Greenwich, London, 14 September 2017. Spectra Group (UK) Ltd has further enhanced its innovative SlingShot product by unveiling new features that are designed to enhance its growing deployment as a key asset on the modern battlefield.
The capability of SlingShot has been extended with the availability of new power options and the launch of the SlingShot Satellite Emulator (SSE) – an L-Band emulator for full offline system testing without a live satellite channel; a Universal Power Supply solution affording flexibility in power needs, as well as an AA battery cassette capable of powering the SlingShot Manpack system.
The SSE comprises a programmable test tool, permitting operators to train with the system as if it was in real-time operational use by simulating satellite connectivity without expenditure. There is no need for reconfiguration or frequency programming as it behaves as a satellite and only reacts to the incoming RF from SlingShot. All that needs to be done is to ensure the supplied Transmit/Receive antennae are connected, plug it in and it’s ready for testing.
Referred to by a specialist user as “a game-changer”, SlingShot enables in-service VHF and UHF tactical radios to connect to L-Band for robust, reliable and cost-effective Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) Communications on the Move (COTM), using a commercial satellite network.
SlingShot has the ability to extend secure radio networks over thousands of miles, to connect dismounted, mounted and air and seaborne personnel to each other and to HQ.
Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, said: “New power options for SlingShot deliver increased flexibility and even simpler configuration. The unique system for BLOS (Beyond Line of Sight) COTM (Communications on the Move) for in-service tactical radios now makes deployment-planning and set-up even easier.
“As the nature of conflict changes and high-tempo, short duration, deployments become the norm; we know the onus is on us to ensure all our systems are designed for ease of use and reliability, and ideally suited to the fast-moving modern battlefield.”
The reasons for choosing SlingShot are compelling: · Simplified deployment planning when using SlingShot; accelerated configuration with enhanced troubleshooting; reduced weight of backup power using the AA battery case; increased flexibility being able to use AA batteries for manpack and UPSU for any system and even more uptime of secure BLOS COTM with reduced spares inventory and training burden.
The new SlingShot Satellite Emulator (SSE) is an advanced programmable test tool, designed to allow a complete SlingShot system to be operated as if it were being used operationally. The SSE simulates the way in which the satellites that SlingShot uses work so that it is possible to test the equipment before or after field deployments.
The SSE can also be used as a training aid, so that classroom training can be performed with realistic service, allowing the user to set-up SlingShot without the need to disturb operational networks. The system can be configured to provide perfect channels or add noise to simulate operating at edge-of-beam, allowing the trainer to simulate real-time issues the user might come across while deployed operationally. There is no need for reconfiguration or frequency programming. It behaves as a satellite transponder and only reacts to the incoming RF from SlingShot. All that needs doing is to ensure the supplied Transmit/Receive antennae are connected, plug it in, and it is ready for testing.
Around 2,000 SlingShot units have been sold since its launch in 2013 to key users which include special forces and more than 15 armies ranging from the Americas to Europe and Africa, the Middle East, to the Far East and Australasia.
