The Command and Control Backpack, designed by RedLinX Production and Engineering division, won the SABS Design Excellence Award in the Electronics, Information and Communication Technology sector. The 2009 SABS Design Excellence Awards were presented on 29 October and celebrate South African design. The competition had 54 entries, of which 18 received awards.
The Command and Control Backpack is a robust and ergonomic backpack, designed to be used by a defence force commander for tactical oversight in the field. It is designed to be carried and interacted with in an ergonomically correct way.
The frame is lightweight, yet strong enough to withstand a drop on to concrete floor from a height of one metre with all equipment attached. When deployed, the backpack cover is zipped open to form a shade canopy over the computer screen. While protecting the electronic equipment from the elements, the cover provides adequate ventilation to allow cooling of this equipment during use.
Says Alastair Knight, Director and Divisional Manager of the Production and Engineering Division at RedLinX: “We are very excited to receive this award. This product, which we designed in conjunction with Ideso, was a unique, practical and user-friendly solution to a customer's problem, but also has potential spin-offs.”
The Command and Control Backpack is one of two products in the Man Portability range. The other product, the Common Manport Rucksack, is based on a common frame design which, through various custom attachments, covers and bags, allows for almost any variety of equipment configurations to be transported over long distances in adverse environments by soldiers on foot. The Common Manport Rucksacks are already being used to carry radio, radar and other sensitive electronic equipment. There are even configurations that carry generators and fuel jerry cans. The rucksacks are durable but lightweight, as it is not desirable for the soldiers to carry more than 25kg, including the frames and the equipment.
Concludes Knight: “At the Production and Engineering Division we are passionate about executing complex technology projects that include mechanical, electronic and computer system engineering. This award celebrates the same objectives that we strive for, and we therefore look forward to partake in the SABS Design Awards in 2010.”
Share
RedLinX Production and Engineering
RedLinX Production and Engineering Division is one of four divisions within RedLinX. This division was established in 2006 and has expertise in electronic, mechanical and systems engineering in order to meet specialised product requirements in both small and large volumes. The division comprises two sections: RedLinX Engineering and RedLinX Production.
RedLinX
RedLinX is a multifaceted specialist engineering technology company, delivering tailor-made technology solutions with excellent technical support and after sales service, ranging from embedded to high-performance computing and related products, open systems and solutions. RedLinX operates in the ICT, telecoms, transport, mining, industrial, security and defence market segments throughout South Africa and Africa, and is supported by our own locally based support, production and engineering facilities. RedLinX has four operating divisions, namely: Telecoms Systems Division, Embedded Systems Division, High Performance Systems Division and the Production & Engineering Systems Division. With offices in Cape Town and Pretoria, more than 50% of RedLinX's staff and management are PDI/HDI and engendered individuals. RedLinX proudly aligns itself with the ICT BEE Charter.
For further information, kindly visit: http://www.redlinx.co.za.