Released: Jun 1, 1998
FALCON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- Many Air Force specialties are finding it easier and faster to do business, thanks to space. Normalizing space has become a priority of a specialized space squadron in Colorado Springs.
Members from the 76th Space Operations Squadron here recently got to showcase two new systems at Eglin, AFB, Fla., to a group of special operations members, several civic leaders and general officers attending Capstone, a reoccurring conference of Air Force leaders.
Lieutenant Cols. Craig Brazeau and Richard Wise, Majs. Larry Chodzko and Joe Kuberka, Master Sgt. Dan Geyer and Tech. Sgt. Bill Byrns from the 76th SOPS, were on hand at Eglin to give firepower demonstrations involving two new systems, Multi-Source Tactical System, or MSTS, and Combat Track.
MSTS displays en route space products like reconnaissance, surveillance and navigation to en route aircraft and aircrews. It utilizes a multichannel receiver and integrated displays of both national and tactical combat information for in-flight situation awareness.
"Things like weather and target information become much more accessible," said Chodzko.
"Aircrews especially love this technology. They can actually get Air Tasking Orders and mission changes in-flight. It's a huge time-saver."
The multiple intelligence and information sources are overlaid in near real-time onto digital country outlines, navigational charts and multispectral imagery for two- and three-dimensional flight following, target area analysis, space support analysis and mission fly-throughs.
Combat Track provides en route tracking of aircraft with encrypted, real-time user-friendly systems. Combat Track uses worldwide-capable, military controlled relay satellites to broadcast Global Positioning System positions, two-way message text, load plan and cargo information. Combat Track is an enhanced Time-Division Multiple Access system serving up to 900 users per continent.
"Everyone who sees these demonstrations can't help but be impressed," Chodzko said.
The Eglin group got to see Combat Track and MSTS not only up close and personal on the ground, but in actual flight on a MC-130P, Combat Shadow aircraft, and a AC-130U gunship. Chodzko said some 50 general officers in attendance had nothing but positive feedback from the demonstration. But, it was the special operations audience, mostly from the 4th and 9th Special Operations Squadrons, the actual prospective consumers of MSTS and Combat Track, who were the most excited about what they were seeing.
"Combat Track allows the aircrews to secure encrypted e-mail between aircraft," Chodzko said. "The special operations folks really like that."
In an evasive environment, less is best, explained Chodzko. "When you're talking about cutting your communication by 75 percent, that's something to feel good about."
The special operations folks seem to agree.
Chodzko and members from the 76th SOPS are in the business of employing space capabilities in direct support to the warfighter. The 76th SOPS are responsible for the Air Force Space Support Teams who deploy around the globe to provide theater commanders with the best space has to offer in terms of expertise and equipment.
MSTS and Combat Track are just a sample of what strides Air Force Space Command and 14th Air Force are making in the effort to bring space to the forefront for the warfighter. (Courtesy of AFSPC News Service)
RELATED SITES
* MC-130P Combat Shadow
* Air Force Space Command
* Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
* Falcon Air Force Base, Colo.