German officers using gadgets for visual and audio observation, 1917
From the very first days of military aviation’s existence, it constituted highly important and powerful means of military attack. An unexpected mass assault of enemy aircraft is able of eliminating ready-to-action forces and a few echelons of defense, bombing of key objects, destroying equipment, causing chaos and mayhem in the troops. That is why it is exceptionally important to watch the slightest movements of the enemy aviation closely.
American military observer, 1921
Before, it was a challenge: often the first watchers relied upon their eyesight and hearing solely, so they had to use the tricks that today look rather funny: for example, they wore giant sound concentrators on their heads, and watched and listened to the sky day and night. Today, technical progress improved the situation a bit: now reconnaissance and observation officers use entire complexes of electronic equipment that makes their work much more effective. Still, this equipment gone rather outdated in our army, and needs if not radical upgrade then at least partial renovation.
A modern reconnaissance and bearing complex
These people, a special radio technical reconnaissance unit who 24/7 are watching the frontline; whose eyes, ears and attentiveness are focused on our country’s operational and tactical airspace; these people who closely watch each enemy aircraft, now need our help.
First, they need voltage regulators. As soon as they work in different conditions, including combat ones, voltage can vary. And regulators are designed to provide the equipment’s reliable work in any conditions.
Second, they need paraphernalia for surveillance systems installation, as long as they need to monitor both aircraft and their own security on their positions as well. Of course, this is cheaper and easier than to make their staff guard their positions day and night. With video surveillance system, one can easily monitor the situation while doing other useful things.
Third and the most important thing: they need powerful computers. These will be deployed at observation posts. The gear will help the scouts to consolidate and analyze the data of audio interceptions, to process and store the information which is really important.
A Ukrainian radioscout’s working space. Of course, the gear needs renovation
Naturally, we may hope that the state will provide the scouts with all the necessary stuff someday. Still as time and experience show, one can wait for this for years, and the guys need the gear right now, at the moment, as the war is on and it cannot depend on bureaucracy. But we are those who can prove helpful to them: within the Rapid Response project we can raise funds and buy the newest necessary gear. So please join in, as any assistance will be appreciated!
