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TCOM Holdings Announces Acquisition of Aerostar

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The acquisition will Solidify TCOM Holdings’ Global Leadership Position in Persistent Surveillance Platforms and Leading-Edge Radar and Sensor Systems.

July 29, 2022—Columbia, Maryland, USA— TCOM Holdings, the parent of TCOM, LP, the global leader in elevated ISR Awareness Solutions, announced it acquired Aerostar International, Inc. from Raven Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE: CNHI / MI: CNHI). Aerostar is a world leader in the design, manufacture, integration, and operation of persistent stratospheric platforms and radar systems with headquarters in Sioux Falls, SD. Aerostar will become an operating business unit under TCOM Holdings.

TCOM offers Multi-Domain Awareness solutions for Force Protection, Distant Warning and Targeting, Critical Infrastructure, and Maritime and Border Security missions. Its elevated ISR platforms are designed to collect information from multiple integrated sensors and provide situational awareness through integrated communications equipment. In this era of rapid technology development, maintaining security is an evolving mission with revolutionary threats to changing targets. TCOM’s Elevated Awareness Solutions are custom tailored to meet our customers’ needs for today and tomorrow.

The Aerostar stratospheric balloons provide critical advantages for a wide range of missions, bridging the capability gap between aircraft and satellites. In border security, maritime, and air surveillance applications, Aerostar radar systems provide sophisticated statistical detection, tracking, and classification, as well as multi-sensor correlation.

Ron Bendlin, President and Chief Executive Officer of TCOM, stated, “We are excited to welcome Aerostar to our growing portfolio of Aerospace and Defense holdings. Our ability to leverage TCOM’s proven elevated awareness solutions using tethered aerostats and Aerostar’s sophisticated sensors and stratospheric balloons will more broadly serve our DoD, DHS, and allied military customers.”

Jim Nelson, Aerostar’s President, added, “The strategic alignment between TCOM, LP and Aerostar will enhance our ability to innovate in aerospace and defense, drive growth in our target markets, and expand our global reach to connect, protect, and save lives.”

About TCOM, L.P.
TCOM, LP, a long-time global leader in lighter-than-air platforms, is proud to offer a full line of elevated awareness solutions. Combining custom selections of the world’s most advanced sensors, customer-specific communications, and intelligent user interfaces with a broad range of airborne platforms provides the end user with a cost-effective, unparalleled capability. For more information, visit www.TCOMLP.com.

About Aerostar
Aerostar is dedicated to connecting, protecting, and saving lives through its work as an aerospace and defense provider. Aerostar’s core product offerings include stratospheric platforms, radar, and perception sensors, technical services, and protective wear. From engineering services to mission planning and support, research and design, and the development of advanced technical products, Aerostar offers tailored turnkey solutions for a multitude of successful operations. Visit www.AEROSTAR.com for more information about Aerostar.

For Media Inquiries:

For TCOM LP
Mr. Gal Borenstein, The Borenstein Group, Inc.
Gal@Borensteingroup.com
703-385-8178 x70

For Aerostar
Anastasia Quanbeck
Business Manager
Aerostar
Anastasia.Quanbeck@ravenind.com
(605) 360-9863

TCOM, Global Leader in Elevated ISR Awareness Solutions, Lands $217.3 Million Contract in Support of Saudi Arabia’s Defense

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Columbia, Maryland. TCOM, LP, the global leader in elevated ISR Awareness Solutions, announced that it was awarded a $217.3 million contract from the U.S. Army to provide Saudi Arabia multiple tethered aerostat platforms intended to support military communications and force protection, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance activities. The new contract is completely funded with foreign military sales, according to the Department of Defense. As a result of this award and business growth, TCOM has announced its intention to add new hires in numerous engineering and manufacturing roles in both its Columbia, MD, and Elizabeth City, NC facilities.

TCOM’s persistent surveillance systems deliver a full range of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), force protection, and communications capabilities to joint, interagency, and multinational organizations. The Saudi award comes on the heels of TCOM’s historic win of a five-year, $978.9 Million Prime Contract of the U.S. Army PSS-T Program, designed to support multisensory data collection, 360-degree monitoring, weather detection, communications, and force protection tasks during interagency, multinational and joint operations.

