Sky Sabre is at the cutting edge of ground-based air defence systems, composed of three integrated components: radar, command & control (SAMOC), and missile systems. Designed for maximum effectiveness, Sky Sabre delivers exceptional speed, accuracy, and precision, with the ability to simultaneously control and guide 24 missiles to intercept 24 individual targets
Our mission was to securely link the three key components—SAMOC, NLC, and G-AMB—via a closed fibre optic network. This eliminated any potential vulnerabilities of wireless communication and ensured a resilient, high-performance system capable of operating in hostile environments.
Each system component came from different manufacturers, none of whom could provide a secure, integrated communication solution for all three assets, only their own. This demanded a bespoke, highly specialised approach involving in-depth information gathering from all three manufacturers of each assets to provide an innovative solution, suitable to cope with the extreme in-theatre scenarios expected.
Compounding the challenge was a mission critical 12-week delivery deadline, prompted by the onset of the Ukraine conflict.
Within the 12-week timeframe, we designed, prototyped, and delivered a series of custom-built fibre optic solutions—on time, to specification and working first time.
Our groundbreaking solution led to three secured patents. Each 500m reel was engineered with a central cavity to house an in-field fibre optic repair kit, specifically for the jacketed, stainless steel micro armoured 2-fibre cable used in the harnesses.
We also enhanced our fibre optic expanded beam connectors, successfully extending communication range:
Unlike wireless systems, closed fibre optic links are unaffected by challenging terrain and any method to signal jamming, delivering unmatched stability in the field.
We developed custom inspection and cleaning kits for the Alker connectors, the ones used in SAMOC and G-AMB. This significantly improved system reliability and performance under operational stress.
To simplify maintenance and fault-finding in the field, we created bespoke diagnostic kits tailored to the Alker harness types and connector interfaces adopted across Sky Sabre. These kits allow end users to quickly diagnose faults and determine the appropriate repair—vital for operational continuity.
Sacrificial Fibre Optic Assemblies (SAMOC)
We identified key vulnerabilities in the SAMOC’s internal fibre system:
Our solution: a metal-armoured duplex LC sacrificial assembly bridging the internal fibre loom and the media converter. This ensured that any damage would be isolated to the sacrificial assembly—easily replaceable—rather than the extremely difficult to extract internal fibre optic loom, which has very long lead times to order a repair or new replacement.
We engineered a short 2-core fibre optic 90° converter assembly for the external NLC:
We supplied the MOD with replenishable in-field fibre optic repair kits for both multimode and single mode fibre:
Connectorised pigtails matching those used in the 500m assemblies to replace any damaged fibre optic expanded beam connector.
Preloaded repair kits stored within each reel Additional spares (“Splints”) stocked by MOD for fast battlefield repairs
Our full fibre optic solution was delivered on 17th November 2023. Following recent feedback from the MOD, we’re proud to report:
