Tactical Communications Group (TCG), the leading independent provider of tactical data link (TDL) software solutions for military test, training, simulation and operational applications worldwide, received its fourth consecutive order from the US Air Forces' Electronic Systems Center (ESC) for a Ground Support System (GSS) for use by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). TCG's GSS solution for the (PAF) will provide their pilots a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) capability to support Link 16 simulation training and operations situational awareness on Pakistani F-16 aircraft.
By using the GSS, PAF will now be able to connect to airborne networks at a low cost and conduct efficient and effective training of network operators and aviation personnel. The TCG system will also provide growth options for additional data link networking for operational and maintenance training on the system and its components in Southeastern Pakistan. The GSS can be easily and affordably adapted to their F16 fleet applications and has been proven in the US and in over twelve worldwide locations, including countries throughout Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East and Pacific Rim Air Bases.
"This customer win signifies the traction TCG's systems are getting in the international military arena," said Ed Durkin TCG's CEO. "We are providing the Pakistani Air Force the best possible ground link 16 capability at an affordable price. TCG's GSS solution is an extension of its proven COTS Ground Tactical Data Link System (GTS) and was chosen for its comprehensive operational and training design, and capabilities. We are confident it will meet the Pakistani's mission requirements moving forward, and are pleased to win this competitive FMS award."
ESC announced TCG's selection in February after a competitive process starting with an RFP release in October 2010 for one (1) tactical ground support system which was able to provide the capability of transmitting, receiving, and recording Link 16 network transmissions, a stable navigation source, and emulated Command and Control (C2) and non-C2 platform transmissions. TCG will deliver the GSS to the US Government and then subsequently install and test the system in Pakistan with new requested optional features to be added shortly thereafter.
TCG's Ground Support System (GSS) is intended to support training and operational needs of end users who work with Link 16 TDL networks, whether it is used as the first line platform training tool for new data link users or it is used as an exerciser for interoperability testing and training. The Multi-TADIL GSS is an extension of the Link 16 GSS and offers multiple data links. For these multi-link applications there may also be translation and forwarding capabilities embedded in the GSS. The Multi-TADIL GSS includes tools that are found in large scale Command and Control (C2) environments. There is a sophisticated simulator and message generator to support platform integration of data link environments. The GSS also implements a scenario generator that can establish a repeatable test program for platform test. The data recorder and playback functions allow the test activity to analyze test activities and provide a post test data analysis. The playback functions also allow the platform operators to evaluate tactics and procedures
Source: Tactical Communications Group