List of communications and reconnaissance equipment of the British Army

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This is a list of communications and reconnaissance equipment in use with the British Army (and in some cases, shared with other branches of the British Armed Forces). For more equipment in use with the British Army, see Modern equipment of the British Army.

Contents

Bowman

Bowman is the tactical C4I system in service with British forces, replacing the Clansman system introduced in the 1970s. Designed to provide an integrated digital communications network interfacing with higher level systems and networks such as ISDN, Skynet V, Cormorant and FALCON. Commanders at all levels are given secure voice and data communications as well as an integrated Global Positioning System. [1]

GEOINT

A deployable geospatial intelligence unit, this allows for situational awareness on a wide scale. With GEOINT exploitation and map production capabilities from strategic to tactical levels, it can update frontline troops with digital map updates for cohesive intelligence across the entire battlefront. Mounted on MOWAG Duro II trucks, the British Army has taken delivery of 11 GEOINT Stations with 3 vehicle-mounted tactical distribution systems. [2]

HALO ASP Mk2

HALO is a sound ranging artillery detection designed to acoustically detect and track the direction and distance of enemy artillery launches out to 10 km and pass the information directly to a command post for counter-artillery fire to be immediately coordinated. The UK possesses only one unit, for specialist use in areas where UAVs might be unable to perform this role normally. It is held with 5th Regiment Royal Artillery. [3]

MSTAR

MSTAR is a lightweight all-weather battlefield radar designed to detect helicopters, vehicles and infantry to a range in excess of 20 km. MSTAR is used by artillery Observation Parties (OPs) to detect where artillery shells are landing in relation to the target. It weighs 30 kg and is either stand alone or mounted in a vehicle. [4] There are currently 200 in service. [3]

COBRA

Cobra (Counter-battery Radar) is a 3D phased-array radar used for extremely long range artillery detection and location. Capable of tracking multiple barrage locations at one time, it has been designed to cope with saturation bombardment situations and provide locations of enemy artillery launches at extreme ranges for the GMLRS units of the Royal Artillery. There are currently 9 in service in 3 troops with 5th Regiment Royal Artillery. [3]

BMETS

BMETS is a battlefield meteorological system that came into service to replace AMETS in 1999. It helps track enemy artillery locations by providing information on wind, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity and air density at various atmospheric levels from 90 m below to 4 km above sea level by releasing hydrogen filled balloons to detect and transmit information for counter-battery formula by allied units. Currently, there are six units consisting of two vehicles each in service, although only five are deployed in peacetime. [3]

Surveillance System and Range Finder

A Surveillance System and Range Finder (SSARF). SSARF MOD 45151252.jpg
A Surveillance System and Range Finder (SSARF).

This system allows a soldier to quickly establish the location and distance of enemy forces and gives the soldier advice as to the most appropriate mortar or artillery firepower to use in response. The system is all-weather, day and night system has built-in GPS. [4] 707 have been purchased for use, with deliveries complete in 2011, ahead of schedule. [5]

ADAD

ADAD (Air Defence Alert System) is an infra-red thermal imaging surveillance system to detect close air targets such as jets or helicopters and direct air defence weapons on target. Built by Thorn EMI, it can track four targets at once and prioritise them in specific orders of threat for engagement, day and night. [3]

Odette

The Odette system provides an electronic support measures (ESM) dimension within the overall electronic warfare capability; operating from both armoured and Land Rover borne variants, Odette electronically finds radio targets. [6]

Scarus

SCARUS is an Electronic Support Measure (ESM) system that can be both man portable (WROTE) and vehicle borne (SEER) for electronic warfare. [6]

The Large variant can be transported by C-17 Globemaster III and the Medium and RM variants by Hercules. [7]

Joint Operational Command System

The JOCS provides digitised tools for controlling joint operations. With the formation of the Joint Rapid Reaction Force the requirement for a joint computer system was formed. This system provides a sophisticated operational picture, along with staff tools for controlling joint operations. [8]

Army Tactical Computer System

The Army Tactical Computer System (ATacCS) provides the Army with a LAN and WAN based command and control system across the battlespace. [9]

