AUSA 2022: Spectra hits 4,000 SlingShot systems for US SOF, plans new generation

by Giles Ebbutt

The SlingShot vehicle antenna (top) and the manpack antenna (bottom). The lightweight system provides a BLOS capability to tactical VHF/UHF radios and can be used on the move. (Spectra Group)

There are more than 4,000 of Spectra Group's SlingShot satellite communications devices in service with the US Special Operations Forces (SOF), with more than 7,000 devices in over 24 countries currently in use, the company announced during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2022 annual convention in Washington, DC, in October.

SlingShot provides beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications by enabling ultra-high-frequency (UHF) and very-high-frequency (VHF) signal transmissions over a single-hop commercial L-band Inmarsat satellite link, extending communication ranges for tactical radios fielded up to 1,000 mile.

The spot beams used in the SlingShot are about 1,000 mile in diameter, Spectra Group (US) General Manager Pat Gallagher told Janes . He added that the system has the benefit of providing interoperability between VHF and UHF radios.


Get the full article by
Already a Janes subscriber? Keep reading


Ukraine conflict: Hensoldt sending additional six TRML-4D radars to Ukraine

by Olivia Savage

This is the fourth order for the TRML-4D radar from the AFU in less than two years. The C-band ground-based air-defence radar (pictured) has been designed for near- to long-range ground-to-air detection and for weapon assignment. (Hensoldt)

Ukraine is receiving another batch of TRML-4D ground-based air-defence radars from Hensoldt to strengthen the country's air defence.

In total, six additional radars will be delivered later in 2024 to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) as part of a deal worth a EUR100 million (USD107.1 million), the company announced on 3 May.

This order follows several deliveries of Hensoldt's TRML-4D radar to the AFU. In 2022 the company delivered four TRML-4D radars for Ukraine's Diehl Defence IRIS-T surface-launched medium-range (SLM) air-defence systems, and a further four for the air-defence system in June 2023. Over the course of 2023 Ukraine also received eight standalone TRML-4D radars, independent of the IRIS-T SLM system.

The six new radars destined for the AFU this year are not intended for the IRIS-T SLM, a Hensoldt spokesperson informed Janes . They added that the order comprises a set of spare parts, training, and services.


Get the full article by
Already a Janes subscriber? Keep reading


UAE inaugurates GlobalEye early warning aircraft

by Jeremy Binnie

The UAE's fourth Saab GlobalEye was delivered on 18 April. (Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates)

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on 24 April that a reception ceremony for an early warning aircraft had been held at Al-Dhafra Air Base.

It cited Major General Ibrahim Nasser al-Alawi, the commander of the Air Force and Air Defence (AFAD), as saying the aircraft was a “qualitative addition” that will help protect the country's strategic interests.

The MoD released a video showing a Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft without AFAD markings being escorted by F-16 and Mirage 2000-9 fighters before landing at Al-Dhafra, as well as personnel with 8th Aviation Wing badges working at a ground station.

Saab confirmed on the following day that it delivered the fourth of five GlobalEyes ordered by the UAE on 18 April.


Get the full article by
Already a Janes subscriber? Keep reading


Lockheed Martin to ramp up UK Sniper production

by Gerrard Cowan

Seen being carried by a US Air Force F-16, the Sniper ATP is built in Florida in the US and Bedfordshire in the UK. Lockheed Martin is now ramping up UK component production to meet increased customer demand. (Lockheed Martin)

Lockheed Martin is building a new production line for AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) components at its Ampthill, Bedfordshire site in the UK, seeking to meet anticipated demand from NATO allies and other customers for the system, the company has told Janes .

The UK-based work on Sniper supports the manufacturing activities at Ocala, Florida. This work has been expanded with a new production line at Ampthill that will focus on producing cabling to integrate the system into aircraft.

Stacy Kubicek, Lockheed Martin's vice-president and general manager – sensors and global sustainment, said the fresh investment is part of a wider strategy at Lockheed Martin. She placed it into the context of a shifting outlook among customers.


Get the full article by
Already a Janes subscriber? Keep reading


https://www.janes.com/defence-news/c4isr-command-tech/latest/ausa-2022-spectra-hits-4000-slingshot-systems-for-us-sof-plans-new-generation

There are more than 4,000 of Spectra Group's SlingShot satellite communications devices in service w...

Latest Podcasts

Using OSINT to support law enforcement

Ritu Gill, Intelligence Analyst, joins Harry and Sean to discuss the practical use of OSINT to support law enforcement. Ritu discusses it’s use in supporting risk assessments and classified or closed sources of intelligence. She also discusses t...

Listen now

Iran Israel analysis

A focus on Libya

China Taiwan relations

AI applications for OSINT in defence

Janes Case Studies

Using Janes Intara to build a common intelligence picture: Russian build up on the Ukrainian border

View Case Study

Assessing threats in the South China Sea 

A competitive assessment of the military aircraft market

Identifying an unknown aircraft

Case study: Using Interconnected Intelligence to Monitor Russian Troop Movement

News Categories

Request Consultation

Request a free consultation to discover how Janes can provide you with assured, interconnected open-source intelligence.

C4ISR Details