From Prototype to Operational Capability: Pacific Defense's Rapid Progress at IVY Mass
The U.S. Army's IVY Sting series of field exercises at Fort Carson provides a real-world environment where soldiers, government teams, and industry partners evaluate emerging technologies supporting the Army's Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) initiative.
Following IVY Sting IV, IVY Sting V, and IVY Mass, Pacific Defense engineers Carson White and Erik Heikkila reflected on what the experience revealed about Army modernization, operational integration, and the company's ability to rapidly deliver capability to the field.
In just a few months, Pacific Defense went from installing a single system to becoming a key contributor at IVY Mass. What changed?
White: At the beginning of IVY Sting IV, we had never placed one of our systems on these vehicles. By IVY Mass, our platform was fully integrated into the vehicle network, hosting key NGC2 applications and fully integrated with the NGC2 Transport layer.
Heikkila: The timeline really tells the story. In January, our goal was simply to install a system on a JLTV and make sure it powered on. By IVY Mass, we had expanded from one system to four systems, added new capabilities, and evolved from being a participant to becoming a hub that other technologies connected through.
That was a significant milestone because it showed how quickly Pacific Defense can take a mature product foundation, integrate it into a complex operational environment, and deliver meaningful capability to the warfighter.
What did these exercises reveal about the Army's approach to modernization?
Heikkila: It felt like boarding a train that's already moving 120 miles per hour. These exercises create an environment where soldiers, government teams, and industry can identify problems, solve them quickly, and continuously improve capability in real time.
What's exciting is that the conversation is shifting from rapid prototyping to rapid delivery.
The focus is increasingly on what can be fielded and delivered today rather than years from now.
What feedback stood out from soldiers using the systems?
Heikkila: The excitement from operators was probably the most rewarding part. They understood they were evaluating prototype systems, but many immediately recognized how transformational this technology could be.
White: We consistently heard that the system's compact footprint freed up valuable space inside the vehicle and simplified tasks compared to what crews were using before.
Heikkila: We also heard that the system felt more mature and intuitive than some alternatives. Even as a prototype, operators could see how it could make their jobs easier and more effective. That's the kind of feedback that validates you're solving real operational problems.
What's the biggest takeaway from the IVY exercises?
White: There were hardware integration challenges, software challenges, and constantly changing priorities, so collaboration was crucial. We worked closely with Pacific Defense subject matter experts and industry and government partners to keep a unified pace. We often found ourselves solving problems quickly in real time to ultimately benefit the warfighter.
Heikkila: In just four months, we changed the narrative. We went from proving a system could be installed on a vehicle to demonstrating integrated, operational capability in the field.
For Pacific Defense, that's what makes these exercises so valuable. They validate not only the MOSA value proposition, but also our ability to rapidly scale, integrate, and deliver capability where it's needed most.
About Pacific Defense
Pacific Defense is purpose-built to drive the open-systems transformation required to unlock rapid innovation and the power of commercial technology. Specializing in C5ISR and Electronic Warfare (EW) solutions for mission-critical environments, Pacific Defense applies MOSA standards to deliver flexible, upgradeable technology that helps warfighters stay ahead of emerging threats.
Contacts
Pacific Defense Media Contact
Kent Mader
marketing@pacific-defense.com
