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TCOM Aerostats Ideal for Maritime Surveillance

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The TCOM 28M Operational Class Aerostat is a versatile, battle-proven, rapid deployment, persistent surveillance solution for ground, air, and sea, equipped to detect and track targets in the most challenging terrain. TCOM 28M aerostat is a mid-sized, wide-area surveillance vehicle that can be customized for a variety of mission types.

(To Continue Reading on the American Security Today website, click HERE)

Increasing geopolitical tensions in maritime zones worldwide and in the Asia-Pacific regions have created a strategic impetus to consider new surveillance platforms for identifying real and perceived threats as they become imminent.

Now, more than ever, persistent situational awareness is critical.

However, unlike traditional landlocked conflict zones, maritime surveillance presents a unique challenge as ISR must be successful in multi-modal environments including air, land, and maritime environments.

Adding to that complexity is the presence of largely populated areas in multiple countries proximate to the conflict zone, making it difficult to select one tool or method to create an effective operational ‘big picture’ for decision makers.

It has been widely reported that regional states such as the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea, are actively increasing their proactive vigilance.

Wisely, they are also considering an all-of-the-above approach for their defenses to ensure full situational awareness with optimized intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) for land, air, and sea domains.

TCOM, the 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Platinum Winner for Best Maritime/Seaport Security Solution, showcases the practical applications for ISR with its 28M aerostat, one of its leading Operational Class aerostats, which are ideal for monitoring areas in which ground-based surveillance would be rendered ineffective by domain obstructions, or where manned aerial surveillance is deemed too costly.

(Learn More about TCOM platforms, features, functionality and capabilities. Courtesy of TCOM, LP and YouTube)

Versatile Operational Class aerostat systems may carry payloads that include radar, SIGINT and COMMS Relay to altitudes as high as 5,000 ft above ground and stay 30 days on station.

This makes the systems ideal for maritime surveillance applications, protecting ports and costal borders, as well as inland border surveillance applications.

TCOM’s 28M is one of the most widely-used aerostat systems available today.

The 28M offers battle-proven reliability and can be customized with multiple payload configurations to meet the most demanding mission requirements.

TCOM Operational Class aerostat systems offer unrivaled versatility and performance.

These medium-sized aerostat systems offer both the flexibility and portability for accelerated launch and retrieval, along with the capacity for sustained deployment for up to two weeks at a time.

(Learn More. TCOM’s complete platform solutions include numerous classes of aerostats that can each be equipped with a broad selection of proven payloads that are customizable for specific customer requirements. Courtesy of TCOM and YouTube)

Consider the scenario of a crowded port environment where many ships and small craft are transiting through highly congested waterways.

A naval vessel enters a port but is limited to using surveillance equipment that looks outward from the deck level. There may also be ground-based equipment on shore.

Together these systems are unable to see all the critical activity at the water level.

A low, fast moving boat quickly approaches a larger vessel undetected by traditional methods.

This scenario occurred in 2000 with the terrorist attack on the USS Cole in Yemen.

(Store Keep Chief Petty Officer Sean Taitt relates his experience on USS Cole (DDG 67) when it was attacked in Aden, Yemen on 12 October, 2000. Courtesy of the U.S. Navy and YouTube)

Aerostat system monitoring the entire port area from hundreds or thousands of feet above would provide early warning to the larger vessel, allowing for a timely reaction.

The system could have provided actionable intelligence that allowed for a greater window of time for forces to intercept or engage.

As government decision makers consider using a multi-mode surveillance approach, TCOM’s aerostats stand out in their potential to serve as eyes in the sky in international waters and other maritime regions that have been immersed in perceived threats and real conflict.

They are easy to deploy, operate in multiple environments, are efficient and technology-agnostic.

In short, aerostats enable true persistent, real-time tactical ISR at an affordable cost.

(The TCOM 22M and 28M Operational Class Aerostats are versatile, battle-proven, rapid deployment, persistent surveillance solutions. They are equipped to detect and track targets in the most challenging terrain, including those at sea. Courtesy of TCOM and YouTube)

Aerostat systems need little time to deploy and have lower maintenance requirements at a substantially lower hourly operational cost than conventional aircraft and drones.

Moreover, aerostats offer a combination of wide viewing angles and high resolution for more precise identification of small objects as well as surveillance of larger areas.

In short, aerostats enable true persistent, real-time tactical ISR at an affordable cost.

The 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program

American Security Today’s 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Awards Presentation Luncheon at ISC East was an overwhelming success, with distinguished guests from National, State and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Executives from companies allied to Government.

