Funding for rocket-armed Slinger RWS - Defence Technology Review (Issue 129)

Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has been awarded a AUD$5.7 million contract to develop a prototype version of its R400 Slinger remote weapon system (RWS) for the counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) role.

The deal was announced last month under the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator's (ASCA) Mission Syracuse, which has a focus on improving the Australian Army's ability to defeat small drones (C-sUAS). Mission Syracuse complements the multi-phase Land 156 program to deliver a comprehensive C-sUAS capability system for the Australian Defence Force that is able to detect, track, identify and neutralise threat drones through a comprehensive, layered and distributed defensive approach.

For the ASCA contract, EOS will develop and demonstrate a production-ready prototype of its R400 Slinger RWS configured with short-range and very short-range C-UAS capabilities, respectively provided by a weapon fit comprising a pod launcher for 70 mm laser-guided rockets and a MAG-58 7.62 mm machine gun.

The Slinger RWS incorporates a compact, forward-facing Echodyne 4D targeting radar with active beam-steering electronic scanning antenna that grants the Slinger the ability to detect threat drones beyond 800 m.

Mounted to starboard is a 4-axis sighting system with a sensor unit that moves independent of the gun in elevation and azimuth. A wind sensor and precise pointing technology also aid in accurate fire.

The standard armament for the Slinger RWS is the Northrop Grumman M230LF 30 × 113 mm chain gun, a 2,000 m-range weapon that can fire radio frequency, proximity-fused, high-explosive fragmentation ammunition.

For the rocket component of Slinger, EOS will initially make use of the Army's current inventory of Thales FZ233 7-round launchers, with the exact nature of the final configuration, including the specific launcher, to be determined through the development process. Rockets used during development will be fitted with the BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guidance kit, enabling accurate engagement of threat drones out to 6 km.

A permanent rocket launcher option may be the L3Harris Land LGR4 pod, which, when loaded with four APKWS-equipped 70 mm rockets, weighs 90 kg, excluding mounting apparatus. EOS has some experience with integration of the Land LGR4 pod, having supplied its R150 gimbal in partnership with L3Harris for the latter's VAMPIRE (Vehicle Agnostic Modular Palletised ISR Rocket Equipment) system. Supplied to Ukraine for use in the C-UAS role, the VAMPIRE kit utilises the Land LGR4 pod on a remotely operated pedestal mount installed to the rear bed of pick-up trucks and light tactical vehicles.

EOS told DTR that the concept of employment for the prototype Slinger RWS will continue to be refined throughout the project, with decisions regarding platform integration and whether it is to be vehicle-mounted or used in a static role to be made by the customer.

A final demonstration of a production-ready Slinger RWS prototype that meets the agreed technical performance measures and key performance indicators is scheduled for December 2027. It is understood, however, that successful demonstration of the Slinger RWS prototype under the ASCA contract may not necessarily result in an acquisition contract for the system from the Army.

This article by Ian Bostock first appeared on Defence Technology Review.