USAF orders more tactical close air support kits
Tactical Air Control Party - Mobile Communications System Block Two kits help provide precision terminal attack guidance for close air support aircraft, artillery, and naval gunfire.
The USAF Life Cycle Management Center has issued a $30.91 million contract modification for iGov Technologies to produce 142 extra Tactical Air Control Party - Mobile Communications System (TACP-MPS) Block Two kits.
The modification also includes training and support.
Work will be performed at various locations across the U.S., and is expected to be completed by September 2022, the DoD noted on 8 January.
TACP teams provide precision terminal attack guidance for close air support aircraft, artillery, and naval gunfire. They also establish and maintain C2 communications and advise ground commanders on the best use of airpower.
Under an $85.1 million delivery order issued in September 2018, iGov is already providing TACP-MCS Block 2 kits with work expected to be completed by January 2024.
Meanwhile, the USAF is also looking to field more compact and lighter weight TACP hardware.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Air Warfare
-
![AI-controlled F-16s advance towards autonomous multi-aircraft operations in US]()
AI-controlled F-16s advance towards autonomous multi-aircraft operations in US
The US plans to progressively expand VENOM/AIR testing from single-aircraft flights to multi-platform autonomous operations over the next 12–24 months, generating data that could support future US military AI programmes, including Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
-
![AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus]()
AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus
While a potentially accelerated acquisition timeline could strengthen the RAAF’s long-range air combat capability, Canberra’s continued reliance on US missile production is also put under the spotlight in parallel to its push to build a sovereign industry.
-
![Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?]()
Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?
Demand signals for counter-drone technology are strong and the market is becoming crowded, but is this really the beginning of a new phase of warfare or will commentators be talking about something else 10 years from now?
