Persistent Systems, LLC

What Persistent Systems, LLC does

Persistent Systems, LLC is a New York-based defense technology company founded in 2007 that engineers and manufactures the proprietary Wave Relay MANET (Mobile Ad Hoc Networking) routing algorithm and supporting hardware, principally the MPU5 handheld smart radio. The technology creates self-healing, self-forming mesh networks that allow UAVs, UGVs, USVs, sensors, cameras, and personnel to act as both endpoints and relays, streaming voice, video, and situational awareness across urban, subterranean, mountainous, and maritime environments without fixed infrastructure. The portfolio extends to Cloud Relay (global extension of MANET across SATCOM, LTE, 5G), an SWaP-optimized Embedded Module for unmanned platforms, vehicle-mounted GVR5, the PT5 dual-function personal transport, Multi-Band Tracking Antennas, the Rugged Display & Controller (RDC), and the WaRTAK (Wave Relay Tactical Assault Kit) for nuclear-asset convoys. Around the technology, the company operates the Wave Relay Ecosystem, an alliance of 20 OEMs and software providers (including Boeing/Insitu, General Dynamics Land Systems, Textron, QinetiQ, Endeavor Robotics, Boston Dynamics, AEVEX) that integrate MPU5 at the factory level.

Revenue mechanics combine direct enterprise/government sales of hardware (radios, RDCs, Dismount Kits) with firmware and software-enabled capabilities (Cloud Relay, AWS One-Touch), recurring-adjacent technical support and training services, and an authorized international reseller (Steatite Ltd. in the UK). Go-to-market is concentrated on competitive U.S. and allied defense procurement, with named contracts including a $87.5M U.S. Army NGC2 prototype award (within a $121.5M total prototype funding ceiling), a $7M U.S. Air Force WaRTAK upgrade for nuclear convoys, an $8.9M Army National Guard WMD Civil Support Teams order for 950 MPU5 radios, an FBI Tactical Mesh/MANET IDIQ with a $100M ceiling, UK MoD Project CAIN for 16 Air Assault Brigade, and 2,000+ MPU5 radios fielded by UK Royal Marines. Adjacent applications include first-responder subterranean communications (demonstrated 2,100-ft video pull through Boston Dynamics Spot) and commercial/energy/mining sectors requiring connectivity in austere environments. The company is privately held, founder-led by Dr. Herbert Rubens (CEO), with 34% veteran workforce and an expected headcount of 450+ by end of 2026.

Name

Persistent Systems, LLC

Legal name

Persistent Systems, LLC

Website

https://www.persistentsystems.com/

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Persistent Systems, LLC is a New York-based defense technology company (founded 2007) that engineers the proprietary Wave Relay MANET routing protocol and MPU5 smart radio to deliver self-forming, self-healing tactical mesh networks for U.S. and allied military, first-responder, and government customers, with a 20-partner Wave Relay Ecosystem spanning UAV, UGV, USV, and sensor OEMs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Tactical Communications Hardware / Defense Networking

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (51711)

SIC

Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Communications Equipment, Nec (3669), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Battlefield Networking, Tactical Data Links & Waveforms (IMABAOAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cybersecurity, Identity & OTA Update Management for Connected Vehicles (TLAEAFAO), Emergency Telecommunications & Connectivity (ETC) (BPADADAG)

Keywords

• Tactical mesh networking
• Mobile ad hoc radios
• Military communications hardware
• Unmanned systems networking
• Defense MANET technology

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Sale of MPU5 radios, RDCs, Dismount Kit equipment, tracking antennas, radio modules, and other networking hardware to military, government, and commercial customers. Revenue generated from large defense contracts (e.g., $87.5M Army NGC2, $7M Air Force WaRTAK, multi-million UK MoD Project CAIN).
2. Software/Subscription Services: Cloud Relay firmware-based capability providing global networking technology. AWS One-Touch deployment tools. Potentially includes software updates and support subscriptions tied to hardware.
3. Professional Services: Field engineering support for integration and training (e.g., deployed field engineers to first responder exercises). Comprehensive training courses on Mobile Ad Hoc Networking and Wave Relay product family.
4. Technical Support: Technical support, troubleshooting, firmware updates, and return merchandise authorization services.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Persistent Systems engineers, manufactures, and supports the Wave Relay MANET (Mobile Ad Hoc Networking) dynamic routing algorithm together with the MPU5 handheld smart radio and an ecosystem of networking hardware (Embedded Module, GVR5 vehicle mounts, tracking antennas, RDC displays, PTT/PT5 accessories) and Cloud Relay firmware/software. The offering delivers self-forming, self-healing mesh networks that transport voice, video, and situational awareness data between warfighters, vehicles, UAVs, UGVs, USVs, sensors, and cameras in contested environments where fixed infrastructure is unavailable.

