FasTAK integrated targeting system and Gateway

Rockwell Collins’ new FasTAK integrated targeting system enables tactical interoperability and complete digital connectivity across the full spectrum of the battlefield. From the dismounted user through command and control (C2) and beyond, FasTAK ensures speed, simplicity and data integrity – from the commander to the forward edge.

The weight and complexity of fielded equipment have been issues soldiers have battled for years. Today, Rockwell Collins unburdens them through an extremely lightweight system with intuitive computing and efficient power and data management.

To reduce weight, FasTAK uses a mobile phone or tablet populated with easy-to use applications. This lets the soldier focus on their mission while helping them stay agile. FasTAK’s Cross Platform Data Link Processor is a translation and forwarding engine that operates on the end user device.

This kit uses the most modern end-user devices and technologies available today to provide the soldier with rugged power/data management that integrates existing lasers, radios and GPS devices.

Lightweight, loosely coupled and modular, FasTAK provides hardware options to tailor the system to any mission needs. With individual components consolidated into a wearable system, the core capability typically weighs less than 5lbs/2.2 kilograms.

FasTAK is available as an all-in-one solution or as a user selected configuration for integration and enhancement of current in-service systems. Either choice provides the soldier with a highly capable and cost-effective system. The standard system delivers a fully integrated set of hardware, including a laser range finder, tactical PC, video downlink receiver, FasTAK digital targeting software, associated ancillaries and power/data management.

It speaks CoT, VMF, AFAPD and SADL.

The FasTAK Gateway combines the smallest and most powerful LINK 16 terminal, TacNet Tactical Radio and a PRC-162 UHF/VHF MANPACK radio. It adds wideband networking solutions and control via a certified data-link processor. The result is a lightweight, transportable gateway solution. It provides translation and forwarding across LINK 16, VMF, Cursor on Target (CoT), JREAP-C, JREAP-A and various other data languages.

Rockwell Collins provides the following basic radio configuration, but this can be adjusted by the user at the time of purchase:

For Link 16, Rockwell Collins’ TacNet Tactical Radio is a 90W, small form factor, fifth-generation, fully compliant Link 16 terminal that supports Voice, ETR and NTR. At less than 10lbs and requiring no special cooling, the TacNet Tactical Radio was designed to accommodate space- and weight constrained environments that may not offer cooling options.

For line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight UHF/VHF/FM/HF, the company uses one of a variety of radios, such as its TruNet AN/PRC-162(V)1 networked communications ground radio, or if the customer has a preferred multi-band radio, Rockwell Collins will integrate it.

The key to the FasTAK Gateway is the Rockwell Collins Data Link Processor software. The software is a data-link translation and forwarding application that operates on simple laptop hardware. It is JITC certified for LINK 16 VMF forwarding as well as minimum implementation for command and control on LINK 16. The Data Link Processor software manages the translation and forwarding between all the radios and data-link terminals and provides each network with a forwarded situational awareness picture of the other attached networks. The FasTAK Gateway has an integrated router so the computing platform can sit virtually anywhere to manage the data links, radio frequencies and actual forwarding.

Eurosatory 2018 is showcasing the future of innovation across the land forces sector and MONCh (Moench Online News Channel at www.monch.com) brings together key developments from the show. For more information please see MILITARY TECHNOLOGY #06/2018, available at the show in hall 6, stand #D198.; and frequently check back for more NEWS FROM THE FLOOR.