Securing Data, Securing Missions

DAtAnchor has built its reputation on one of the most critical needs of our time: data security. Their universal transparent encryption technology ensures that sensitive information remains protected—whether stored, transmitted, or accessed remotely. With encryption that operates invisibly in the background, DAtAnchor empowers organizations to maintain full control over their data in any environment.

When DAtAnchor approached augustwenty with the vision for Falling Saber, it wasn’t just about securing information. It was about saving lives and resources. Falling Saber was conceived as a GPS-enabled communication beacon system designed for military operations. The goal was ambitious: enable real-time positioning for aerially dropped assets, ensure 100% situational awareness, and eliminate asset loss.

To succeed, the system would need to perform flawlessly in remote, rugged environments, all while upholding the highest standards of security.

The Challenge: Precision in the Harshest Conditions

Falling Saber presented a unique set of challenges:

• Reliable Long-Range Communication: Assets could be dropped miles away in unpredictable terrain, demanding a communication protocol capable of reaching far distances with minimal power.
• Data Integrity Under Pressure: Every data point—from GPS to motion sensors—had to remain encrypted, untampered, and accessible only to authorized operators.
• Hardware Integration: Multiple sensors needed to work together seamlessly within a compact, cost-efficient hardware package.
• Rugged Deployment: Devices had to withstand harsh environments and maintain functionality without sacrificing reliability.

The Approach: Innovation Meets Military Discipline

At augustwenty, we approach every project with integrity, creativity, and precision. With Falling Saber, we worked hand-in-hand with DAtAnchor’s engineers and business teams, immersing ourselves in the operational context of military deployments.

We didn’t just take requirements—we challenged assumptions. By asking the right questions and pushing boundaries, we developed a solution that not only met the immediate goals but laid a foundation for future advancements.

Our strategy combined iterative development, modern practices, and pragmatic technology selection to balance effectiveness, cost, and speed.

Execution: From Concept to Field-Ready

Development Strategy

The Falling Saber system was built through a phased, iterative process:

• Proof of Concept (Wi-Fi Version) A first iteration validated connectivity and sensor integration. While limited in range, this version remains useful in environments with reliable connectivity.

• Field Unit & Base Unit Design Field units collected and cached data during connectivity outages, automatically resuming transmission once signals returned. A base unit aggregated and relayed the information to command systems.

• LoRa Communication Integration By adopting LoRa technology, we enabled reliable communication over a mile with minimal power consumption—perfect for remote deployments.

• Encrypted Data Transmission Every data packet was encrypted using DAtAnchor’s transparent SDK, ensuring mission-critical information was protected from unauthorized access.

Challenges Overcome

• Remote Communication: LoRa solved the problem of long-range, low-power transmission in rugged terrain.
• Data Security: Integration with DAtAnchor’s encryption SDK guaranteed end-to-end protection.
• Hardware Integration: Off-the-shelf components (Adafruit, Microcenter) allowed for rapid prototyping and sensor fusion across GPS, accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope, and temperature sensors.

Results: Secure. Reliable. Battle-Tested.

The Falling Saber system delivered transformative results:

• Real-Time Tracking: Operators can now pinpoint airdropped assets with precision, dramatically reducing recovery times.
• Zero Data Compromise: Encrypted at the source, sensor and GPS data remain secure throughout the mission lifecycle.
• Long-Range Reliability: LoRa enables effective operation over distances greater than a mile, even in remote terrain.
• Operational Efficiency: Commanders receive actionable, real-time data that enhances situational awareness and decision-making.

Technologies That Made It Possible

• Hardware: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, multi-sensor suite (accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope, temperature, GPS).
• Communication: LoRa protocol for long-distance, low-power connectivity.
• Encryption: DAtAnchor’s transparent encryption SDK.
• Software: Python 3, GitHub for collaboration.
• Libraries: Open-source drivers for rapid hardware integration.

Conclusion: Pioneering the Future of Secure Military Tech

The collaboration between DAtAnchor and augustwenty produced more than a working product—it created a strategic advantage. Falling Saber represents a leap forward in how military forces track and recover assets, combining cutting-edge sensors, secure communication, and encryption that leaves no room for compromise.

Beyond military applications, the foundation laid by Falling Saber opens doors to civilian use cases in disaster relief, logistics, and supply chain tracking. By pairing DAtAnchor’s encryption expertise with augustwenty’s design and engineering capabilities, we delivered a solution that is as innovative as it is reliable—and as forward-looking as the missions it supports.