Over 100 professionals gathered from across North America and the Middle East to be honored from disciplines across the Security Industry in their respective fields which included:

  • The Department of Homeland Security
  • The Department of Justice
  • The Security Exchange Commission
  • State and Municipal Law Enforcement Agencies, and
  • Leaders in Private Security
The 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon

The 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon

Recognized for their Innovative Training and Education Programs, Outstanding Product Development Achievements and Exciting New Technologies to address the growing Homeland Security Threats our Nation is facing.

American Security Today was formed after careful reflection of 9/11 and its aftermath when the Department of Homeland Security was established and there was an immediate explosion of new products and solutions for what was perceived as an imminent second attack on primary targets in the United States.

As time moved forward from 9/11 itself and in recent years, the threats to our nation have evolved from a large scale 9/11 type attack to:

  • Domestic and International Terrorist Attacks carried out by ‘lone wolves’ and coordinated individuals
  • Cybersecurity breach attacks against our government agencies, financial institutions and critical infrastructure facilities
  • Unprecedented urban violence
  • Cultural shifts and societal media bias, which make it increasingly difficult to secure our nation in this constantly evolving threat environment.
The 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon
The 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon

These current circumstances have put forward another rapid expansion of new ideas, products and solutions to combat these ever changing challenges.

These changes have called for a new generation of security experts in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields who need real time knowledge of our ever growing threats.

These experts include the Government at the Federal, State and Local levels as well as from Private Firms specializing in Physical Security, Port Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security responsible for implementing coordinated security measures to ensure our Nation’s Security and improve Public Safety.

AST 2017 'Champions Edition'Together, each of these entities work together seamlessly on the front lines of protecting our communities, to ‘Keep our Nation Secure, One City at a Time.’

AST focuses on Homeland Security and Public Safety Breaking News, the Newest Initiatives and Hottest Technologies in Physical & IT Security, essential to meeting today’s growing security challenges.

To highlight the tremendous accomplishments of agencies and firms receiving this prestigious award, check out American Security Today’s 2017 December ‘ASTORS’ Champions Edition – ‘Year in Review.’

To Learn More, please visit the company’s website at http://www.tcomlp.com/sea-surveillance-systems/

 

TCOM Wins 2017 Government Security News’ Award for Its Versatile Aerostats Serving as Best Maritime ISR Solutions

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July 7, 2017—TCOM—a global leader for innovative, cost-effective Airborne Persistent Surveillance Solutions—became a two-time winner at the Government Security News Border Security Awards.

Both award wins were in the categories of Maritime/Port Security/Underwater Vehicles section where TCOM was awarded:

  • Best Maritime Persistent Surveillance ISR Platform – TCOM 28M AEROSTAT – WINNER
  • Most Notable Naval Market Situational Awareness – TCOM – WINNER

Government Security News (GSN) is the premier monthly BPA-audited circulation for federal, state and local officials, as well as integrators, contractors and suppliers in homeland security. For almost 15 years, GSN has been the “official publication” of the Homeland Security Industries association, covering topics such as physical, IT and homeland security.

Now, more than ever, maritime surveillance presents a unique challenge for security experts and military personnel. With multiple conflict zones, in multiple countries, finding a solution that is customizable, effective, and has safety in mind leads decision makers to TCOM where they receive tailored solutions that fit unique situations.

That’s why TCOM’s 28M aerostat is so impressive. The 28M offers battle-proven reliability, customizable for multiple payloads, all with the ability to meet the most demanding mission requirements. TCOM Operational Class aerostat systems offer unrivaled versatility and performance.

TCOM was also recognized by GSN for its naval surveillance support capabilities. With countries encroaching on each other’s boundaries, providing round-the-clock intelligence can be a major challenge. TCOM’s sea surveillance systems utilize their medium-class tethered aerostats, equipped with an advanced maritime radar, thermal imaging and optical sensors, and communications payloads to detect and track maritime targets at distances of 60 nautical miles and beyond.

To see the full list of winners, check out the article here.

About Government Security News:

GSN: Government Security News was founded in 2003 and is owned by World Business Media, LLC, whose editorial and advertising offices are located at 233 Spring Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10013. Phone: 212-344-0759

Pages

Platforms

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Platforms

KEY DETAILS

Designed to meet mission objectives in any domain

Customized for air, land and sea surveillance applications

Affordable, reliable persistent surveillance solutions

TCOM Aerostat Classes

Turnkey Installation

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Support from Start to Finish

TCOM provides single point responsibility for the overall system performance and continuing aerostat support essential for the reliable and consistent performance of the Aerostat Surveillance System.

After the system has successfully completed all its formal testing at our Manufacturing and Flight Test Facility, it is shipped to the customer.  TCOM’s Field Operations & Support (FOS) group, supported by TCOM’s headquarters design and systems engineering groups, provides the in-country expertise for on-site installation, on-the-job training and integration into existing networks.

