Slinger (weapon system): Difference between revisions

It consists of a [[remote controlled weapon station]] (RCWS) based on the EOS model R400 RCWS that uses a lightweight Bushmaster [[M230 chain gun|M230LF]] autocannon which is [[Gun stabilizer|fully stabilised]] and capable of on-the-move operation. 150 rounds of radio frequency [[proximity fuse]]d, high-explosive/fragmentation [[30 mm caliber|30x113 mm]] Proximity Sensing Ammunition are carried, as is a secondary [[MAG 58]] [[coaxial machine gun]]. Rate of fire for the main gun is selectable at single-shot, 100 rpm, or 200 rpm. The Echodyne EchoGuard [[4D radar|4D multi mission surveillance radar]] is integrated into the system providing detection ranges of more than 3.5 km for vehicles and more than 2.2 km for individuals, while small drones can detected out to 1-1.4 km and engaged at beyond 800 m. The sensor unit includes a day camera and [[thermal imager]] which can identify objects at 12 km and 13.7 km respectively. The turret system weighs 355 kg and has a height of 90 cm, so it can be mounted on the roofs of vehicles or even the flatbed of a pickup truck. It can elevate the guns up to +70° and depress them down to -10°. An operator controls the turret using a joystick from inside the vehicle; it is capable of tracking a target on its own for the controller to engage. The Slinger is designed for low-cost counter-drone interception. Compared to traditional missiles that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars being used against drones costing in the low tens of thousands or less, Slinger has a cost per engagement ranging from $155-$1,550; unit cost is less than $1.55 million.<ref name="adm-eos-cuas-18-may-23">{{cite web |last1=Blenkin |first1=Max |title=More on EOS' new counter-UAS weapon system |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/land/more-on-eos-new-counter-uas-weapon-system |website=www.australiandefence.com.au |publisher=Australian Defence Magazine |access-date=30 December 2023 |language=en |date=18 May 2023}}</ref ><ref name="eos-slinger">{{cite web |title=Defence Slinger |url=https://eos-aus.com/defence/counter-drone-systems/slinger/ |website=eos-aus.com |publisher=Elecro Optic Systems |access-date=29 December 2023}}</ref><ref>[https://www.uasvision.com/2023/05/17/australias-eos-launches-c-uas-with-hard-kill-capabilities/ Australia’s EOS Launches C-UAS with Hard-Kill Capabilities]. ''UAS Vision''. 17 May 2023.</ref><ref name="eos29aug23">[https://eos-aus.com/news/eos-conducts-live-fire-showcase-for-counter-uav-slinger/ EOS conducts live fire showcase for counter-UAV Slinger]. ''Electro Optic Systems''. 29 August 2023.</ref><ref name="deua2sept23">[https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/ukraine_gets_unique_slinger_anti_drone_weapon_station_from_australian_eos-7818.html Ukraine Gets Unique Slinger Anti-Drone Weapon Station From Australian EOS]. ''Defense Express''. 2 September 2023.</ref><ref name="armyreco4oct23">[https://armyrecognition.com/focus-analysis-conflicts/army/conflicts-in-the-world/russia-ukraine-war-2022/australian-eos-slinger-anti-drone-system-ready-to-destroy-russian-drones-in-ukraine Australian EOS Slinger anti-drone system ready to destroy Russian drones in Ukraine]. ''Army Recognition''. 4 October 2023.</ref>