Bowman radios in aerospace and defence

Whilst the programme had been in development for years, it wasn't until 2004 that Bowman was officially introduced into service with the British Armed Forces, three years after General Dynamics UK was awarded the contract in 2001. Since then, Bowman has become a cornerstone of military communication, ensuring that commanders can maintain contact with their units at all times, whether by voice or data, satellite link, or landline.

Development and capabilities

The Bowman system was developed to improve on the older Clansman family of radios, offering advances in security, data capability, and resilience against electronic warfare (EW) attacks.

Conceived as part of a broader initiative by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to equip the British Army with the most advanced information and communication systems, Bowman is a comprehensive C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) system. It includes a family of HF, VHF, and UHF radio sets that provide secure voice and data communications to dismounted soldiers, vehicles, and command headquarters up to the Division level – a significant organisational unit within the military, typically commanding 10,000 to 20,000 soldiers. The system integrates with higher-level systems like ISDN, Skynet V, and FALCON, and features an integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) to enhance situational awareness and operational coordination.

Applications in defence

Bowman radios are extensively used by ground forces to maintain secure communication across the battlefield, which is critical for coordinating operations, sharing intelligence, and managing logistics in real-time. These radios enable commanders at various levels, from formation headquarters to frontline fighting units, to issue orders, relay information, and ensure that units are operating in sync.

Designed to withstand EW attacks, Bowman uses advanced cryptographic technology to encrypt voice and data transmissions, making it extremely difficult for adversaries to intercept or decode communications.

The Tactical Systems (TacSys) delivery team, part of Information Systems and Services at MoD Abbey Wood, leads the procurement and ongoing support of the Bowman system. Through initiatives like the Bowman Combat Infrastructure Platform (BCIP) releases, including BCIP 5.5 in 2013 and BCIP-5.7 in 2023, the system's operational life has been extended to at least 2035.

Applications in aerospace

In aerospace operations, Bowman radios are utilised to maintain secure communication between airborne units and ground forces. Helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and manned aircraft equipped with Bowman systems can relay real-time intelligence gathered from the air directly to ground units, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making during missions.

Bowman’s integration with other communication systems ensures smooth data flow between different branches of the military, enabling effective coordination during complex operations such as close air support or joint amphibious assaults.

Strategic importance

Bowman provides the British Army with one of the most powerful information and communication systems available, ensuring continuous communication with units. The integration of GPS and secure digital communications allows for precise battlefield coordination, enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Bowman’s robust HF, VHF, and UHF radios, which exploit the latest developments in radio and computer technology, ensure that the British Armed Forces remain at the cutting-edge of military communications. And its integration with ISDN, Skynet V, and FALCON allows for a comprehensive and secure digital communications network that supports a wide range of military operations.