Spectra Group, a developer of mission-critical beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) communications systems and secure networks, will showcase GENSS, a next-generation solution that provides Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) bridging and BLOS satellite communications, at AUSA 2025
This tactical data solution will deliver real time strategic level battlefield data to remotely deployed tactical users. GENSS was created in collaboration with software from 2iC, a UK based global leader in battlespace software integration.
GENSS builds on Spectra’s SlingShot, which has advanced tactical comms with over 10,000 systems deployed worldwide. As the next generation SlingShot radio system, GENSS offers greater reach, flexibility, and data resilience, leveraging technological advances to meet evolving military demands and simplifying the user experience.
Spectra Group’s new communications unit, GENSS, is backwards compatible with SlingShot while also functioning as a powerful satellite software-defined radio (SDR) in its own right. It uses enhanced modulation and waveforms optimized for Data Network/MANET bridging, enabling reliable transmission of wideband data (64 KBps over a 25 kHz channel) across the tactical battlespace beyond normal line-of-sight ranges.
The company’s collaboration with 2iC has maximized this ability to bridge MANET and other data networks. 2iC’s lean service architecture and integration products are used by MODs and defense primes globally to easily and securely connect the many disparate devices, sensors and systems on the battlefield digitally.
Simon Perrett, Head of Research and Development at Spectra Group stated, “It is very rewarding when you can work together with subject matter experts from different disciplines and collectively the output is greater than the sum of the individual parts.
“Working with 2iC, we are maximising the capability and ease of use of GENSS in its MANET bridging role, which is a massive benefit to the user on the ground and goes to the heart of our ethos at Spectra Group. GENSS is a step change in tactical radio capability and for the soldier on the ground, GENSS will be plug-and-play; delivering secure, simplified access to mission-critical data BLOS and on the move.”
Graham Booth, CEO and Co-founder of 2iC, added, “We are very excited to bring our vast experience of delivering digital interoperability in the battlespace to our work with Spectra Group. Our proven off the-shelf software, such as 2iC CONNECT:TAK, alongside our extensive experience with ATAK, are proving invaluable. Together we are developing bespoke software to maximise MANET capabilities and ensure GENSS is highly future proofed.”
Spectra Group and 2iC have delivered and continue to develop a series of ‘middleware’ applications, combining 2iCs operationally proven products, such as 2iC NODE and TAK Module, with GENSS application software and its Open API radio firmware.
This provides efficient data flow management over narrow band L-TAC BLOS bearer systems and allows GENSS to be seamlessly interoperable with ATAK or other battlefield management systems. End users receive a simplified and unified battle picture across multiple terminals or access platforms over large distances while on the move.
The GENSS therefore has much flexibility and interoperability as a SDR, as well as its open architecture construct allowing it to easily integrate with existing systems and rapidly adapt to future demands.
The Spectra Group team will be at AUSA to discuss GENSS and its capabilities for specialist and regular forces operating in remote and austere locations worldwide.
