Slinger (weapon system)
Low-cost anti-drone weapon system by Electro Optic Systems.
The Slinger is an anti-drone weapon system built by Electro Optic Systems (EOS) in Symonston, Australia, and first shown in May 2023. It focuses on low-cost drone interception, with each shot costing between $155 and $1,550. This is far cheaper than traditional missiles, which can run hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially when used against drones that may cost only tens of thousands or less. The system itself costs under $1.55 million.
In September 2023, EOS announced it would send 160 Slingers to Ukraine for use in the war against Russia. Of these, 110 will be mounted on M113 armored personnel carriers, and 50 will be fitted onto Practika 4x4 light MRAPs.
The Slinger’s design centers on a remote controlled weapon station (RCWS) based on EOS’s R400 model. It uses a lightweight, fully stabilized Bushmaster M230LF autocannon that can fire while moving. The gun carries 150 rounds of 30x113 mm high-explosive/fragmentation ammunition with radio frequency proximity fuses. Its rate of fire can be set to single shots, 100 rounds per minute, or 200 rounds per minute. A secondary MAG 58 coaxial machine gun is also mounted.
An Echodyne EchoGuard 4D multi-mission surveillance radar is integrated into the system. It can detect vehicles beyond 3.5 km, individuals beyond 2.2 km, and small drones from 1 to 1.4 km, with engagement possible beyond 800 m. The sensor unit includes a day camera and thermal imager that can identify objects at 12 km and 13.7 km, respectively.
The turret weighs 355 kg and stands 90 cm tall, allowing it to be mounted on vehicle roofs or even a pickup truck’s flatbed. It can elevate the guns up to +70° and depress them to -10°. An operator inside the vehicle controls the turret with a joystick; the system can automatically track a target for the operator to engage.
- Introduction date
- May 2023
- Developer
- Electro Optic Systems (EOS)
- Location
- Symonston, Australia
- Cost per engagement
- $155-$1,550
- Unit cost
- less than $1.55 million
- Turret weight
- 355 kg
- Turret height
- 90 cm
Lore & Background
In September 2023, it was announced that 160 Slingers would be provided to Ukraine by EOS for use in that country's defence during the ongoing invasion by Russia. 110 will be mounted on M113 armored personnel carriers and 50 will be integrated onto Practika 4x4 light MRAPs. The Slinger consists of a remote controlled weapon station based on the EOS model R400 RCWS, using a lightweight Bushmaster M230LF autocannon that is fully stabilised and capable of on-the-move operation. It carries 150 radio frequency proximity fused, high-explosive/fragmentation 30x113 mm rounds, with a selectable rate of fire at single-shot, 100 rpm, or 200 rpm. A secondary MAG 58 coaxial machine gun is also included. An Echodyne EchoGuard 4D multi mission surveillance radar is integrated, providing detection ranges of more than 3.5 km for vehicles, more than 2.2 km for individuals, and small drones can be detected out to 1-1.4 km and engaged at beyond 800 m. The sensor unit includes a day camera and thermal imager that can identify objects at distances of 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 vehicle roofs or 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.
Reader's Guide
The Slinger's significance lies in its cost-effective approach to countering drones, addressing the economic asymmetry where traditional missiles costing hundreds of thousands of dollars are used against drones costing in the low tens of thousands or less. With a cost per engagement between $155 and $1,550 and a unit cost under $1.55 million, it offers a scalable solution for drone defense. Its integration with the Echodyne EchoGuard radar and sensor suite allows detection and engagement of small drones at practical ranges. The system's lightweight turret (355 kg) and compact height (90 cm) enable mounting on various platforms, including M113 armored personnel carriers and Practika 4x4 light MRAPs, as demonstrated by the 160 units provided to Ukraine in September 2023. The Slinger's legacy is tied to its role in modern asymmetric warfare, providing a low-cost, vehicle-mounted option for intercepting drones, as described in the source article.
Did You Know?
- The Slinger was introduced in May 2023 by Electro Optic Systems of Symonston, Australia.
- Its cost per engagement ranges from $155 to $1,550, far less than traditional missiles.
- In September 2023, 160 Slingers were announced for Ukraine, with 110 on M113s and 50 on Practika 4x4s.
- The turret can elevate its guns up to +70° and depress down to -10°.
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