 

TCOM offers Multi-Domain C5ISR Awareness solutions for Critical Infrastructure Force Protection, Distant Warning and Targeting, and Maritime and Border Security. Its elevated awareness Lighter-Than-Air ISR platforms are designed to collect information from multiple sensors and interoperate with other aerial and unattended ground radars. In this era of rapid technology development, maintaining security is an evolving mission with revolutionary threats to changing targets.  TCOM Elevated Awareness Solutions are custom-tailored to meet our customer needs for today and tomorrow.

Designed to enhance customers’ effectiveness in today’s multi-domain operations, TCOM’s Lighter-Than-Air systems provide a persistent presence complementing and enhancing UAVs, Aircraft, and satellites. Capable of delivering 360-degree coverage for detection, surveillance, monitoring, and targeting on long-endurance missions exceeding 14 days, Lighter-Than-Air platforms create a unique ability to understand life patterns in areas of interest.

About TCOM, L.P.:

TCOM, LP, a long-time global leader in Lighter-Than-Air platforms, is proud to offer a full line of elevated awareness solutions.  Combining custom selections of the world’s most advanced sensors, customer-specific communications, and intelligent user interfaces with a broad range of airborne platforms provides the end-user with a cost-effective unparalleled capability. For more information, visit www.TCOMLP.com.

International Border Security Report Features TCOM on Smarter Border Security Enabled by Persistent Airborne Surveillance Aerostats

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Border Security Report, a respected international defense publication, has published today a feature article  about how “Persistent Airborne Surveillance Aerostats enable smarter Border Security.” According to the article, increasing geopolitical tensions in global geo-conflict border security zones, from the South China Sea to the Iran-Saudi Arabia conflict and the Russia-Ukraine and former Eastern Europe NATO allies have made the need for reliable and cost-effective persistent airborne surveillance imperative for effective C5ISR’s doctrine for military and law enforcement decision-makers. As they seek to monitor, identify, and prepare to respond when a real or perceived threat becomes imminent to their strategic interests.

Most critically, effective persistent airborne surveillance must operate in multiple environments. Border security can mean protecting critical infrastructures, maritime ports, entire maritime areas against missiles, and in the air. Adding to that complexity is the presence of largely populated areas in multiple countries proximate to the conflict zone, making it challenging to select one tool or method to create a compelling operational ‘Common Operating Picture’ for defense and border security decision-makers.vRead more at https://border-security-report.com/smarter-border-security-enabled-by-persistent-airborne-surveillance-aerostats/

 

Border Security Report as a bi-monthly publication and the premier international border management industry magazine delivering agency and industry news and developments and more in-depth features and analysis to over 34,000 border agencies, agencies at the borders, and industry professionals, policymakers, and practitioners, worldwide. Read more at https://border-security-report.com/ 

TCOM Wins 2020 Platinum Award as Best Persistent Aerial Surveillance and Monitoring Solution at the Astors’ Homeland Security Awards Competition

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TCOM, LP, is pleased to announce today it has won the 2020 Platinum Award for Best Persistent Aerial Surveillance and Monitoring Solution in 2020 in the Astors’ Homeland Security Awards Competition, held by American Security Today magazine. According to the award committee, TCOM’s lighter-than-air Best Persistent Aerial Monitoring Aerostats are providing the U.S. Homeland Security and U.S. Army communities with the most cost-effective aerial persistent surveillance solutions with the promise of integration of new ISR sensors that can watch borders, maritime, and other scenarios efficiently and with cutting-edge innovation.

TCOM Mints Platinum as Best Persistent Aerial Monitoring Solution for Lighter Than Air Aerostats by American Security Today Astors Awards Homeland Security Awards 2020.

