Sponsored by Spectra Group
https://tacs.at/Spectra
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13 Sep 18. Spectra is exhibiting their revolutionary SlingShot communications equipment at DVD 2018. Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, world leading provider of high-grade information security and communication capabilities, will be at the Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) event taking place on 19/20 September 2018 at Millbrook to showcase their revolutionary SlingShot communications system. Working in collaboration with Jankel, SlingShot will be on display in a number of configurations, mounted in Jankel specialist military and civilian vehicles on stand number OR-12.
SlingShot is a unique system that enables UHF and VHF radios to work on L-Band Satellite frequency, allowing users to instantly extend the range of their communications equipment to BLOS (Beyond Line of Sight). Conceived and designed to meet demanding Special Forces requirements, SlingShot also offers a significant number of benefits for conventional and land forces requiring secure, reliable and robust Communications On The Move (COTM). Over 3000 SlingShot systems are in operation world-wide, used by 18 different organisations, including several NATO countries, as Manpack, Vehicle, Maritime and Aviation fits.
In addition to voice, SlingShot enables low latency data capability, supporting mission-critical applications such as artillery fire missions, situational awareness and biometric analysis. With reduced cost compared to traditional TACSAT, increased channel availability, and almost no increase in the training requirement, SlingShot is redefining tactical communications. Spectra has strategic relationships with both Inmarsat, whose L-TAC™ service uses SlingShot, and Airbus, which brands SlingShot as TREx services. At DVD, the military UHF variant of Spectra’s SlingShot will be exhibited on the Jankel FOX RRV-x, with a standard magmount antenna. The civilian, commercial VHF variant with discrete, low-profile antennas, will be mounted on Jankel’s Toyota-based Civilian Armoured Vehicle (CAV) Land Cruiser 200.
Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group said: “Spectra is delighted to be exhibiting SlingShot in collaboration with Jankel. This will allow us to highlight both the military and low-profile variants that will be of interest to any organisations or units that require BLOS COTM capability without drawing attention to their vehicles.”
To see the Spectra SlingShot on display at DVD, visit the Jankel Stand OR-12.
17 Sep 18. Esterline Corporation, a leading specialty manufacturer serving global aerospace and defense markets, is on stand C3-303 at DVD for a hands-on experience of the following key technologies:
- Magna headset interactive demonstration station
- Mighty and InSight systems controllers
- Smart display with intelligent headset and human machine interface
Esterline’s Rob Harrison (Product Line Manager – Headsets) and Kelly Ambriz (Product Line Manager – Control Systems) will be on hand, to answer your technical questions and to ensure you get the most out of your visit to Esterline. Esterline has been supporting the UK MOD for over 55 years.
11 Sep 18. This armored vehicle can resist mines and jam airwaves. Soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division’s 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team recently fielded an electronic warfare tactical vehicle, one that will allow units and electronic warfare teams to sense and jam enemy communications.
The Army’s Rapid Equipping Force delivered the capability to the unit and conducted training in Yuma, Arizona, according to a news release.
“This effort will allow the ability for EW soldiers to influence future vehicle improvements and grow their knowledge,” Army Lt. Col. Scott Schumacher, chief of the Rapid Equipping Force solutions team, said in the release.
“This is an advanced EW technology that can provide the Army new offensive and defensive capabilities.”
The kit being tested by the 3rd Armored BCT is installed on a four-wheel drive MaxxPro Dash — a mine-resistant, ambush-protected armored vehicle.
The Army is in the process of restoring EW capability from the tactical to the strategic level.
Officials noted the revolutionary nature of this recent delivery.
“It has never been used at the brigade level, so we have to really put it through its paces and see what its capabilities and limitations are,” said Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Alexander Torres, the brigade’s electronic warfare technician.
“This is a huge benefit, because now we have it on our time instead of relying on our sister services to provide us with jamming capabilities and hoping it is available when we need it.” (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
11 Sep 18. ‘Greywolf’ Brigade Tests Army’s First Electronic Warfare Tactical Vehicle. The 1st Cavalry Division’s 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team “Greywolf” soldiers fielded the Army’s new electronic warfare tactical vehicle recently. The new vehicle was developed to give Army electronic warfare teams the ability to sense and jam enemy communications and networks from an operationally relevant range at the brigade combat team level.
“This effort will allow the ability for EW soldiers to influence future vehicle improvements and grow their knowledge,” Army Lt. Col. Scott Schumacher, chief of the Rapid Equipping Force solutions team, said in a release. “This is an advanced EW technology that can provide the Army new offensive and defensive capabilities.”
The Greywolf team attended two weeks of training on the vehicle in Yuma, Arizona. The electronic warfare kit is installed on a four-wheel drive MaxxPro Dash, one of the multiple types of mine-resistant, ambush-protected armored vehicles.
“It has never been used at the brigade level, so we have to really put it through its paces and see what its capabilities and limitations are,” said Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Alexander Torres, the brigade’s electronic warfare technician. “We have to develop best-practices and [tactics, techniques and procedures] that will help future units as well as continue the development of a dedicated EW platform.”
Highly Programmable
Since the inception of brigade-level electronic warfare, electronic jamming had not been available. The new system is highly programmable, which allows the EW team to develop a program targeting the enemy’s frequencies.
“This is a huge benefit, because now we have it on our time instead of relying on our sister services to provide us with jamming capabilities and hoping it is available when we need it,” Torres said.
The new vehicle was developed as part of the Army’s Rapid Equipment Fielding program, which identifies gaps that need to be filled and cannot wait on the traditional contracting route. This is just the first step in building a platform that will benefit the brigade, Torres said.
“We had nothing, and now we have something, and I hope we continue to keep building on it,” he added. “We need to make sure it is effective. If we go out there and just let it sit and collect dust and don’t use it — and [if we don’t] make sure that it also enables the commander to maneuver his forces and gain the advantage in the electronic spectrum — then really it is wasting a valuable resource.”
The Greywolf team will integrate the vehicle during its upcoming brigade evaluation. (Source: US DoD)
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Spectra Group Plc
Spectra has a proven record of accomplishment – with over 15 years of experience in delivering secure communications and cybersecurity solutions for governments around the globe; elite militaries; and private enterprises of all sizes.
As a dynamic, agile, security accredited organisation, Spectra can leverage this experience to deliver Cyber Advisory and secure Hosted and Managed Solutions on time, to spec and on budget, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
Spectra’s SlingShot® is a unique low SWaP system that enables in-service U/VHF tactical radios to utilise Inmarsat’s commercial satellite network for BLOS COTM. Including omnidirectional antenna for the man, vehicle, maritime and aviation platforms, the tactical net can broadcast over 1000s miles between forward units and a rear HQ, no matter how or where the deployment. Unlike many BLOS options, SlingShot maintains full COTM (Communications On The Move) capability and low size and weight
On 23 November 2017, Spectra Group (UK) Ltd announced that it had recently been listed as a Top 100 Government SME Supplier for 2015-2016 by the UK Crown Commercial Services
Spectra’s CEO, Simon Davies, was awarded 2017 BATTLESPACE Businessman of the Year by BATTLESPACE magazine and is a finalist in the inaugural British Ex-Forces In Business Awards in the Innovator Of The Year category.
Founded in 2002, the Company is based in Hereford, UK and holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation.
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