Spectra Group appointed UK & NATO SOF distributor for Comtech System’s Troposcatter Technology.

Spectra Group appointed UK & NATO SOF distributor for Comtech System’s Troposcatter Technology.

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.