News & Media
Spectra Group to lift the lid on SlingShot success in the US at AUSA 2019
October 10, 2019
Spectra Group (US) Inc will be exhibiting at this year’s Association of the United States Army (AUSA) exhibition (booth #4013), the largest Land Warfare tradeshow in North America taking place in Washington DC, 14-16 October 2019. As a world leader and provider of high-grade information security and communication capabilities, Spectra have secured over 3500 orders for SlingShot systems across 4 continents. Used by over 20 different organisations globally, in mostly NATO countries, SlingShot is rapidly becoming the system of choice for tactical radio users needing increased range, Communications on the Move, flexibility and interoperability.
The small and lightweight SlingShot system has proven to be hugely popular with the United States Special Forces and Intelligence Communities. The system recently achieved safety accreditation from the US Army Test and Evaluation Command for the prestigious US Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiments (AEWE 2019), which was also witnessed by the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence (CCoE). With successful completion and recommendation from both Battle Labs and its continued deployment with USSOCOM, SlingShot is now set to become the system that will transform tactical communications capabilities throughout the wider US Military.
Produced by Spectra Group in the UK and distributed via several trusted partners in the US, as well as Spectra Group (US) Inc, SlingShot extends the range of standard VHF and UHF radios to beyond line of sight (BLOS), over 1000s of miles, using Inmarsat’s L-TAC service (COMSATCOM). With options that work on any platform, including helicopters, the Manpack version of SlingShot weighs less than 2lbs, including the antenna. Because it is so small, lightweight and with low power requirements, US SOCOM has been using SlingShot in remote operations where there may be no existing communications infrastructure and where troops are required to communicate over extreme distances with their Command HQ. SlingShot provides added flexibility over TACSAT, in that it works on the move using small omni-directional antennas, unifying platforms in complex asymmetric operations. Another reason for SlingShot’s success is its delivery of a unified radio net for interoperability, as successfully tested at AEWE 2019. By linking radios of different native frequencies to a single L-Band net Beyond Line of Sight, SlingShot greatly improves C2 communications when working with coalition partners and other agencies.
In Oct 2018, following contract successes in North America, Spectra Group (UK) Ltd established new offices in Fairfax County with Spectra Group (US) Inc. Spectra Group’s permanent presence in the USA enables closer support for existing partners in North America, as well as dedicated product and service support directly to the end-user.
Simon Davies, CEO at Spectra Group (UK) Ltd said: “We are receiving significant interest in our products and services across North America as well as from around the globe, so our attendance at AUSA 2019 will be another fantastic opportunity to meet customers old and new. Our team will be on hand throughout the exhibition and will be available to discuss your requirements. So please do make contact by visiting us at Booth 4013”.
Arnold Defense to exhibit FLETCHER rocket Launchers on multiple stands at AUSA 2019
October 10, 2019
Continuing an exceptionally busy program of worldwide exhibits, Arnold Defense, the St. Louis based manufacturer of 2.75-inch rocket launchers, will have four LAND-LGR4 “FLETCHER” laser guided rocket launchers on display at this year’s Association of the United States Army (AUSA) exhibition.
With FLETCHER, first unveiled just over 2 years ago, Arnold Defense has made a bold departure from the traditional concept of use for 2.75-inch rocket systems; that of an area suppression weapon delivered by aviation assets. FLETCHER, optimized for use by both special and conventional forces to provide surface-to-surface precision effect, uses advanced rocket-guidance technology and ground-based launch platforms, meeting the demands of modern, vehicle-mounted and dismounted asymmetric warfare.
Following exceptional levels of international interest since its launch, Arnold Defense has further developed a number of supplementary ground and maritime-based concepts, expanding FLETCHER’s utility into the arena of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV), naval and littoral platforms. Jim Hager, President and CEO of Arnold Defense has said “Since launching FLETCHER, Arnold Defense has exhibited widely on the international market where it has garnered significant interest world-wide, especially from special operations units. Our rocket launchers are already internationally well-established on airborne platforms, so transitioning into the land and marine environments with FLETCHER is a natural progression”.
