Tactical Communications Group Announces RAFO Order for Tactical Data Link System

Tactical Communications Group (TCG), the leading independent supplier of Tactical Data Link (TDL) solutions, announced today that it has successfully deployed data link hardware and software components to support data link operational and training needs for Link 16 interoperability with national and coalition forces for the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO).

TCG, a Massachusetts-headquartered company, delivered a Ground Support System (GSS), based on TCG's Ground Tactical Data Link System (GTS®), with four distributed remote tactical display workstations providing Oman with Tactical Situation Awareness, Target, Track, Point, Friendly Participating Unit emulation and message generation on a Link 16 network. The award, issued to TCG on October 9, 2014, was through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) office of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Hanscom Air Force Base and includes engineering and operational tactical data link services, and system maintenance, as well as operational support for Oman's F-16 fleet.

"We are pleased to begin our service for the Royal Air Force of Oman and we are looking forward to supporting our Oman allies as they employ their TDL-equipped capabilities and platforms," said Michael Hiney, TCG's President and CEO. "TCG is known world-wide for our TDL expertise and we will strive to be a valuable resource for the RAFO."

The system features a sophisticated tactical display, MIL-STD-compliant message processor and an intuitive training and test capability. The GSS also records Link 16 network transmission for post mission analysis and playback, provides a stable navigation source, and can operate as either a Command and Control (C2) or non-C2 system.

"The deployment of the GSS facilitates Link 16 integration by supporting the test, training, and tactics development for and by the pilots and ground crews of the RAFO," said Frank Newark, TCG's Vice President of Engineering, "The GSS is capable of supporting realistic training environments, is deployable, enhances support of data link systems operations, and empowers minimally trained personnel to participate as a member of the operational environment. The GSS includes tactical workstations that support ground-based testing and training, live operations, operational environment development, operational data recording, and post-operation ground-based playback and mission analysis."