(U) Talon TRANSITION

(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) Transition is a separate Air Force TENCAP functional element which provides transition planning assistance for each TENCAP Project TEAM (TPT).  TENCAP Transition provides transition assessments and planning, from project concept through demonstration support, formal engineering, transition to acquisition channels, or to MAJCOM for implementation.  Transition also provides analysis to ensure supportability, maintainability, and compatibility for fielded systems.  Several AF TENCAP projects are in transition including: PRIME VIEW, FOCUS COMM, SPANG and Special Operations Forces Tactical Data Processor (SOF-TDP).

Description: (U)
(U) PRIME VIEW assessed the utility of primary imagery, made available directly to an Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) unit through a Very Small Aperture Technology (VSAT) terminal, to satisfy unit-level mission requirements.  In Feb 98, AFSOC deployed the PRIME VIEW imagery exploitation equipment to a forward operating location to support CSOTF-SWA.  Originally designed for use in garrison, the system used archived imagery brought in on tape instead of live satellite links.  According to the deployed unit commander, the PRIME VIEW equipment effectively satisfied 75-85% of AFSOC's deployed imagery exploitation requirements.  Currently, the PRIME VIEW equipment is being redeployed from SWA due to a drawdown of deployed AFSOC personnel. 

(U) SOF-TDP provides a Common Object Framework for AFSOC flying units.  The framework allows for collaborative mission planning by various squadrons across multiple platforms (e.g., Windows, UNIX) and access to all-source data. AFSOC's 18th Test Squadron will do an operational assessment of SOF-TDP early this fall.

(U) SPANG provides the ability to receive, process, and analyze National system information, specifically Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), directly to the 52nd Fighter Wing (52FW) based at Spangdahlem, Germany.  The goal of the project is to demonstrate the value of wing-level receipt of pulse-level ELINT in support of the Block 50 F-16 HARM Targeting System (HTS). 

(U) FOCUS COMM was an FY96 and 97 development and demonstration of a S-band conformal phased array antenna capable of 128Kbps receive and 64Kbps transmit through NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS).  TDRSS has world wide availability and excess capacity.  The project completed 3 flights at Green Flag in late April 98.  Additionally, the aircraft flew five times out of Nellis AFB, NV in support of the Joint Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (JSEAD) LIVEX after the GREEN FLAG flights.  The antenna performed flawlessly and achieved 64Kbps transmit rates, twice the expected rate.  Imagery, voice files, intelligence information and even software updates were sent to and from the aircraft with no data loss.  A potential OCONUS demonstration is being considered for the summer of 98.

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

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Operational.

(U) Organizations and Funding:
	(U) Air Force-Space Warfare Center: Funding Source.
		SPANG is in first year of transition and is being used routinely at 52 FW. The end of FY99 will terminate AF TENCAP funding. HQ USAFE/DOQS indicates Project SPANG will most likely be funded from the HQ USAFE/IN or SC budgets beginning in FY00. Additional equipment to improve automation is being considered for addition to SPANG configuration.

 All AF TENCAP funds for project FOCUS COMM have been expended.  Talon Ready has received additional Support to Military Operations funding to build "plug-in" kit of three hatch-mounted antennas.  This effort will also integrate two existing computer functions of antenna steering and data display onto a single laptop.

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) Talon  VISION, Talon  WARRIOR, Talon COMMAND, Talon KNIGHT, Talon OUTLOOK, Talon READY, Talon SHOOTER

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).)