RAAF enhances air operations capability with TAOT
The first Transportable Air Operations Tower (TAOT) manufactured by Rohde & Schwarz. (Photo: Rohde & Schwarz Australia)
The first Transportable Air Operations Tower (TAOT) for the RAAF, delivered in 2012 by Rohde & Schwarz, has undergone a substantial upgrade.
Modernised systems include an Internet Protocol- (IP-) based voice communications and recording capability plus enhanced airfield monitoring and control; network and time synchronisation; and an upgrade to IP radios.
Other work on the upgrade included security hardening, provisioning of new interfaces, new uninterrupted power supplies, air conditioning, and smoke detectors.
This upgrade will be rolled out across the TAOT fleet and forms the first tranche of a spiral upgrade programme that aims to assure a continued capability for the RAAF and extend the service life of the deployable air traffic control tower to 2030 and beyond.
RAAF Base Scherger in Far North Queensland recently received a TAOT during the biennial multinational exercise Talisman Sabre 2021. Also, during Operation Bushfire Assist in 2019-20 a TAOT assisted civilian and military aircraft conducting remote firefighting and humanitarian aid missions.
More from Air Warfare
-
Turkey finalises $7.2 billion deal with UK for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets
The deal will include a weapons package alongside the aircraft, with deliveries expected from 2030.
-
NATO needs to plug its drone gap to meet modern warfare requirements
Despite shared goals, NATO’s counter-uncrewed aerial system efforts remain fragmented, with parallel initiatives lacking a unified doctrine or integrated deployment strategy.
-
“Strong year” ahead as Saab sees uptick in order potential for GlobalEye and Gripen aircraft
The aeronautics business saw a 34% boost in growth year on year, driven largely by its success with its Gripen aircraft.
-
Ukraine and Sweden mark first major step towards potential Gripen E export deal
The letter of intent, signed on 22 October, is the first move in a “long road” towards Sweden strengthening the Ukrainian Air Force with up to 150 Gripen aircraft.