News & Media
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
Jankel launches new Light Tactical Transport Vehicle (LTTV) at DSEi 2019
September 3, 2019
Jankel, a world-leader in the design and manufacture of high-specification defence, security and NGO protection systems, will be launching their new Light Tactical Transport Vehicle (LTTV) at DSEi 2019, taking place at Excel London 10-13 September 2019.
The unveiling of the LTTV at DSEi follows on from the recent contract award for Belgium which will see Jankel deliver 199 of the Mercedes UNIMOG based vehicles to the Belgium Ministry of Defence (BeMOD). This contract follows the earlier production contract to supply the BeMOD with over 100 FOX Rapid Reaction Vehicles (RRV), based on a modified COTS Toyota chassis system.
Jankel’s LTTV is designed to provide a modular and configurable tactical support vehicle that benefits from unique, removable mission modules that enable the vehicle to be re-roled rapidly for operational platform versatility. With a payload of over 3 tonnes, dependant on the final vehicle specification, the LTTV has 3 core variants for Special Operations support, including an ambulance variant. Alongside a user-configurable, fully integrated suite of military sub-systems that includes a removable ballistic protection kit, a Roll-Over-Protection-System (ROPS), weapon mounts and communications fit, the platform will provide full interoperability with the Fox fleet of tactical vehicles.
The LTTV’s versatility already promises to be a world-leader, literally able to plug and play between rear bed configurations. Combining the strengths of a trusted OEM platform with militarised and mission specific tactical enhancements, Jankel’s LTTV has already attracted the attention of several other countries and is of particular interest to those already operating with the Mercedes Benz UNIMOG platform.
Dan Crosby, Commercial Director at Jankel said: “Our team is very excited to be showcasing the LTTV at DSEi this year. Having achieved Mercedes Benz Direct Partnership certification, the LTTV is a great example of Jankel’s ability to offer armoured, tactical and utility vehicles based on modified Mercedes Benz chassis systems.” He added: “We believe that the exceptional modular functionality of the LTTV will allow us to build on the significant milestone successes that Jankel has achieved in recent years”.
At DSEi Jankel will be exhibiting at Stand N6-350. As well as the LTTV, Jankel will have on display a Fox RRV and a wide range of BLASTech specialist seating solutions.