Angeline Leishman
The Mobile Communications System Block 2 system for the U.S. Air Force’s Tactical Air Control Party has achieved initial operational capability after demonstrating its combat readiness for voice and video communications.
The IOC declaration from Air Combat also underscored that TACP Mobile Communications System Block 2 program has enough required assets available needed to support fielding and logistics and that the multi-channel communications equipment integrator onboard Humvee trucks is now one step closer to deployment with TACP joint terminal attack controllers, the Air Force Materiel Command said Friday.
Service contractor iGov Technologies developed the MCS Block 2 to enable JTACs on the move with U.S. Army forces and at a halt in tactical operations centers to perform their close air support and command and control missions.
The combined team of AFLCMC, iGov and Air Combat Command reached the milestone five months ahead of schedule, noted Col. Joel Luker, an Air Force senior materiel leader.
After receiving an $85.1 million delivery order in September 2018, iGov started fitting off-the-shelf and non-developmental equipment kits and software into the controllers’ mobility vehicles.
The Air Force will continue kit installations and training on MCS Block 2 through 2023.
