The Mission:
Maintaining continuous aerial security is a daunting task. Threats such as low-flying, extremely fast aircraft can take advantage of the earth’s curvature and exploit terrain obstructions. This renders ground-based radars unable to provide target information in time to take appropriate action. Slow, low flying missiles with a small cross section may also avoid early detection and pose a significant threat. Manned aerial surveillance can decrease the risk for short periods of heightened alert, but the operational costs are much too high for extended use. To meet this airborne coverage challenge effectively and inexpensively, TCOM developed the 71M Low Altitude Surveillance System. With over 1,000,000 hours of operation these systems are the only operational airborne defense assets to routinely provide the continuous round-the-clock, low altitude target detection information needed to secure the skies.
Applications include
Air Defense /Aircraft Monitoring
Electronic Monitoring (ELINT)
Detection and Tracking of Drone and UAV Craft
Anti-Terrorism Efforts
Long-Range UAV Control and Monitoring
TCOM Air Surveillance Systems are the solution.
The View From Above:
TCOM air surveillance systems utilize the largest class of tethered aerostats which can routinely operate at elevations of 15,000 feet. The aerostats have the payload size, weight and power capacity to support high performance, long range radars that can unmask aircraft operating well below the coverage pattern of ground based radars. The aerostat borne radar can detect these targets, acquire track very quickly and maintain track on quickly maneuvering targets. In addition to the radar, the aerostat can simultaneously support passive surveillance payloads. GCI radios on the aerostat allow direct voice communications between air controllers and their interceptors even at very low altitudes. The extended range of LASS, along with the ability to operate continuously for weeks on end provides security forces with the intelligence necessary to detect threats far earlier than ground-based systems alone. Early detection affords more time to react.
System In Action
Easily Meet Changing Requirements:
TCOM Air solutions are as versatile as they are effective. Despite the massive size of the fully-inflated aerostats, the complete systems are easily transported, and can be deployed in nearly any environment. Mooring stations are either stationary – to be deployed in one location for an extended period; or fully transportable – built into standard trailers. Although TCOM Air solutions are readily available, individual systems can also be modified to better meet the needs of each mission.
