BOWMAN - BCIP 5 Upgrade Confirmed

**meridian** · 13-05-2009, 18:07

The British military's tactical communications and data system, known as Bowman, is to get a series of upgrades which will make it simpler for troops to use.

The new upgrades to Bowman will also provide enhanced battle planning tools, a more stable and robust tactical internet, and improved situational awareness.

Bowman's secure radio communications have been used on operations since 2005, together with a basic data capability.

The Bowman system has been developed and integrated by General Dynamics UK into over 13,000 British Army vehicles, together with headquarters, ships, and helicopters.

The Ministry of Defence is also purchasing an additional 3,400 radios in order to meet the demands of current operations and their associated training needs.

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/De...BeUpgraded.htm

**ChunkeyKnob** · 13-05-2009, 18:50

I have an idea, why don't they upgrade it to the bin. Just done 3 weeks on Salisbury Plain with it, and its still sh*t as ever!!!!!

**warrior8234mkIIIA2** · 13-05-2009, 19:06

General Dynamics will be laughing all the way to the bank 'cheers easy b@stards for buying that shite'

**meridian** · 13-05-2009, 19:08

I thought the 'simpler for troops to use' comment was quite telling.

Could it be that the original requirements and resultant kit were just too much when all what was needed was secure voice, better ergonomics and basic 'forms based' reports and returns?

**warrior8234mkIIIA2** · 13-05-2009, 19:15

what i need from Bowman is a bigger shelf to put all the buggered stuff on prior to sending back to GD

**jimmys_best_mate** · 13-05-2009, 19:18

Is this the upgrade that makes it work?

**ouyin** · 13-05-2009, 19:24

Originally Posted by meridian

I thought the 'simpler for troops to use' comment was quite telling.

Could it be that the original requirements and resultant kit were just too much when all what was needed was secure voice, better ergonomics and basic 'forms based' reports and returns?

Have you read the "inf views on BOWMAN" thread?

Bedouin (sp?) had some pretty damning criticisms.

http://www.arrse.co.uk/pda/Forums/vi...c/t=40347.html

From what I've gathered bowman is over engineered and was over ambitious for the core aim of secure communication. Sounds like someone is back peddling.

**msr** · 13-05-2009, 19:31

Whatever...

**The_Coming_Man** · 13-05-2009, 19:37

Originally Posted by jimmys_best_mate

Is this the upgrade that makes it work?

Nope, it's the upgrade that makes it even more complex!

**jack5760** · 21-08-2009, 14:04

well ill let you know cos im doing my bcip 5 training next week

**CrownImperial** · 21-08-2009, 14:21

Can anyone confirm what we were told when we were being taught on it that the HF Harris radio is actually based on a radio that can do the full range of HF and VHF, but was limited to HF because of some outlandish contract requirements?

Surely not?

**SOLO** · 21-08-2009, 14:52

A radio that could do VHF AND HF, that's just madness and clearly the MOD did the right thing and decided its much better to have them separate so as not to confuse anyone!

What next, garlic and bread together in a PAYD establishment??!!

**Kitmarlowe** · 21-08-2009, 20:39

Originally Posted by CrownImperial

Can anyone confirm what we were told when we were being taught on it that the HF Harris radio is actually based on a radio that can do the full range of HF and VHF, but was limited to HF because of some outlandish contract requirements?

Surely not?

It's sadly true... The base Harris Falcom II HF radio covers from 1.6 to 60Mhz

http://www.rfcomm.harris.com/product...f-5800h-mp.pdf

if you're bored.

Of course that's far too sensible for MoD...and makes less profit for GD. Who don't own Harris.......