Arnold Defense has also recently revealed the newest member of their rocket launcher family, the Multiple Launch Hydra System (MLHS). Offering the same capability as FLETCHER but with dramatically greater capacity, the MLHS holds 23 rockets, over FLETCHER’s 4 and is set to transform the surface defense world by delivering a low-cost, high-capacity surgical strike capability. Whilst the MLHS is a new system, it represents a significant product development of Arnold Defense’s FLETCHER system.
The configurations of FLETCHER on display at this year’s AUSA will showcase some of the system’s versatility and will be found on the following stands: Navistar Defense – on the SOTV-B at Booth 2625; Dillon Aero – on a Toyota Hilux at Booth 8323; Moog Inc. – on the XM813 turret at Booth 3025; and BAE – on a swing arm at Booth 6343.
Jim Hager: “The development of FLETCHER and MLHS demonstrates our commitment to driving innovation; this facet of Arnold Defense’s ethos being key to our ability to remain ahead of a constantly and rapidly evolving defense environment.” He added “We are delighted to be showcasing FLETCHER at this year’s AUSA. The opportunity to have several systems on display demonstrates the exceptional levels of interest in our highly versatile FLETCHER system.”
Spectra Group appointed UK & NATO SOF distributor for Comtech System’s Troposcatter Technology
September 5, 2019
Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, world-leading provider of high-grade information security and communication capabilities, have recently been appointed as the UK distributor for US company Comtech Systems Inc with a 5-year contract. As part a contract with Navy Command supported by the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), COMTECH have developed a manpack utilising Troposcatter communications technology, due to be available in 2020.
The advanced Troposcatter systems developed by Comtech provide high capacity, low-latency data links for over-the-horizon communications, without the need to rely on satellites or multiple line-of-sight repeaters. Recent trials of new, innovative, low-RF signature modems have successfully delivered bandwidths far exceeding those possible using satellite communications systems.
The current 500 Watt Mobile Transportable Transmission Systems (MTTS ) version from Comtech is capable of delivering in excess of 200Mb/s up to ranges of 200km dependent on conditions, whilst the manpack version is expected to deliver more than 5Mb/s using just 10 Watts for ranges in excess of 50km.
This collaboration sits well with Spectra’s ethos of innovation. Spectra’s own revolutionary Slingshot technology has been a true game-changer in the world of tactical communications. SlingShot is a unique system that enables UHF and VHF radios to use L-Band Satellite frequency, allowing users to instantly extend the range of their in-service tactical communications equipment to BLOS (Beyond Line of Sight). Conceived and designed to meet demanding Special Forces requirements, SlingShot offers a significant number of benefits for users requiring secure, reliable and robust communications on the move (COTM). Over 3500 SlingShot systems are in operation world-wide in the Manpack, Vehicle, Maritime and Aviation variants.
Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group said: “Spectra is delighted to have been appointed the UK distributor for Comtech. With increasing state-level global threats to communications and the potential for denial or degradation of Satellite services, we need to focus on innovation and diversification. The fresh development of robust, reliable and effective Troposcatter technologies opens up the opportunity to offer multiple long-range, secure communications solutions that don’t rely exclusively on satellite systems.”
The Spectra team will be exhibiting both Troposcatter and their game-changing SlingShot communications system at DSEi 2019, Stand N9-370, at Excel London 10-13 September 2019.
Arnold Defense launches their new MLHS high-capacity rocket launcher
September 5, 2019
Arnold Defense, the St. Louis based manufacturer of 2.75-inch rocket launchers, will be unveiling their sensational new high-capacity rocket launcher, the Multiple Launch Hydra System (MLHS) at DSEi London, 10-13 September 2019. Prior to the MLHS debut, Arnold Defense will also be attending the 27th International Defence Industry Exhibition, MSPO, taking place in Poland, 03-06 September 2019.
