Early Step in ‘Americanisation’ Process

In a move that reiterates WB Group’s avowed policy of ‘Americanising’ its solutions and supply chain in the American market, the Group’s US subsidiary (WB Group America) has selected Indianapolis-based BATS Wireless to provide innovative Steered Panel Antenna (SPA) system to support the company’s Integrated UAV System portfolio, according to a 7 October joint announcement. Deliveries are scheduled to commence early in 2020.

The SPA operates in the C band, with wide scanning in azimuth and elevation planes for fixed, on-the-move, ground and ground-to-air operations. The SPA solution is ideal for applications in which added complexity, or the weight of a mechanical tracking system, become a barrier to field operations, or in areas for which a rapidly-deployable alignment solution is needed.

“WB Group America’s investment in a BATS Electronically Steered Antenna is a tribute to the system’s superior performance and cutting-edge technology. We are proving to be a reliable partner in support of critical and sensitive military communication networks where electronic warfare threats are a concern,” explained BATS Vice President, Elias Theodorou. “BATS is committed to providing a wide range of electronically steered antenna solutions in support of US and international militaries for on-the-move, ground and air applications.”

“WB Group selected BATS Wireless because of their ability to develop evolutionary antenna solutions, thereby reducing weight and providing greater communication reliability on the battlefield,” added Jim Curtin, President of WB Group America. “These solutions elevate the value and increase the capabilities of our WARMATE loitering munition family and FLYEYE unmanned aerial vehicle.”