Falcon Secure Trunk Communication System

The Falcon Secure Trunk Communication System provides secure meshed communications infrastructure based on the Internet protocol suite for deployed formations and operating bases. It helps to deliver an information infrastructure that will provide the UK Armed Forces with the network enabled capability required in the 21st century. It is designed to operate with other communication and information systems such as Bowman, Cormorant and Skynet 5, and will be compatible with other NATO systems. The system provides the telephones and data distribution when deployed. [10] Procurement started about 2005, with an intention to enter service in 2009. [11] Testing and field trials were completed in 2012, with delivery through to mid-2013. [12]

Defence Information Infrastructure

Defence Information Infrastructure (DII(F)) is one of the largest information infrastructure programmes in Europe. It will provide a computing infrastructure and services that will enable sharing of information and collaborative working to a variety of groups and individuals including those that currently have limited or no connectivity. Ultimately it will provide around 300,000 user accounts on approximately 150,000 terminals across about 2,000 MoD sites worldwide. DII will be central to transforming the capability of the Armed Forces by providing Network Enabled Capability through a single network of information. It will extend into the operational arena, interface with battlespace systems and improve shared information between headquarters, battlefield support and the front line, allowing greater interoperability between the MoD and its allies. [13]

DII is being delivered in Increments. Increment 1 will provide DII(F) to around 70,000 desktops and 200,000 user accounts. Increment 2 looks at Deployed services and services to the Above Secret environment. The service ranges geographically from the office environment in headquarters to forward deployed units anywhere in the world.

MegaVoice

STG Media Systems has delivered 87 of the loudspeaker systems to Afghanistan for use at checkpoints and at public gatherings The ability to hear intelligible speech at 1 km allows the user to distance themselves from danger and warn the public about imminent actions being taken by, for example, IED clearance teams. [14] [15]

Cormorant

The Cormorant system is a deployable communications network for the Joint Task Force Headquarters. It provides communications support for direct users at Joint Force and other deployed Command Headquarters. The system offers worldwide deployability and is an integral part of the broader Global Information Infrastructure concept. [16]

Computer networks

Satellite communications

Skynet (Satellite network)

Skynet is a family of military satellites, which provide strategic communication services to the three branches of the British Armed Forces and to NATO forces engaged in coalition tasks. [20]

In 2013, new types of Skynet terminals were delivered, utilising Skynet's new Internet Protocol (IP) based modular infrastructure. Vislink Mantis terminals [21] and Snapper baseband equipment for land forces, SCOTPatrol terminals [22] for small vessels, and transportable IP Domain nodes for large land forces or air bases. [23] In 2020 further units were purchased along with Vislink NewSwift ground terminals. [24]

Small SATCOM

Earlier small SATCOM satellite ground terminal in 2000 Soldier Operating Satellite Dish MOD 45102198.jpg
Earlier small SATCOM satellite ground terminal in 2000

Small SATCOM capability consists of a SWE-DISH CCT-120 satellite ground terminal [25] owned by Paradigm Secure Communications. The ground terminal uses the Skynet 5 network. This provides a service to users on operations worldwide. The satellite ground terminal is lightweight, easily air transportable and can be set up by a single trained operator in less than 30 minutes. [26]

Reacher Satellite Ground Terminal

Reacher is a mobile X-Band Satellite Ground Terminal (SGT) providing services through Skynet 5 satellites. [27] It comes in three variants:

FAST welfare cabin

For welfare purposes, the FAST (flexible, agile, scalable and transportable) welfare cabins, housed in converted ISO shipping containers, provide telephones, internet workstations, video messaging, wi-fi and a satcom terminal primarily for military staff on operations to stay in contact with their families. [27]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skynet (satellite)</span> Communications satellite

Skynet is a family of military communications satellites, now operated by Airbus Defence and Space on behalf of the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence (MoD). They provide strategic and tactical communication services to the branches of the British Armed Forces, the British intelligence agencies, some UK government departments and agencies, and to allied governments. Since 2015 when Skynet coverage was extended eastward, and in conjunction with an Anik G1 satellite module over America, Skynet offers near global coverage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Corps of Signals</span> Communications arm of the British Army

The Royal Corps of Signals is one of the combat support arms of the British Army. Signals units are among the first into action, providing the battlefield communications and information systems essential to all operations. Royal Signals units provide the full telecommunications infrastructure for the Army wherever they operate in the world. The Corps has its own engineers, logistics experts and systems operators to run radio and area networks in the field. It is responsible for installing, maintaining and operating all types of telecommunications equipment and information systems, providing command support to commanders and their headquarters, and conducting electronic warfare against enemy communications.

The Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) is a rapid reaction force maintained by NATO. It is capable of deploying a High Readiness Force (Land) Headquarters at short notice for operations and crisis response.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Military satellite</span> Artificial satellite used for military purposes

A military satellite is an artificial satellite used for a military purpose. The most common missions are intelligence gathering, navigation and military communications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RAF Oakhanger</span>

RAF Oakhanger is a Royal Air Force station in Hampshire split over three operational sites; with accommodation in nearby Bordon. The main site and operations centre is located near the village of Oakhanger, the two other sites being nearby. The parent station for administrative purposes was RAF Odiham.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joint Tactical Radio System</span> Proposed US military radio system

The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) aimed to replace existing radios in the American military with a single set of software-defined radios that could have new frequencies and modes (“waveforms”) added via upload, instead of requiring multiple radio types in ground vehicles, and using circuit board swaps in order to upgrade. JTRS has seen cost overruns and full program restructurings, along with cancellation of some parts of the program.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mobile User Objective System</span> US Space Force communications satellite system

The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) is a United States Space Force narrowband military communications satellite system that supports a worldwide, multi-service population of users in the ultra high frequency (UHF) band. The system provides increased communications capabilities to newer, smaller terminals while still supporting interoperability with legacy terminals. MUOS is designed to support users who require greater mobility, higher bit rates and improved operational availability. The MUOS was declared fully operational for use in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Australian Corps of Signals</span> Military unit

The Royal Australian Corps of Signals (RASigs) is one of the 'arms' of the Australian Army. It is responsible for installing, maintaining, and operating all types of telecommunications equipment and information systems. The motto of the Signals Corps is Certa Cito and is translated as 'Swift and Sure', signifying the aim of the signal service – that communication be carried out with maximum speed and certainty. Like their British counterparts, the Royal Australian Corps of Signals' flag and hat badge feature Mercury, the winged messenger of the gods, affectionately referred to by members of the corps as "Jimmy".

Bowman is the name of the tactical communications system used by the British Armed Forces.

Defence Information Infrastructure (DII) is a secure military network owned by the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence MOD. It is used by all branches of the armed forces, including the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force as well as MOD civil servants. It reaches to deployed bases and ships at sea, but not to aircraft in flight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Satcom on the Move</span>

Satcom on the Move (SOTM), or satellite communications on the move, is a phrase used in the context of mobile satellite technology, specifically relating to military ground vehicles, Maritime and Airborne platforms. The basic principle behind Satcom On The Move is that a vehicle equipped with a satellite antenna is able to establish communication with a satellite and maintain that communication while the vehicle is moving.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skynet 5A</span>

Skynet 5A is the first in a series of new-generation Skynet military communications satellites, used by the British Ministry of Defence. It was launched aboard an Ariane 5 carrier rocket at 22:03 GMT on 11 March 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wideband Global SATCOM</span> Defense satellite communications project

The Wideband Global SATCOM system (WGS) is a high capacity United States Space Force satellite communications system planned for use in partnership by the United States Department of Defense (DoD), Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) and the Australian Department of Defence. The system is composed of the Space Segment satellites, the Terminal Segment users and the Control Segment operators.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Global Broadcast Service</span> U.S. defense communications project

The Global Broadcast Service (GBS) is a broadcast service rapidly transferring information, which may be classified, for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and its deployed and garrisoned units worldwide. Information may include video and digital data. GBS has become a critical piece of the DoD's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance architecture. An advancement in satellite communications, GBS fills two key military communications requirements:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Military Satellite Communications Directorate</span> Military unit

The Military Satellite Communications Directorate is a United States Space Force organization headquartered at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. It is one of several wings and other units that make up the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC).

The British Armed Forces operates a wide range of communications and information systems. Some of these are specialised military systems, while others are procured off-the-shelf. They fall into three main categories: satellite ground terminals, terrestrial trunk communications systems, and combat net radio systems. Every part of the Army and the uses combat net radio, but only the Royal Corps of Signals and the Royal Air Force operates trunk systems and multi-channel satellite communications.

