The TACAMO mission is currently performed by the E-6B Mercury but a replacement platform is needed. (Photo: Collins Aerospace)
Collins Aerospace has obtained the first award in a series of test contracts under the E-6B Recapitalization Program (E-XX) to improve the USN Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) platform that hosts nuclear warfare-survivable communications links.
A sole-source risk-reduction engineering contract, worth an undisclosed amount, will see Collins Aerospace develop a Very Low Frequency (VLF) system for the E-XX programme. This risk-reduction effort is to meet SWaP-C requirements for VLF system integration into a C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft, as part of initial platform testing.
Airborne VLF system modernisation supports Airborne Strategic Command, Control, and Communications Program Office (PMA-271) capability requirements, Collins Aerospace noted in a 4 April statement.
It added that the new VLF system will feature ‘enhanced security measures' to address unspecified 'advanced and emerging threats’.
TACAMO is currently based in the ageing E-6B Mercury airborne command post, which Collins Aerospace supports.
E-6 TACAMO Recapitalisation Programme (E-XX) [USN]
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.
DARPA’s Mission-Integrated Network Control (MINC) programme was set up to develop an autonomous tactical network and enable critical data flow in contested environments.
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Defence-secure mixed reality headsets can save hours, or even weeks, of travel time to fix defunct equipment or get subject experts effectively “on-site” where they are needed.
The Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW) counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) and Drone Restricted Access Using Known Electromagnetic Warfare (DRAKE) counter-UAS (CUAS) systems are mounted and dismounted RF jammers.
Adarga’s Vantage information analysis tool is in service with the UK MoD and individual UK forces. It builds on the company’s Knowledge Platform which processes, organises and analyses open source material, as well as information held by the user’s military, security and intelligence services.
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