C Speed Becomes Protora, Launches Radar Product Lines Powered by LightWave

New corporate identity and product lines, RushLight, DomeWatcher and WingWatcher, mark the company's next stage of growth, bringing mission-specific radar solutions developed alongside defense and security customers to market at scale

SYRACUSE, N.Y. and TITUSVILLE, Fla., Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- C Speed, backed by NewSpring Holdings Federal, announced a new name and brand today: Protora, unveiling a new identity and product architecture that reflect the company's evolution from developing bespoke radar solutions for individual customer missions to delivering those proven capabilities at scale.

The name marks a new stage in the company's 20-year mission. The company also introduced RushLight, DomeWatcher and WingWatcher, three newly defined radar product lines born from systems developed in direct response to real-world customer requirements across border security, base defense, critical infrastructure protection, early warning and wide-area surveillance. Powered by Protora's software-defined LightWave radar core, the product lines give defense, homeland security and allied customers a clearer, faster path to fielding adaptable surveillance capabilities proven through two decades of mission-driven engineering.

The name Protora draws from the Roman Praetorian Guard, elite soldiers who stood watch and never blinked. This history sits behind the brand mission: to hold first watch for allies around the world.

"Protora is not a new company. It's the identity we have grown into from a mission we started 20 years ago," said Dave Abel, CEO of Protora. "RushLight, DomeWatcher and WingWatcher give our allies eyes on the ground, at the base, and in the air. LightWave ties every platform together, so operators see threats of any size at long range with precision."

Protora's product lines bring three radar systems to the field:

RushLight is a 1 kW, trailer-mounted radar. It's ready in under 10 minutes with a standard tow vehicle, built for border security, gap-fill coverage, local asset protection and fast-moving threat environments.

DomeWatcher is a high-power, 3D ground tower radar with long-range early warning. It carries optional EO/IR, ELINT and C-UAS payloads and is built for base defense and critical infrastructure protection.

WingWatcher is a 10 kW aerostat radar. It delivers over-the-horizon coverage from altitude, with flexible multi-sensor payloads and optional Link 16 and GMTI kits. Elevated coverage gives operators 10 to 20 extra minutes for time-sensitive decisions, built for wide-area ISR, early warning and border surveillance.

Every system runs on LightWave, Protora's software-defined radar core. LightWave gives each platform native ASTERIX and STANAG data standards, remote and unattended operation, and a 13,800-hour mean time between failures. LightWave is made in the USA.

"Protora's history is 20 years of trust earned in the field," said Andy Maner, NewSpring Holdings Operating Partner, and Protora Chairman of the Board. "The new name gives this history a voice built for its next chapter, focused on supporting U.S. mission priorities and our allies and partners abroad. DomeWatcher, WingWatcher and RushLight put a name and a mission behind every radar we build."

The rebrand comes as Protora marks 20 years of radar and surveillance work for defense and security customers. The team has built and fielded systems for the Department of War, the Department of Homeland Security and international partners. The new name carries this record forward under one brand, built around a single idea: turning airspace into awarespace.

Protora takes first watch. Learn more at ProtoraTech.com.

About Protora

Protora, formerly C Speed, builds American-made radar and surveillance systems for defense and homeland security customers around the world. Its product lines, DomeWatcher, WingWatcher and RushLight, run on LightWave, Protora's software-defined radar core, and are backed by Shadowsight, Protora's integrated product support program. Every system is built by elite engineers to take the first watch. Headquartered in Syracuse, N.Y., Protora has served the U.S. Army, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and international partners for 20 years. For more information, visit protoratech.com.

About NewSpring Holdings

NewSpring Holdings, NewSpring's majority investment strategy focused on sector-specific platform builds, brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and resources to take profitable, growing companies to the next level through acquisitions and proven organic methodologies. Founded in 1999, NewSpring partners with the innovators, makers, and operators of high-performing companies in dynamic industries to catalyze new growth and seize compelling opportunities. The Firm manages over $3.5 billion across five distinct strategies covering the spectrum from growth equity and control buyouts to mezzanine debt. Partnering with management teams to help develop their businesses into market leaders, NewSpring identifies opportunities and builds relationships using its network of industry leaders and influencers across a wide array of operational areas and industries. Visit NewSpring at www.newspringcapital.com.

SOURCE C Speed