Tropic Region Support
The TRAX International's test and evaluation support capability is global in scope; providing support and engineering expertise to the test ranges and facilities at the tropics ranges in Panama, Suriname, Honduras, and Hawaii. These tropics regions impose unique challenges to systems, operational doctrine, and personnel.
Panama
Our experienced test personnel conduct scientific equipment reliability tests in the humid tropic environment of Panama. Available test areas are within lush vegetation in the central portion of the Isthmus, and along the northern coast of Panama. All test sites are within close range of Panama City.
Existing capabilities include:
- A standard 700-m range.
- A 3-km rugged jungle course for simulated patrols, ideal for testing individual soldier systems (e.g., boots, clothing, backpacks) and survivability systems (e.g., night vision devices, portable radios, spectrum-analysis detectors, and protective gear)
- Areas for prolonged tropic exposure material tests in the open and under jungle canopy
- Other provided services for engineering support for communications and electronic sensor testing, along with Information Technology and logistics support
- Coastal sites for various levels of salt spray exposure
Suriname
TRAX has conducted testing in Suriname for vehicle durability, sensors, and electronics. Suriname encompasses several areas of tropical rainforests of diverse characteristics; ranging from recent secondary growth jungle to mature triple-canopy rainforest. An Army Research Office panel has determined that this is the best site for tropical testing outside of Panama, and is suitable for most testing missions.
Site characteristics include:
- Extensive road network
- Large uninhabited areas
- Extreme tropic environment
Honduras
This test site, located in eastern Honduras at Mocoron, offers multiple test environments in a remote area. Because of its isolated location, this site is ideal for conducting airborne sensor tests, RF propagation, and tests requiring minimal signal interference. As required, TRAX air-lifts specialized personnel to this area to provide engineering support and logistics for a variety of tests.
Site capabilities include:
- C-130 certified airfield
- Helipad and hangar for rotary wing aircraft and refueling
- Independently generated electrical power systems
- Airlift support provided by nearby Soto Cano Joint Task Force - B
Hawaii
Our experienced range personnel are capable of testing soldier systems, communications and electronics, chemical and biological detectors, mine/countermine systems, vehicle mobility, small caliber weapons, and obscuration systems at the TRTC base stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Site Capabilities:
- Availability to test with U.S. troops
- Small arms firing range
- A 3.2-km (2-mile) Man Pack Jungle Course
- An obstacle training course