Persistent surveillance aerial aerostats remain in critical military demand, particularly at a tactical level as part of all of the above doctrines of Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR). For example, in late September 2019, the US Department of Defense awarded a $979 million contract to TCOM – to perform work on the Persistent Surveillance Systems – Tethered (PSS-T) program, a range of medium and large tactical aerostats that provide ISR, force protection and communications capabilities to a range of users. The PSS-T aerostat fleet provides a flexible and affordable capability comprising medium and large-size aerostats to provide persistent, integrated, networked, and multi-sensor information collection via long periods of operation altitude that maximizes lines of sight and field of regard on onboard systems. TCOM’s systems support requirements for Homeland Security on the U.S. southwestern border, as well as in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa, providing persistent surveillance, force protection, and ISR missions, as well as communications extensions. The platforms’ primary advantage is their ability to provide extended time on mission and at an advantageous cost, with aerostats providing great flexibility for operating multiple capabilities simultaneously. Of special notice, TCOM, LP was also recognized as the top solution for persistent surveillance ISR for homeland security in 2019, 2018, and 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Programs.

 

 

 

Headquarters

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Manufacturing

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Manufacturing and Flight Test Facility

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TCOM offers the world’s largest selection of proven aerostat solutions that counter the tactical, operational and strategic threats faced by our customer-nations.

End-to-end systems engineered for any environment.

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We provide our customers with innovation, responsiveness and best value by leveraging our advanced technology, skilled workforce and over 40 years of proven experience.

TCOM advancements continue to define the industry.

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TCOM is the proven global leader for innovative, cost-effective Airborne Persistent Surveillance solutions protecting national security in the world’s most demanding operational environments.

TCOM aerostat systems are Soldiers of the Skies.

Pages

Airships

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Airship Gallery

View images of TCOM Airships. TCOM is the global leader in aerostat persistent surveillance solutions, providing total domain awareness over air, land and sea. TCOM systems provide affordable and economical persistent surveillance for military, defense, law-enforcement, border security and communications applications..

Sea Based Aerostats

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Sea Based Aerostat Gallery

View images of TCOM Sea Based Aerostats. TCOM is the global leader in aerostat persistent surveillance solutions, providing total domain awareness over air, land and sea. TCOM systems provide affordable and economical persistent surveillance for military, defense, law-enforcement, border security and communications applications.

74M Aerostats

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74M Aerostat Gallery

View images of TCOM 74M aerostat systems. TCOM is the global leader in aerostat persistent surveillance solutions, providing total domain awareness over air, land and sea. TCOM systems provide affordable and economical persistent surveillance for military, defense, law-enforcement, border security and communications applications.

71M Aerostats

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71M Aerostat Gallery

View images of TCOM 71M aerostat systems. TCOM is the global leader in aerostat persistent surveillance solutions, providing total domain awareness over air, land and sea. TCOM systems provide affordable and economical persistent surveillance for military, defense, law-enforcement, border security and communications applications.

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

Case Study: RAID

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TCOM Provides Tethered Aerostat Persistent Surveillance Solutions to RAID Program in Iraq and Afghanistan

Case Study Facts:

  • U.S. Forces in Iraq lacked effective perimeter surveillance for forward operating bases
  • Troops at high risk of enemy attack
  • U.S. Military deployed RAID program
  • TCOM 17M tactical aerostats deployed in bases throughout Iraq
  • Larger TCOM Aerostat systems deployed in Afghanistan to relay surveillance and communications information rapidly and reliably
  • TCOM aerostat persistent surveillance systems save lives

Case Study: Italy

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TCOM Persistent Sea Surveillance System Improves Maritime Security in Italy

Case Study Facts:

  • Italian Officials faced challenge from smugglers and illegal immigrants during Bosnian conflict
  • Small, fast-moving vessels difficult to detect by conventional methods
  • Navy cutter patrols were extremely costly and inefficient
  • TCOM SAACS persistent aerostat surveillance system provided total domain awareness
  • Italian officials were able to monitor, track and intercept smugglers
  • Italian law enforcement effectively curtailed incidences of illegal immigration
  • Authorities obtained the actionable intelligence needed to ensure coastal security

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.

COPYRIGHT © 2020 TCOM, L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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