Delivering the Next Generation of Connected Clothing
July 19, 2016 | BAE SystemsEstimated reading time: 1 minute

Broadsword® Spine® has been designed specifically as an alternative to the heavy portable data and power supplies currently carried by military and emergency service personnel. Our Company has agreed an exclusive new partnership with world-leading e-textiles developer, Intelligent Textiles Limited (ITL), to deliver the ground-breaking wearable product in high volumes at low cost.
Broadsword® Spine® is 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 innovative network, users can plug vital electronic devices straight into their vest, jacket or belt and have them instantly hooked into power and data via USB – all delivering an estimated 40 per cent weight saving per user versus alternative solutions.
Working together, our Company and ITL will be ready to deliver these lightweight devices to personnel including the armed forces, fire and rescue services and law enforcement, all of whom rely on carrying electronic equipment and having a durable power supply for long periods of use.
Broadsword® Spine® is also designed to be robust enough to operate in the harshest environments, including being resistant to water, fire, humidity and shock – and can be easily 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.”
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.”
Suggested Items
RTX's Collins Aerospace Enhances Capabilities to Speed Marine Corps Decision-making in Battle
04/22/2025 | RTXCollins Aerospace, an RTX business, successfully demonstrated new technology that helps the military gather and use information from a wider range of sources at Project Convergence Capstone 5, a large-scale military exercise.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: GreenSource's Growth and Future Developments
04/15/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOThings are looking bright for GreenSource. Michael Gleason shares an update on GreenSource's recent growth and upcoming changes. A recipient of a Defense Production Act Investment Program award, GreenSource is planning for new substrate capabilities. Current investments continue to enhance equipment and sustainability initiatives such as water quality. And their unique collaboration with the University of New Hampshire continues to aid their workforce development, despite recruitment challenges.
Acquisition of MADES Strengthens Cicor's Pan-European Leadership in the Aerospace & Defense Sector
04/03/2025 | CicorCicor Group announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Spanish electronics company Malaga Aerospace, Defense & Electronics Systems S.A.U. (MADES). The company focuses on electronic solutions for the aerospace and defense industry, which accounts for well over half of its business.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Discover Comprehensive PCB Solutions with American Standard Circuits
04/01/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOAnaya Vardya, CEO of American Standard Circuits, highlights the company's dedication to offering complete PCB solutions. The company provides free design packages and caters to various sectors, including military and telecommunications.
Teledyne FLIR Defense Captures $7.8 Million Contract to Provide Mobile Surveillance Systems for Key Military Entity in Saudi Arabia
03/24/2025 | BUSINESS WIRETeledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), has won a contract valued at $7.8 million with Middle East Task Company (METCO) to provide its next-generation LVSS (Lightweight Vehicle Surveillance System) to a high-profile military entity in Saudi Arabia. The agreement also includes mission support equipment and training. Quantities were not disclosed.
Copyright © 2025 I-Connect007 | IPC Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Log in