Sharp NEC Display Solutions client installation – Defence/Government

French Special Forces

Sharp/NEC displays at the heart of the action

In scenarios where the command centre must shift to the heart of the action, rapid deployment is critical. The French Special Forces rely on SENTRY to develop videowalls suitable for small control rooms, but also deployable in field operations. Designed for swift setups on even the most rugged terrain, using MultiSync® displays from Sharp/NEC, SENTRY’s unique deployable systems retain all the benefits of the fixed infrastructure.

SENTRY design and manufacture state-of-the-art, hardware secured, videowall systems tailored for multi-domain network environments, including deployable solutions.

Working with the French Special Forces and NATO, its solutions provide end-users with a complete set of critical system components. These solutions meet the most stringent cybersecurity requirements of connecting strictly segregated multi-domain networks to one or multi-room shared display system, especially for deployable videowalls.

The Challenge

SENTRY was invited to develop and implement deployable solutions suited for confined and tactical spaces, integrating seamlessly into low-set tents, shelters, or Tactical Operation Centres. Time is of the essence in tactical environments and solutions were required to be erected and fully operational within 10 minutes.

In addition to swift deployment, easy installation and ease of use, the solutions needed to be adaptable to any type of surface, offer extreme levels of information security and protection against cyber threats, and be suited for transport by military planes. Key requirements for the display elements of the project included outstanding reliability, combined with robustness, quality, low power consumption and an infrastructure that did not compromise security.

The Solution

SENTRY implemented All-In-One solutions based on 55’’ and 86’’ MultiSync® displays from the M Series, and a 2x2 large deployable videowall system using 4 ultra-narrow bezel 55” MultiSync® displays.

Both the 55” and the 86” All-In-One solutions can be set up, or dismantled, by two people in just 2 minutes. The 4K UHD MultiSync® displays with IPS panels deliver outstanding image quality and colour rendering, and crucially, have no embedded Android functionality or data connection. They provide reliable 24/7 performance and are optionally TEMPEST-compliant.

“The M Series is perfectly adapted to the mandatory reliability and security needed for C2 command shelters. This series has no embedded communications device and is easy to lock, install and maintain from an integrator perspective. In addition, the robust metal cabinet is a crucial asset for a deployable system,” Laurent Martin-Malburet, BDM at Sentry explains.

The 2x2 deployable solution features 4 MultiSync® UN Series ultra-narrow displays ensuring there is no discernible image gap where the units meet. Like the M Series, these models were selected for the absence of embedded Android and data connection, their reliability in 24/7 use scenarios and optional TEMPEST compliance. Deployment and dismantling of the solution do not exceed 10 minutes and perfectly match the requirements.

The SENTRY systems come with Automated Screen Elevation to match the needs and requirements of various deployment scenarios and are equipped with an electric engine. The engine elevates the screen to the desired height, ensuring optimal viewing and interaction regardless of the terrain or situation.

The Result

SENTRY’s solutions for the French Special Forces currently comprise 7 All-In-One 55” configurations, 2 All-In-One 86” configurations, and one large deployable 2x2 videowall solution.

Captain Sébastian G., Special Forces Joint Staff, concludes:

“The All-In-One acquired by the various French Special Forces units have become paramount for our deployment in the field. You can store it outside and then transport it very easily by any means - air, sea and road, even in harsh conditions. When in the field, it is really a plug and play system, operational in a few minutes and you can close and move it very quickly too. It is adaptable to any surface, even non-flat, be it sand, mud, or rocks. And it allows us to get the full operational picture, at one glance, for the whole staff deployed in the field.”

“In my opinion, this product reflects the spirit of the Special Forces: adaptive and flexible, easy to use, fast, convenient.”