Product overview

Persistent Systems provides a unified networking platform centered on the Wave Relay MANET technology and MPU5 handheld networking device. The core offering consists of the Wave Relay MANET as the foundational routing algorithm that creates self-healing, mobile ad hoc networks, supported by the MPU5 as the primary hardware device. The product portfolio extends through Cloud Relay for global connectivity across dispersed locations, the Embedded Module for unmanned platform integration, and various accessories including PT5 for 5G connectivity, Dual PTT for multi-channel communications, Rugged Displays, vehicle-mounted GVR5, and tracking/infrastructure antennas. The Wave Relay Ecosystem unites 20 industry partners including AEVEX, General Dynamics Land Systems, Textron, Boston Dynamics, and others into a common network fabric. The company targets military, first responder, government, and commercial markets with solutions for battlefield communications, unmanned systems integration, and coalition interoperability.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Wave Relay: The company's core MANET (Mobile Ad Hoc Networking) technology brand for dynamic routing and battlefield connectivity.
• MPU5
• Cloud Relay
• Wave Relay Ecosystem
• Wave Relay Tactical Assault Kit (WaRTAK)

Products and services

• MPU5 Smart Radio System Handheld networking device that creates powerful, secure networks by uniting critical data sources in real time, providing voice, video, and situational awareness for warfighters and first responders in high-stress tactical environments. Supports interchangeable RF modules (Lower C-Band, Upper C-Band), Full Duplex Audio, Radio over IP, and Dual PTT.
• Cloud Relay Global networking technology providing seamless Ethernet connectivity to users anywhere in the world via a simplified Hub and Spoke architecture; augments existing network infrastructure and connects disparate MANET bubbles across SATCOM, LTE, and 5G. Includes AWS One-Touch deployment for setting up a virtual Cloud Relay Hub.
• Embedded Module Size, weight, and power (SWaP)-optimized Mobile Ad Hoc Networking unit designed for unmanned vehicles and sensors; combines communication, computing, and video subsystems in a small package; NIST security validated.
• GVR5 Vehicle-Mounted Networking Vehicle-mounted networking solution for land vehicles enabling Wave Relay connectivity for mounted military operations.
• PT5 (Personal Transport 5) Dual-function personal transport for MPU5 that simultaneously connects users and teams to the cloud via 5G and devices to MPU5 via Wi-Fi, extending connectivity options for tactical teams.
• Dual Push-to-Talk (PTT) Accessory for MPU5 allowing users to communicate with two teams simultaneously through two different talk groups on the Wave Relay network; supports Full Duplex Audio for hands-free continuous communication without pressing PTT.
• Rugged Display & Controller (RDC) Ruggedized display and controller unit for tactical communication systems, part of the Dismount Kit equipment supplied to military units.
• Multi-Band Tracking Antenna Auto-tracking antenna system that incorporates air assets, including UAS, into the Wave Relay network to facilitate high-speed data sharing.
• Integrated Antenna Series Tower-mounted integrated antennas for military, security, and civilian users of the Wave Relay system, enabling infrastructure-based network deployment.
• Radio Modules Interchangeable radio frequency modules for MPU5 including Lower C-Band and Upper C-Band modules providing flexible frequency options for military, federal, and public safety users.
• AWRS (Advanced Wideband Relay System) Wide-area relay system specification enabling extended network coverage across large geographic areas.
• Wave Relay Ecosystem Industry alliance of unmanned systems, sensor, and software companies leveraging the Wave Relay network to unite warfighters and battlefield technology on a common fabric of connectivity. Includes 20 partners integrating with UGVs, UAVs, USVs, sensors, and software platforms (e.g., Boston Dynamics Spot, AEVEX Atlas/Mako, GDLS MUTT, Textron Aerosonde).
• Wave Relay MANET (technology platform) Dynamic routing algorithm delivering reliable, fast, and highly scalable mobile ad hoc network connectivity; transforms UAVs, UGVs, cameras, sensors, and people into a global fabric of connectivity to stream uninterrupted audio, video, and data in difficult urban, subterranean, mountainous, or maritime environments. Licensed and integrated into the MPU5 device family and embedded modules.

