Broadsword Spine has been designed as an alternative to the heavy portable data and power supplies as carried by military and emergency service personnel. The defence product company BAE Systems has agreed a partnership with e-textiles developer, Intelligent Textiles Limited (ITL), to deliver the wearable product in high volumes at low cost.
Broadsword Spine is described as an e-textile based layer that when added to a user’s clothing creates an invisible electronic network and power supply, by using conductive fabrics instead of wires and cables. With the network, users can plug vital electronic devices into their vest, jacket or belt and have them hooked into power and data via USB – all delivering an estimated 40 per cent weight saving per user versus alternative solutions.
These devices are aimed at the armed forces, fire and rescue services and law enforcement, all of whom are carrying electronic equipment and require a power supply.
The productis also designed to be robust enough to be resistant to water, fire, humidity and shock – and can be recharged in the field via in-vehicle charging points or through simple battery replacements.
Paul Burke, Defence Information and Technology Director within Military Air and Information said: “Broadsword Spine will deliver a lightweight, cable free and better alternative to existing systems. It is the first product of our partnership with ITL and uses its revolutionary e-textile allowing power and data to move through fabric. It will be more flexible, robust and lighter than the heavy, unwieldy harnesses which are currently used. Broadsword Spine offers an open architecture, meaning it could be used to power communications used by anyone from a soldier on the battlefield to a first responder called to an emergency.”
And Asha Thompson, Director and Co-founder of ITL, added: “Our partnership with BAE Systems builds on a long-standing relationship, and is our logical next step in providing our customers with a cost-effective product. It allows us to retain our agility and innovative nature for developing other technologies, yet gives Broadsword Spine the support of BAE Systems’ international reputation and footprint. This puts Broadsword Spine on a fast-track to delivering benefits to customers.”
