RCA demonstrates VMF sensor to shooter link

Rockwell Collins Australia (RCA), working with ANZUS Inc. and the ADF Tactical Information Exchange Integration Office (TIEIO), has also demonstrated the capability of the US Air Force TACP system to exchange sensor to shooter data.

RCA was supported by ANZUS in the demonstration of the USAF Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) system. The heart of the TACP system is the ANZUS Rosetta software which enables command and control of Link-16, AFAPD, MTS, and Variable Message Format (VMF) networks and participants. Over 750 of the TACP system have been deployed by the US military and used in Iraq and Afghanistan to call in live strikes against enemy forces.

The Forward Air Controller (FAC) uses TACP to compose, send, and receive VMF messages over line of sight (V/UHF) or SATCOM DAMA. "Own Position" tracks and the location of friendly forces in the area are displayed on the computer.

The FAC demonstrated the sequence of events in a ty
TACP also allows the FAC to capture digital images of the target and forward over the line of sight or SATCOM link. Digital images from Predator, Hunter or other UAVs are supported, and in the next release images from the F-16 Sniper targeting pod will be available for two-way exchange with the TACP. Also demonstrated was the ability to use VMF for "live Chat" using a free-text message.

Boeing has implemented this TACP VMF capability into US Navy and USMC F/A-18s using the Rockwell Collins ARC-210 secure radio system. The ADF's Joint Project 2089 is considering an upgrade to the RAAF's Hornet to receive this VMF capability. Alignment of US and Australian F/A-18 Hornet upgrades combined with TACP implementation will ensure a high level of interoperability exists between US and Australian TACP teams.

The TACP system is relevant to other users requiring the ability to geo-locate, report and engage targets. Rosetta can be used as a Blue Force tracking system and can accommodate messages derived from any of the VMF implementations.