Quantifiable outcome

• 800-node network scalability demonstrated in live military exercise at Fort Carson
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability7 records

Feature12 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.

• AEVEXcoreTechnology or Integration · 5 May 2026AEVEX joined Wave Relay Ecosystem, integrating Wave Relay MANET into Atlas unmanned aerial system (Group II UAS for ISR and precision-strike) and Mako/Mako Lite unmanned surface vessels (USVs for ISR, maritime sensing, communications relay). Atlas was previously selected for U.S. Army's Launched Effects-Short Range program. AEVEX is the 20th partner in the ecosystem.
• AstranisstrategicTechnology or Integration · 20 March 2026Partnership for Vanguard mission-critical dual-use military and first responder network product. Vanguard leverages Astranis' MicroGEO satellites with software-defined radio, using Persistent Systems MPU5 radios for demonstration. Fully air-gapped, rapidly deployable geostationary satellite communications.
• General Dynamics Land SystemscoreTechnology or Integration · 4 September 2019General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) joined Wave Relay Ecosystem as commercial radio supplier. MPU5 MANET radios providing high-speed data and video communications for GDLS MUTT (Multi-Utility Tactical Transport) UGVs.
• QinetiQ North AmericacoreTechnology or Integration · 12 June 2019Long-term agreement for QinetiQ to integrate MPU5 MANET radios into family of unmanned ground robots for U.S. Army. QinetiQ selected for MTRS Inc II UGV program.
• Textron SystemscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 May 2019Five-year agreement for Textron to join Wave Relay Ecosystem. Aerosonde unmanned aircraft integrated with MPU5 for enhanced networking, endurance, and payload capacity.
• Insitu (Boeing)coreTechnology or Integration · 24 October 2018Five-year agreement for Insitu to incorporate Wave Relay MANET technology into its line of UAS including ScanEagle. Insitu equipped entire UAS line with MPU5 for extended range operations and real-time video sharing.
• LGS InnovationsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 January 2018Long-term partnership for LGS to integrate Persistent's MANET technology into tactical wireless offerings, expanding solution reach.
• Endeavor RoboticscoreTechnology or Integration · 3 July 2016Partnership for integration of MPU5 radios onto battle-proven family of robots. Endeavor's uPoint Multi-Robot Control System uses Android-based rugged tablet controller with MPU5. U.S. Armed Forces ordered 32 SUGVs with this integration.
• Wave Relay Ecosystem (UAV Partners)coreTechnology or IntegrationAlliance of unmanned aerial system manufacturers using Wave Relay MANET as their network. Includes Insitu (Boeing), Textron, Martin UAV, PAE ISR, Hoverfly Technologies, Aeryon Labs, and others integrating MPU5 into UAV platforms.
• Wave Relay Ecosystem (UGV Partners)coreTechnology or IntegrationAlliance of unmanned ground vehicle manufacturers including Endeavor Robotics, QinetiQ North America, General Dynamics Land Systems integrating Wave Relay MANET into UGVs. Endeavor's uPoint Multi-Robot Control System uses MPU5.
• Wave Relay Ecosystem (USV Partners)coreTechnology or IntegrationAlliance of unmanned surface vessel manufacturers including AEVEX (Mako/Mako Lite) integrating Wave Relay MANET for maritime ISR and communications relay.
• Wave Relay Ecosystem (Sensor Partners)coreTechnology or IntegrationEcosystem partners integrating sensors, cameras, and software with Wave Relay MANET for unified data network across unmanned systems and battlefield technology.
• Wave Relay Ecosystem (Software Partners)coreTechnology or IntegrationEcosystem partners integrating software platforms with Wave Relay MANET. Includes Boston Dynamics for Spot robot integration, Teledyne FLIR Defense, and Forterra.
• Anduril IndustriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeads consortium for U.S. Army Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) system. Anduril leads consortium including Persistent Systems, Govini, Microsoft, Palantir, and Shift5 building mesh-network communications platform as part of $3.78B battlefield communications modernization effort.
• Steatite Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK partner and authorized distributor for Persistent Systems. Awarded UK MoD Project CAIN contract on behalf of Persistent. Previously awarded Wave Relay Reseller of the Year multiple times.
• KymetastrategicTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for Astranis Vanguard product. Kymeta provides satellite terminals for hubless voice, video, and broadband data in contested environments alongside Persistent MPU5 and Satcube terminals.
• SatcubestrategicTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for Astranis Vanguard product. Satcube provides satellite terminals used alongside Persistent MPU5 radios for demonstrations of hubless voice, video, and broadband data capabilities.
• GovinistrategicTechnology or IntegrationPart of Anduril-led NGC2 consortium for $3.78B Army battlefield communications modernization effort.
• MicrosoftstrategicTechnology or IntegrationPart of Anduril-led NGC2 consortium for $3.78B Army battlefield communications modernization effort.
• PalantirstrategicTechnology or IntegrationPart of Anduril-led NGC2 consortium for $3.78B Army battlefield communications modernization effort.
• Shift5strategicTechnology or IntegrationPart of Anduril-led NGC2 consortium for $3.78B Army battlefield communications modernization effort.
• Boston DynamicscoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial business partner. Boston Dynamics Spot quadruped robot (QUGV) integrated with MPU5 Wave Relay network for first responder operations. Persistent field engineers deployed to optimize MPU5 positioning on Spot for subterranean operations. Video feeds successfully transmitted 2,100 ft into tunnel.
• Halcyon Days ConsultingminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerJosh Sterling, VP of Products and Programs at Halcyon Days Consulting, presented on building secure tactical mission networks at battlefield edge. Pioneer behind Tactical Assault Kit (TAK).

