stump’s tracking system was showcased within the 26-mile x 17-mile austere, mountainous Area of Operations (AO). Using the ATOS tags, a tracking solution organically integrated with ATAK and supported by the goTenna networks, the headquarters team was able to maintain real-time situational awareness of all active personnel and vehicles within the AO. Since ATOS operates in the UHF spectrum, independent of cellular, Wi-Fi or satellite networks, the rugged AO in Montana was the ideal location to exhibit the capability. This advanced, highly ruggedized tracking system enhances tactical awareness, providing critical data to decision-makers in the field.

The Annual Rodeo celebrates the spirit of collaboration and partnership among various pioneering companies in the industry. PAR Government was proud to work with our partners: Ascent Aerosystems, Bryodyn, Darley, Ditto.live, Domo Tactical, Elistair, goTenna, Hexagon Federal, Hoverfly, iGov, Kagwerks, Leica-Geosystems, Mach9, Marshall Radio Telemetry, Onyx Aero, Optics 1, Persistent Systems, RedCat, Silvus Technologies, and Teal Drones.