Shadow Box Solutions launches Charlie Mobile TAK DC2 Gateway

Shadow Box Solutions on Aug. 19 unveiled the ShadowBox Charlie, a rugged multi-network gateway built to push distributed command and control, joint fires integration and Link 16 connectivity closer to the tactical edge. The system is designed for backpack-level deployment and to bridge radios, sensors and classified and non-classified networks that do not normally interoperate.

Why it matters: - The ShadowBox Charlie brings command-and-control gateway functions that usually sit in large command posts and specialized integration suites down to small tactical teams. - The system is built to move data across incompatible networks, which can reduce communications seams in distributed operations. - Shadow Box Solutions is targeting faster, farther-forward connectivity for tactical teams that need to share sensor data, fires data and operational traffic in the field.

What happened: - Shadow Box Solutions announced the release of the ShadowBox Charlie, Mobile TAK DC2 Gateway, on Aug. 19, 2026. - The company describes the system as a compact, ruggedized, multi-network gateway for distributed command and control, joint fires integration and long-range kill chains. - The gateway is small enough to deploy in a backpack at the team level or below. - The release also introduced Charlie as part of Shadow Box Solutions' expeditionary C4ISR family.

The details: - Charlie bridges tactical radios, networks, sensors and command-and-control systems so operational data can move between users on different communications architectures. - The system supports tactical-level Link 16 integration. - When paired with the AN/PRC-161 BATS-D handheld Link 16 radio, Charlie can integrate Link 16/J-series information with other tactical networks. - Charlie can transport relevant traffic using JREAP-C over IP-based communications pathways. - The setup extends Link 16 information beyond line-of-sight tactical data-link coverage into a distributed C2 architecture. - Charlie includes TRAX software for data translation and interoperability. - TRAX handles Link 16/J-series data, JREAP, TAK/Cursor-on-Target and other operational data sources. - The system supports integration with the AN/PRC-161 BATS-D, AN/PRC-163, AN/PRC-167, AN/PRC-160 HF radio, Persistent Systems MPU5, Silvus StreamCaster, TrellisWare tactical MANET systems and LoRa/Meshtastic-class networks. - Charlie also supports other IP, serial, software-defined radio and sensor interfaces. - The architecture allows low-cost sensors, software-defined radios, leave-behind systems and surrogate forces on low-bandwidth networks to feed directly into tactical networks and dynamic targeting architectures. - Charlie can operate as a disconnected tactical gateway. - Charlie can also provide classified reachback to an Air Operations Center or SIPRNet C2 node through its integrated Commercial Solutions for Classified architecture when connectivity is available. - The system runs on a standard BB-2590/U battery. - Charlie can also take power from vehicle, external battery, DC or AC sources. - Shadow Box Solutions said the system is meant to make sophisticated network integration smaller, easier to use, more deployable and accessible farther forward.

Between the lines: - The release points to a push to make high-end tactical networking usable without the footprint and support demands of traditional gateway systems. - The emphasis on Link 16, TAK and CSfC suggests Charlie is aimed at teams that need both interoperability and secure reachback in fluid environments. - By highlighting low-cost sensors and attritable systems, Shadow Box Solutions is signaling interest in broader participation in the kill chain, not just premium platforms.

What's next: - Shadow Box Solutions will market Charlie as part of its expeditionary C4ISR lineup for defense, government and specialized mission partners. - The company is positioning the gateway for tactical users that need distributed connectivity at the edge, including disconnected operations and classified reachback when available. - More information is available on the company's website.