The MLHS is a new surface-based, 23-round, 2.75-inch/70mm precision-guided rocket launcher. When coupled with the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), the most accurate precision guided weapon in its class, the MLHS is set to transform the surface defence world by delivering a low-cost, high-capacity surgical strike capability.
Whilst the MLHS is a new system, it represents a significant product development of Arnold Defense’s exceptional FLETCHER surface-based, laser-guided rocket launcher. Prior to the development of FLETCHER, the delivery of precision weapons in support of land-forces necessitated the deployment of air or aviation assets; assets that are expensive and not guaranteed to be available when needed. MLHS offers the same organic surface-to-surface precision effect with the versatility and utility demonstrated by FLETCHER, coupled with significant additional delivery capacity. Both systems meet the demands of modern surface-based, asymmetric warfare, optimized for use by both special and conventional forces.
Jim Hager, President and CEO of Arnold Defense said “It is always great to be exhibiting at DSEi, where we had the privilege to reveal the FLETCHER concept in 2017. This year we take that concept a step further with our newest rocket launcher, the Multiple Launch Hydra System”. He added “Both DSEi and MSPO offer a fabulous opportunity to engage with our European and wider international partners and customer base; where Arnold Defense will be showcasing our continued innovation and dedication to providing only the best weapons systems to today’s modern warfighters”.
At MSPO, Arnold Defense will be exhibiting the LWL-12, another of their core products, at the Works 11 booth, E 38- E42. Meet the Arnold Defense team on their stand, F-47 in the USA Pavilion.
Arnold’s unveiling of the MLHS will take place at DSEi, where the system will be mounted on the UNIMOG LTTV on the Jankel Stand N6-350. Their FLETCHER rocket launcher will also be on display on BAE Stand S4-200, S4-240, mounted on the Level Peaks M205 tripod, with Capco mount plate.
Spectra’s SlingShot greenlit for US Army
September 3, 2019
Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, having recently achieved safety accreditation from the US Army Test and Evaluation Command and completed the prestigious US Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiments (AEWE 2019), will be exhibiting their game-changing SlingShot communications system at DSEi 2019, taking place at Excel London 10-13 September 2019.
Spectra’s SlingShot, which was recently awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation, is a unique, lightweight system that enables existing, in-service tactical military and commercial VHF/UHF radios to utilise commercial L-band satellite coverage (COMSATCOM). The technology delivers Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) Comms on the Move (COTM) with low-latency voice and data connectivity to radio networks for ground, vehicle, maritime and airborne platforms. SlingShot’s unique capability provides reliable, secure communications between widely dispersed military forces and/or civilian agencies operating in austere and hostile environments, without the cost, delay or logistical challenges of deploying additional infrastructure.
Invited to take part in AEWE 2019 by the US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), SlingShot has been identified for integration opportunities into the US Army to gap battlefield capability shortfalls. AEWE places cutting-edge technologies into the hands of soldiers, providing bottom-up input to capability development through early and iterative feedback in a tactical setting. During AEWE 2019 SlingShot was extensively evaluated, providing BLOS voice and data connectivity from manpack recce sections to fast-moving, vehicle-borne forward observers and headquarters operations rooms. Additionally, vital interoperability between VHF/UHF commercial and military radios was repeatedly proven in a number of operationally challenging scenarios.
Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group said: “Spectra is delighted to be exhibiting at DSEi 2019. We intend to maximize this fantastic opportunity to establish and deepen relationships with government departments, defence and security agencies and international businesses.” He added, “Launched in 2013, over 2000 SlingShot systems are now in operation with US SOCCOM alone. The system is used by over 20 different organisations, mostly NATO countries. Our recent participation in AEWE 2019 has cemented SlingShot’s reputation as the system of choice for tactical radio users needing increased range, flexibility and interoperability.”
Spectra will be showcasing the SlingShot tactical communications range extension system on Stand N9-370