(U) Talon KNIGHT

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U) Talon KNIGHT is one of eight functional areas under the Air Force TENCAP Program designed to exploit the tactical use of existing National systems.  Talon KNIGHT exploits National systems for Special Operations Forces (SOF) and other low-visibility forces.  The goals of Talon KNIGHT include integrating and tailoring existing technology for SOF-specific needs, developing emerging technology, and testing, demonstrating and evaluating prototypes and advanced concepts.  Talon KNIGHT projects emphasize autonomous and independent functionality, ruggedized gear, compactness/miniaturization, modularized aircraft, vehicle or man-portable equipment, simple operation and robust communications architectures.  Talon KNIGHT has six ongoing FY98 projects; MICROTAG; POINTER; Multi-Mode Air and Space Tagging and Tracking (MASTT); Global Broadcast Service (GBS); HAVE CSAR and BRITE.  For FY99, Talon KNIGHT project AC-130U Fire Control System/Identification Friend or Foe (FCS/FF).

Description: (U)
(U) MICROTAG is an active tagging device that provides Blue Force unit ID and GPS location over-the-horizon using an LPI/LPD burst transmitter.  MICROTAG bursts are visible to national and tactical sensors.  The MICROTAG data is then transmitted via TDDS or secure STU-III.  MICROTAG is Collection Of Broadcasts from Remote Assets (COBRA) signal protocol compliant.  Under the current schedule, TALON KNIGHT will take delivery of two MICROTAG prototypes in Sep 98.  

(U)  POINTER is a semi-active transponder-like emitter with precision location capabilities.  The 3in x 2in x 2in device has a long life battery (2 to 5 years) and it remains dormant until activated by national or tactical systems.  It then responds with an LPI/LPD databurst containing unit ID and GPS location.  POINTER Engineering Design Unit (EDU) and prototype testing continues to yield positive results.  The National community hosted a meeting in Jun 98 to plan for an end-to-end test of the POINTER system.  The software baseline will be complete in Sep 98.  Talon KNIGHT will coordinate a demonstration for the SOF community in conjunction with the final software baseline installation (tentative dates are 14-17 & 23-25 Sep 98).

(U)  Project MASTT is a joint effort to develop two new miniaturized Blue Force tracking and communications devices.  These devices will be designed to work with National, tactical and commercial collection systems.  One device will be a miniaturized active device, with remote turn-on capability.  The second device is a miniaturized semi-active device, which works with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).  This device will be dual-mode, working with both National and tactical systems.  Talon KNIGHT presented the MASTT Statement of Objectives to the contractor on 8 Jun 98.  The final task award was completed in early Jul 98.  This effort will leverage lessons learned from the MICROTAG and POINTER projects. 

(U)  Project GBS is an effort to put a Ku-band phased array antenna on a Special Operations Forces Psychological Operations C-130 (Commando Solo) to support the dissemination of bulk encrypted video and products from Talon KNIGHT's tagging initiatives into the cockpit.  EMI testing will be completed Aug 98.  A series of six demonstrations are scheduled with the first being set for Fall 98. 

(U)  HAVE CSAR is an architecture designed to disseminate Talon KNIGHT tagging products to tactical users.  The project uses a Multi-mission Advanced Tactical Terminal (MATT) radio in an HH-60 helicopter to receive National and tactical data in the cockpit.  Talon KNIGHT demonstrated the HAVE CSAR capability at the Joint Rescue Exercise (JREX) at Fairchild AFB WA from 1-10 June 1998.  The exercise provided a perfect venue for HAVE CSAR since JREX's focus was on combat search and rescue and the Combat Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL) radio. HAVE CSAR demonstrated the ability to display CSEL data on the HH-60's Control and Display Unit and exercise the software's ability to allow the pilot to modify his flight plan and fly directly to the downed aircrew's position. 

(U)  Project BRITE is a dissemination architecture to allow isolated units to receive imagery in the field.  The architecture leverages GBS, tactical receive equipment and the TRAP Data Dissemination System (TDDS) to notify the user of newly available imagery, while also allowing the user to reach back to obtain needed images.  The project uses Talon KNIGHT support tools (briefcase MATT receiver, GBS receive suite) to minimize costs.  A project BRITE Program Management Review (PMR) was held in Washington, DC in Jun 98.  A demonstration is tentatively scheduled for early fall 98.

(U)  AC-130U FCS/IFF is a FY99 project to get TDDS data into the fire control system on AFSOC's AC-130U gunship aircraft.  This capability will allow for recognition of friendly forces, and by creating an automated no-fire zone around these forces, prevent fratricide.  This project will also provide an excellent situational awareness capability for the gunship crew.

User Impact: (U)
(U) See Description.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Operational.

(U) Organizations and Funding:
	(U) Air Force-Space Warfare Center: Funding Source.
		Talon KNIGHT is funded by PE 27247F.

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) Combat Survivor Evader Locator, GBS Phase I, GBS Phase II, GBS Terminals, Talon  VISION, Talon  WARRIOR, Talon COMMAND, Talon OUTLOOK, Talon READY, Talon SHOOTER, Talon TRANSITION

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Air Force TENCAP

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) ISR.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Air Force.

Date of Information: (U)
22 July 1998

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)