The Turnkey Installation Solution Includes:

  • Site survey, design and construction
  • Installation of the aerostat subsystems that make up the aerostat system
  • Integration of the aerostat system with the site infrastructure
  • Payloads integration including providing connectivity with the customer’s command centers and data/communications network
  • On-site formal classroom training and/or on-the-job-training (OJT)
  • O&M support as required
  • Logistics support to integrate spares and support equipment into a tracking database

Experienced Personnel Ensure Success

TCOM FOS pools of field engineers have trained and experienced personnel with the skillsets to supply a turnkey aerostat support solution from installation and checkout (I&CO) of the system to when the system is handed over to the customer for operation and maintenance (O&M). TCOM has installed aerostat systems in more countries than any other aerostat system manufacturer.

Manufacturing

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Advanced Aerostat Manufacturing Facilities

TCOM produces the most advanced, state-of-the-art and reliable aerostat systems in the world.  This is accomplished by having the latest aerostat manufacturing technology, equipment, facilities and tooling to bring our advanced designs to life. We offer capabilities and experience manufacturing aerostat and airship flex structures, mooring stations, avionics, tethers and ground support equipment.

Complete Systems Manufacturing

TCOM is the only LTA Company in the world that has a facility devoted to aerostat manufacturing, airship manufacturing, assembly, flight test and training operations – all in a single location.  We manufacture the world’s largest aerostats and are capable of manufacturing, inflating, rigging, and testing them all while protected from the weather inside our hangar.  We also perform integration and flight testing onsite at our new flight pad. Our aerostats are manufactured using highly engineered, TCOM-designed base fabric.  The fabrics are then seamed together using specialized equipment designed by TCOM for the sole purpose of building our flex structures.  Once assembled, they are air inflated and tested, then inflated with helium.  After helium inflation, the hardware and rigging is installed which prepares the aerostat for integration with the rest of the system.

Our new, state-of-the-art mooring station manufacturing facility is conveniently located adjacent to the hangar.  All assembly and testing of the mooring stations is conducted in this central facility. Prior to integration with the aerostat and surveillance components, the mooring stations are passed through a rigorous acceptance procedure to ensure all functionality. Once the mooring structure, boom, tower, and other major portions are assembled together, integration of the machinery, electrical and hydraulic systems takes place. The system’s avionics are also designed and manufactured by TCOM in an environmentally controlled area located at the headquarters facility.  After all the components are procured and inspected, material kits are put into the shop for assembly and unit testing.  TCOM employs a highly trained and experienced staff dedicated to wiring all the electronic items for the aerostat, mooring system and ground station.  In addition, we build swivel slip-rings and perform tether termination and break testing, and perform thermal cycling and stress testing.

Once all of the electronics components have passed unit test, they are assembled together as a functional system and fully tested against rigorous acceptance standards.  If payloads are available, they can be integrated at the electronics manufacturing facility or later with the complete system at the hangar.  After the aerostat, mooring system, and avionics subsystems are completed, they are integrated together at the new flight pad, located at the Manufacturing Flight and Test Facility.  Flight tests then begin as the complete system functionality is tested.

Quality Assurance

The Elizabeth City aerostat Manufacturing and Flight Test Facility enables TCOM to provide customers with an unparalleled level of quality assurance, training, ongoing operations and field support services. This facility has become the East Coast hub for all airship maintenance and assembly activities.  The ability of TCOM to manufacture complete systems, rather than just sub-assemblies, provides us the flexibility to change quickly when needed to accommodate our customers’ needs.

 

Pioneering Achievements

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A Legacy of Aerostat Innovation:

The name TCOM is synonymous with the aerostat and with airborne persistent surveillance. Over the past 40 years, TCOM engineers have introduced countless innovations including advanced materials, clean room construction, modern payload integration techniques, reliable ground based power systems and simplified ground control equipment. Our ongoing advancements continue to revolutionize LTA system design and manufacturing techniques. TCOM aerostats are the standard to which all others aspire. Here are just a few reasons why:

Pioneering Achievements:

  • First to use laminate materials for aerostat fabrics
  • First fiber-optic powered tether system
  • First tether to double as LF communications antenna
  • First aerostat provider to offer customized payloads and mooring systems
  • First lightning protection systems for tethered aerostats
  • First fully integrated modular mooring system
  • First modern aerostat system to broadcast radio and TV
  • First aerostat to carry electronic payloads for US-allied foreign nations
  • First sea-based aerostat system
  • First aerostat system to remain deployed for missions of 30 days or longer
  • First aerostat in theater supporting both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom
  • First and only company to deploy an aerostat at an altitude of 20,000 feet above ground station
  • Produced largest aerostat ever in operation
  • Longest ongoing aerostat surveillance operations

Tradition of Performance:

From the shores of the Adriatic to the glaciers of the Arctic, from conflict zones of the Middle East to the border regions of the United States, TCOM airborne persistent surveillance solutions provide actionable intelligence from an elevated perspective. Our surveillance systems have served as vital components in applications as disparate as television and radio broadcasting, drug traffic interdiction, illegal immigration prevention, communications intelligence, air defense surveillance, electronic intelligence, troop and vehicle monitoring, and insurgent detection.

