Distance Support Kit (DSK)

Enhanced Inspection

Problem Statement: Every day, Navy Subject Matter Experts are pulled from global duties to fly to ships for problems that could be solved in hours with the right connectivity. Surging demand for emergent repairs is overextending limited SME capacity, driving high fly-away costs, and disrupting global support schedules. In communications-limited environments—particularly deep inside the skin of the ship—traditional reach-back often fails, delaying repairs and return-to-mission readiness.

Description of the Innovation Solution: The Distance Support Kit (DSK) is a man-portable, airline-compliant package that delivers secure, high-throughput connectivity from any location on or near a platform to remote SMEs worldwide. It integrates SpaceX Starshield dedicated LEO satellite backhaul, Persistent Systems MPU5 encrypted MANET radios that penetrate signal-constrained compartments, and telepresence tools that enable live high-definition video and audio collaboration in environments where conventional connectivity typically does not work. The full kit sets up in approximately 15 minutes and can be transported and operated by a single person.

Benefits to the Department of War: DSK places expertise at the point of need rather than moving people, acting as a true force multiplier for limited SMEs. One expert can support multiple ships or simultaneous events instead of being locked into a single fly-away. Documented results include post-collision support on USS TRUXTON (February 2026), fire-damage support on USS NEW ORLEANS that compressed recovery planning by a full week and enabled repair bidding before the ship returned to port, and multi-week employment at PBDE ’26. The system was on-site within 72 hours for the NEW ORLEANS casualty. Near-term transitions to FDRMC Naples (October 2026) and SRF-JRMC (January/February 2027) will embed the capability at key forward maintenance hubs. Although developed for Navy sustainment, DSK is platform-agnostic and available for broader Department of War adoption.

Technical Maturity / Demonstration Results: DSK was a Top 5 finalist in the 2025 Maintenance Innovation Challenge (76 submissions). It is now in active operational demonstration and early transition, with validated performance across surface combatants, amphibious ships, and CVN platforms. August 2026 testing confirmed ~150 Mbps Starshield Mini throughput under shipboard obstruction. Penetration testing has demonstrated connectivity into machinery spaces, ballast tanks, and fire-damaged compartments. With transitions already in motion and demand from Regional Maintenance Centers and warfare centers, DSK is delivering measurable readiness impact and is positioned for rapid transition to the fleet’s primary maintenance organizations.