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Elbit Systems: Elbit Systems is an Israeli defense prime with tactical communications, C4I, and EW systems. Comparable as a broad incumbent serving similar defense customers with networking and battle management solutions, particularly in NATO and Indo-Pacific markets.
• Thales Group: Thales is a global defense and aerospace incumbent providing tactical communications, including SYNAPS and related tactical radio systems for NATO and allied forces. Comparable as a broad incumbent with overlapping tactical mesh and coalition communications capabilities.
• Motorola Solutions: Motorola Solutions provides mission-critical communications including tactical radios, APX, and LTE/LMR solutions for public safety and military. Comparable as a broad incumbent in mission-critical tactical and first responder communications, the latter of which is a secondary market for Persistent.
• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a large defense prime with a tactical communications portfolio including Falcon radios and AN/PRC-163 multi-channel radios. Comparable as a broad incumbent offering overlapping tactical comms capabilities across military and allied markets.
• BAE Systems: BAE Systems is a global defense prime offering tactical communications, electronic warfare, and integrated C4ISR solutions. Comparable as a broad incumbent with overlapping tactical networking and platform integration capabilities for U.S. and allied militaries.

Direct peers

• Rajant Corporation: Rajant provides BreadCrumb mesh networking nodes used in military, mining, and industrial applications. Like Persistent, Rajant focuses on mobile ad hoc networking for unmanned systems, command and control, and challenging environments.
• Silvus Technologies: Silvus is the most direct competitor to Persistent, offering StreamCaster MANET radios for tactical mesh networking. Their radios are explicitly deployed alongside Persistent's Wave Relay in U.S. Army training, making them the head-to-head rival in defense MANET.
• Domo Tactical Communications (DTC): DTC provides tactical wireless communications, including mesh and COFDM IP radios for defense and broadcast markets. Comparable as a specialist peer in tactical mesh networking serving similar military and security end markets.

Emerging players

• Anduril Industries: Anduril leads the NGC2 consortium that includes Persistent Systems. Anduril's Lattice platform and growing autonomy portfolio position it as both a partner and potential long-term competitor in battlefield networking and command and control.
• Doodle Labs: Doodle Labs designs embedded mesh networking radios for unmanned systems and robotics. Comparable as an emerging MANET specialist focused on SWaP-optimized radios for drones and UGVs, though smaller scale than Persistent.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/pswaverelay
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/PSWaveRelay
• Facebookfacebook.com/PSWaveRelay
• LinkedInbit.ly/2N7vwd
• Instagrambit.ly/36B7K5E

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Persistent Systems, LLC