British Army puts SlingShot into use
The British Army uses SlingShot as a bolt-on capability with the Bowman VHF radio. (Photo: Spectra Group)
British Army chief information officer describes bolt-on communications capability as a ‘game changer’.
The British Army has deployed the SlingShot tactical communications system, operating with the Inmarsat L-band Tactical Satellite service, as an additional capability alongside in-service Bowman VHF radios.
The result for troops is a BLoS communications capability ‘that would otherwise have only been available to more specialist units’, SlingShot manufacturer Spectra Group claimed in a 25 March announcement.
Maj Gen Jonathan Cole, Director of Information and CIO of the British Army, described SlingShot as a ‘game changer’ and ‘a fantastic addition to our communications inventory’.
SlingShot can be integrated with in-service UHF and VHF tactical communications systems to extend the range of radios from 30km to 1,000 km ‘on the move in all conditions’, the company added.
As well as BLoS voice, SlingShot includes a data capability with situational awareness tools, GPS tracking, reporting and other data messaging, without the requirement for ground-based LoS re-broadcasting infrastructure that requires the deployment of more troops.
Troops also travel lighter, Spectra claimed, as they no longer need to carry Bowman and UHF tactical SATCOM radios.
‘Both can now be carried out using the same radio,’ the company noted, adding that omnidirectional antennas with SlingShot enable communications on the move in real time.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![British Army’s ISR commander warns of new challenges facing defence forces]()
British Army’s ISR commander warns of new challenges facing defence forces
The race between using ISR and resisting the use of it by enemies has accelerated, leading to new methods and systems being required, according to the British Army’s lead on its ISR efforts.
-
![Jacobs wins MoD cyber-security support contract]()
Jacobs wins MoD cyber-security support contract
The deal with Jacobs will run until November 2027 and will see the company deliver a range of digital and IT specialist professional services to Defence Digital.
-
![Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg]()
Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg
Norway's Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has announced that its subsidiary Kongsberg NanoAvionics will produce three satellites and launch them in 2025.
-
![First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched]()
First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched
In 2015, South Korea named a consortium of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Systems, along with Thales Alenia Space providing the SAR payload derived from its HE-R1000 product, as preferred bidder to develop new Korea 425 Project reconnaissance satellites.