TCOM persistent surveillance systems can be customized for deployment over air, land or sea. The complete systems provide total domain awareness, improving mission effectiveness and efficiency. In every environment, TCOM systems provide mission-critical details in time for decision makers to take appropriate action.

Our History

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[jwplayer config=”myplayer” file=”/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/history.mov” image=”https://tcomlp.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/SoS123.png”]

TCOM – Who We Are:

With operations in over 12 countries around the world, TCOM is the global authority in airborne persistent surveillance solutions. For over 40 years, TCOM innovations have defined the industry, and our pioneering achievements continue to revolutionize the design, manufacture and deployment of LTA systems. With corporate headquarters in Columbia, MD and manufacturing and testing facilities in Elizabeth City, NC, TCOM is the world’s only company solely devoted to the design, fabrication, installation and operation of persistent surveillance aerostat systems. Our complete platform solutions include numerous classes of aerostats that can each be equipped with a broad selection of proven payloads that are customizable for specific customer requirements.

Our History:

Beginning in 1971, TCOM ushered in the modern era of tethered aerostat systems. Our expert engineers designed the first powered tether and the first mobile mooring station. We produced the largest aerostat system ever delivered and the only aerostat systems that can operate in altitudes in excess of 20,000 feet above sea level for periods of 30 days or more. TCOM aerostat systems have brought radio and television communications to previously unreachable areas, provided the US military and its allies with mission-critical data in numerous conflict zones, and stood as steadfast protectors of national security along vulnerable borders and coastlines. Throughout our 40 years of operation, TCOM has partnered with military leaders, governments, monarchs, heads of state and corporate decision makers to expand persistent surveillance horizons and provide actionable intelligence rapidly and reliably.

Making Persistent Surveillance Affordable:

At TCOM, we take pride in offering complete surveillance solutions at a low operational cost. When contrasted with alternative airborne surveillance methods, TCOM aerostat solutions offer superior performance with an operational cost that is nominal by comparison. Round-the-clock deployment for periods of over 30 days with minimal maintenance reduces man hours, fuel and other logistics costs. The low price of operation and the superior level of coverage make TCOM aerostat surveillance solutions the clear choice in an era of limited resources and heightened threats.

 

Our Company

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Who We Are:

With operations in over 12 countries around the world, TCOM is the global authority in airborne persistent surveillance solutions. For over 40 years, TCOM innovations have defined the industry, and our pioneering achievements continue to revolutionize the design, manufacture and deployment of LTA systems. With corporate headquarters in Columbia, MD and manufacturing and testing facilities in Elizabeth City, NC, TCOM is the world’s only company solely devoted to the design, fabrication, installation and operation of persistent surveillance aerostat systems. Our complete platform solutions include numerous classes of aerostats that can each be equipped with a broad selection of proven payloads that are customizable for specific customer requirements.

Our History:

Beginning in 1971, TCOM ushered in the modern era of tethered aerostat systems. Our expert engineers designed the first powered tether and the first mobile mooring station. We produced the largest aerostat system ever delivered and the only aerostat systems that can operate in altitudes in excess of 20,000 feet above sea level for periods of 30 days or more. TCOM aerostat systems have brought radio and television communications to previously unreachable areas, provided the US military and its allies with mission-critical data in numerous conflict zones, and stood as steadfast protectors of national security along vulnerable borders and coastlines. Throughout our 40 years of operation, TCOM has partnered with military leaders, governments, monarchs, heads of state and corporate decision makers to expand persistent surveillance horizons and provide actionable intelligence rapidly and reliably.

Making persistent surveillance affordable:

At TCOM, we take pride in offering complete surveillance solutions at a low operational cost. When contrasted with alternative airborne surveillance methods, TCOM aerostat solutions offer superior performance with an operational cost that is nominal by comparison. Round-the-clock deployment for periods of over 30 days with minimal maintenance reduces man hours, fuel and other logistics costs. The low price of operation and the superior level of coverage make TCOM aerostat surveillance solutions the clear choice in an era of limited resources and heightened threats.

TCOM Air Surveillance Systems

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AIR SURVEILLANCE

TCOM Air Surveillance Systems are the solution.

TCOM Sea Surveillance Systems

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SEA SURVEILLANCE

TCOM Sea Surveillance Systems are the solution.

TCOM Land Surveillance Systems

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LAND SURVEILLANCE

TCOM Land Surveillance Systems meet mission requirements worldwide.