Ground Mobile Forces (GMF) is the term given to the tactical SATCOM portion of the Joint Service program called TRI-TAC developed by GTE-Sylvania in the mid-1970s. The Tri-Service Tactical signal system is a tactical command, control, and communications program. It is a joint service effort to develop and field advanced tactical and multichannel switched communications equipment. The program was conceived to achieve interoperability between service tactical communications systems, establish interoperability with strategic communications systems, take advantage of advances in technology, and eliminate duplication in service acquisitions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PM WIN-T</span> Military unit

PM WIN-T is a component of Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical in the United States Army. PM WIN-T has been absorbed into PM Tactical Networks as Product Manager for Mission Networks.

X band or SHF Satellite Communication is widely used by military forces for beyond line of sight communications. X band is used because it provides a compromise between the characteristics of different frequency bands which is particularly suited to the needs of military users. The characteristics include interference and rain resilience, terminal size, data rates, remote coverage and whether it is reserved for governmental use.

References

  1. ↑ "Tactical Communications". Archived from the original on 2014-12-18. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  2. ↑ "British Army receives new geospatial intelligence capability - News - Shephard". shephardmedia.com. Archived from the original on 2013-09-21. Retrieved 2014-06-22.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Heyman, Charles (19 March 2012). The British Army. Pen and Sword. ISBN   9781848841079 . Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  4. 1 2 "MSTAR - British Army Website". Archived from the original on 2012-11-13. Retrieved 2014-06-21.
  5. ↑ "Thales delivers SSARF to UK MoD ahead of schedule". Archived from the original on 19 December 2014. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  6. 1 2 "Electronic Warfare Systems". Archived from the original on 2015-01-03. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  7. ↑ "Satellite Communications". Archived from the original on 2015-03-07. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  8. ↑ "JOCS - British Army Website". Archived from the original on 2012-02-04. Retrieved 2014-06-21.
  9. ↑ "ATacCS - British Army Website". Archived from the original on 2012-11-16. Retrieved 2014-06-21.
  10. ↑ "Digital Communications". Archived from the original on 14 December 2014. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  11. ↑ Henry S. Kenyon (October 2005). "Falcon Soars Into Service". Signal. Fairfax, Virginia: AFCEA. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  12. ↑ "Falcon ready to deliver information benefits for UK's armed forces". BAE Systems. 11 July 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  13. ↑ "Information Technology". Archived from the original on 2014-12-14. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  14. ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2012-10-19. Retrieved 2014-06-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. ↑ "Mega-Voice LSAMV2011LW" (PDF). 16 March 2012. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2013-12-06. Retrieved 2014-06-22.
  16. ↑ "Digital Communications - British Army Website". army.mod.uk. Archived from the original on 2014-06-28. Retrieved 2014-06-22.
  17. ↑ "Information Technology - British Army Website". army.mod.uk. Archived from the original on 2014-06-29. Retrieved 2014-06-22.
  18. ↑ "Information Technology - British Army Website". army.mod.uk. Archived from the original on 2014-04-19. Retrieved 2014-06-22.
  19. ↑ "Information Technology - British Army Website". army.mod.uk. Archived from the original on 2014-04-19. Retrieved 2014-06-22.
  20. ↑ "Satellite Communications". Archived from the original on 2015-03-07. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  21. ↑ "Minor Vessels Satcom Capabilities" (PDF). BAE Systems. 2012. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  22. ↑ "Astrium delivers new tactical, land and maritime X-band satcom capability to UK MOD". UKspace. 7 November 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  23. ↑ "Vislink Technologies Receives 00,000 in Orders for Satellite Communications Equipment from Airbus, Signs Master Purchase Agreement" (Press release). Globe Newswire. 10 February 2020. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  24. ↑ "SWE-DISH CCT120 Suitcase" (PDF). Rockwell Collins. 2009. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  25. ↑ "Satellite Communications - British Army Website". army.mod.uk. Archived from the original on 2014-06-28. Retrieved 2014-06-22.
  26. 1 2 Reacher is a highlight of Paradigm factfinder (PDF). desider (Report). Defence Equipment and Support. November 2011. p. 17. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
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