Blackwire provides a software-defined tactical video encoder called FLEX that delivers full-motion video over bandwidth-constrained networks, from HF to MANET to Starlink. The AV1-based encoder uses 80–90% less bandwidth than H.264, features self-healing streams on lossy RF links, and runs CPU-only on commodity hardware without requiring new equipment. Blackwire also develops the IVPM, a wearable inline hardware module that runs FLEX at the point of transmission for tactical edge deployment.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Tactical and remote operations face severe bandwidth constraints that prevent the transmission of full-motion video over existing radio and satellite links. Standard video codecs like H.264 require too much bandwidth for HF, MANET, and other contested or austere network environments, forcing operators to choose between degraded situational awareness and costly infrastructure upgrades.
Solution
Blackwire delivers FLEX, a software-defined tactical video encoder built on AV1 that compresses video to 80–90% less bandwidth than H.264 while maintaining usable quality. The encoder is designed for lossy RF links with self-healing streams that automatically recover from packet loss and network disruption. FLEX runs entirely on CPU, requiring no GPU or specialized hardware, and works with existing radios and infrastructure without modification. For hardware deployment, Blackwire offers the IVPM, a sealed wearable inline cable with integrated edge compute that runs FLEX between the video source and the tactical radio, eliminating exposed ports and added operator burden.
Target Audience
Primary customers are defense and tactical users requiring video transmission over bandwidth-constrained networks, including military ISR operations, as well as civilian sectors such as disaster response, wildfire operations, search and rescue, maritime, remote industry, and broadcast from austere locations.
Features
- AV1-based encoding achieving 80–90% bandwidth reduction compared to H.264
- Self-healing stream technology that maintains video integrity on lossy RF links
- CPU-only processing on commodity hardware
- no GPU, no new hardware, no radio changes
- Validated on commercial links including Starlink, Iridium, and LoRa
- IVPM hardware module: sealed, wearable inline cable with integrated edge compute for point-of-transmission encoding
- Software available today; IVPM hardware targeted for general availability in 2027