RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The 1st Combat Communication Squadron (CBCS) was greeted with an influx of innovative technology recently, thanks to the arrival and implementation of the new Tactical Air Navigation system.
A vital milestone in military aviation, this system marks a significant upgrade in the technological arsenal for United States Air Force in Europe and is anticipated to revolutionize agile combat employments by offering vital assistance to aircrews, facilitating the precise location of designated airfields or landing zones with unprecedented efficiency.
“An essential feature of the new TACAN system lies in its ability to furnish aircrews with crucial data, such as distance to the stationed airfield, along with the specific identification code,” said Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Carter, 1st Combat Communications Squadron, Flight Chief Airfield Ops. “Moreover, what sets this system apart is its remarkable capacity to provide precise distance information to more than 200 aircraft simultaneously, ensuring streamlined coordination and communication among multiple units.”
This revolutionary TACAN system has been meticulously designed to withstand the rigors of challenging environments, featuring a ruggedized structure tailored for operations in the harshest of conditions.
What further sets the new MM-7000 apart from previous TACAN systems is its convenient man-portable configuration, ensuring that it remains the lightest, smallest, and most mobile TACAN ground station available.
“Ease of deployment stands as a hallmark of this state-of-the-art system, as the MPTACAN can be swiftly set up and become fully operational within minutes of arrival at any unprepared tactical location compared to hours for previous systems,” said Staff Sgt. Morgan Giacomelli, Radar, Airfield and Weather Systems (RAWS) Supervisor.
The introduction of the MM-7000 TACAN system not only signifies a monumental leap forward in technological capabilities but also underscores the unwavering commitment of the USAFE to bolstering national security and enhancing operational effectiveness.
As the Tactical Airfield Operations Flight readies the system for deployment across the European and Africa theaters of operations, this acquisition paves the way for its eventual deployment across the Pacific Air Forces showcasing a promising future for the United States Air Force's effectiveness across the globe.
“This unparalleled agility offers a significant advantage in dynamic combat scenarios, empowering military personnel with swift and reliable access to critical data without unnecessary delays,” said Giacomelli.