Storm-H
- Thread starter shimmy
- Start date
Don't know specifically about the efficiency of Thales Storm-H (has anyone even bought it? Thales just demoed it last year), but generally, yes, the radio jammers in use in the field work very well against radio-controlled IEDs in Afghanistan and Iraq. Of course their use also causes insurgents to simply switch to other, not-as-easy-to-jam triggering methods.Does anyone know anything about Storm-H as a deterent to IED casualties?Is its theorectical possibilites too good to be true?
Thales doesn't exactly promise much in its sales brochures for Storm-H either - no stated statement for effective range for example, but with only 1 W output, it'll be about what you can expect from a handheld device, meaning a few meters at most realistically. Storm-M and Storm-V sound like far more likely candidates for field use actually, Storm-H is more like a gimmick.
Shimmy, Kato,
I work at Thales in the UK where Storm-H is produced. I am the Communications Manager for the business. I was very interested to see Storm-H being mentioned on a discussion group and thought I'd add something to your thread.
Storm-H is an ultra portable Counter IED device. Despite its size, it is a very effective device in the protection against devices triggered by radio frequencies. It is a fully programmable device so can be updated to protect against the latest known threats. We have a number of variants that can protect against the different frequencies current in use by commercial equipment. Storm can also be purchased in different arrangements (vehicle, fixed, etc). Storm has been sold, but I cannot reveal who to - it is real.
In response to the range point, Storm-H's range is determines by a number of factors, based on the power/frequency of the triggering device and the location of Storm in relation to the trigger and device. The protect bubble Storm creates is considerable wider than a few meters, but I cannot comment on the actual ranges due to the nature of the unit. It is certainly not a gimmick.
Finally, your comment regarding the change in threat - you are absolutely right in your point. However being programmeable, the device is just one step behind the latest frequencies being used in theatre.
I hope this helps you understand more. I'm happy to continue contributing.
Jon
Thales UK
I work at Thales in the UK where Storm-H is produced. I am the Communications Manager for the business. I was very interested to see Storm-H being mentioned on a discussion group and thought I'd add something to your thread.
Storm-H is an ultra portable Counter IED device. Despite its size, it is a very effective device in the protection against devices triggered by radio frequencies. It is a fully programmable device so can be updated to protect against the latest known threats. We have a number of variants that can protect against the different frequencies current in use by commercial equipment. Storm can also be purchased in different arrangements (vehicle, fixed, etc). Storm has been sold, but I cannot reveal who to - it is real.
In response to the range point, Storm-H's range is determines by a number of factors, based on the power/frequency of the triggering device and the location of Storm in relation to the trigger and device. The protect bubble Storm creates is considerable wider than a few meters, but I cannot comment on the actual ranges due to the nature of the unit. It is certainly not a gimmick.
Finally, your comment regarding the change in threat - you are absolutely right in your point. However being programmeable, the device is just one step behind the latest frequencies being used in theatre.
I hope this helps you understand more. I'm happy to continue contributing.
Jon
Thales UK
Thanks for the answers, Jon.
Yes, the range of course depends heavily on the situation. Including also the number of frequencies to jam simultaneously of course.
Manpack and handheld systems generally don't offer much power-wise - but that's why there are vehicle-borne systems of course. I've seen some statements from other companies regarding ranges of their manpack solutions with similar (or higher) output, and they aren't too fabulous, especially when considering certain IED types. As a last-ditch protect bubble for patrolling soldiers it'll of course not be bad.
Yes, the range of course depends heavily on the situation. Including also the number of frequencies to jam simultaneously of course.
Manpack and handheld systems generally don't offer much power-wise - but that's why there are vehicle-borne systems of course. I've seen some statements from other companies regarding ranges of their manpack solutions with similar (or higher) output, and they aren't too fabulous, especially when considering certain IED types. As a last-ditch protect bubble for patrolling soldiers it'll of course not be bad.
The range issue is much debated. Due to the technology used in Storm, the characteristics of the range is very different to conventional equipment. Due to the method that Storm uses to essentially "block" the radio signals, its range is much greater than you might expect. We are looking at vehicle and manpack solutions because their range capabilities would be equally enhanced by the technology as well.
I'm sure you can understand that I'm not able to explain how it works on the Internet, due to commercial sensitivities - but I can assure you that it is a very effective device.
Jon
I'm sure you can understand that I'm not able to explain how it works on the Internet, due to commercial sensitivities - but I can assure you that it is a very effective device.
Jon