UK Tactical Data Systems Reference Guide
CIS and Communications

CIS Systems Operational CIS

Air Staff Management Aid (ASMA).  A secure command information and message system that provides Air staffs with accurate and timely planning information during peacetime and operations.  Due to be replaced by Royal Air Force Command Support System (RAFCSS), ASMA has no formal database or message handling facilities, but it is widely dispersed and is very flexible.

Army Tactical Computer System (ATacCS).  Heavily based on Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) technology, ATacCS provides the Army with a Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) based C2 system for use in and out of barracks, across the whole battlespace.

Crises Response Operations IN Open System (CRONOS).  CRONOS is a WAN between NATO Allied Command Organisation (ACO) HQ locations, providing office automation (MS Office), message handling, e-mail, VDU conferencing, graphical information services, collaborative planning and display of ground, maritime and air pictures. 

Defence Intelligence Message Handling System (DIMHS).  Graphical Display System (DGDS) Provides the Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP) to deployed sites using DIMHS as bearer.

Fleet Operational Command System Life Extension (FOCSLE).  Provides Naval staffs with a sophisticated, secure network offering automated data distribution and update (including both pre-defined and user-defined totes), dynamic RMP, water-space and interference management, formal message handling, briefing and exercise support facilities, and office automation.

Joint Operations Command System (JOCS).  Brought into service in 1999, JOCS incorporates an integral message handling facility and offers a secure Common Operating Environment (COE) (using the latest commercial technology and web browsing techniques) to publish and distribute information, including a sophisticated Joint Operational Picture (JOP), and to provide tools for HQ staff to control joint operations.  JOCS also incorporates gateways into some other systems.  JOCS terminals will be deployed to support the JTFHQ, whether ashore or afloat, as well as down to component level HQs using CISLs as the bearer, with connectivity back to PJHQ.  Office automation is provided through MS Office 97.  The system offers two types of terminal: Genser or GS domain (SECRET) and SG domain (TS).  In the longer term JOCS, and ultimately its successor Joint Command System (JCS), will provide a single terminal system which will reduce the deployed terminal population of single Service systems.

Joint Operational Tactical System (JOTS).  Installed in all UK frigates, destroyers and carriers, JOTS provides a collaborative system between the UK and US to produce a Joint RMP.  The intention is to replace JOTS by Royal Navy Command Support System (RNCSS), which is planned for all RN mobile platforms.

Mission Support System (MSS).  The RAF maritime patrol input to the RMP is routed via the Nimrod MSS.  MSS systems are also being developed for other RAF ac to provide crews with general situation reports, in addition to providing specific platform pre-mission support.

Naval Shore Telecommunications Network (NSTN) (MHS).  Supports maritime operational C2 and provides a message handling system and database facilities between the PJHQ, JTFHQ / JTFHQ (A), Forward Mounting Base (FMB), CVS and other major naval units in theatre.

Philharmonic.  Offering MS Office 97 and e-mail facilities, Philharmonic provides an exclusive user network to the Special Forces (SF) community.

RAFCSS.  Formerly known as RAF Command Control and Information System (CCIS), RAFCSS is a development of UKAIRCCIS that enhances Air C2 functionality and increases the number and distribution of user terminals, whilst incorporating some of the flexibility and usability of ASMA.

Symphony.  Provides remote secure access into Philharmonic network.

Theatre Operation Management Information System (TOMIS).  Provides RAF Personnel Management Agency (PMA) with accurate statistics on deployed personnel.

UK Air Command and Control Information System (UKAIRCCIS).  Used by the RAF to create, read and update Air resource data and to provide command reporting, formal message handling and gateways into other systems.  Using graphical workstations, the system also provides a General Air and Surface Situation display.  Intended as a replacement for ASMA, but never achieving widespread employability, both systems will be superseded by RAFCSS.

Computer Aided Data Storage And Retrieval (CADSTAR).  Linked to Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre (JARIC) at Brampton, Computer Aided Data Storage and Retrieval (CADSTAR) provides real-time imagery reports.

CSG Analyst Tool (CART)  is a collection of systems and applications that provides near real-time intelligence data.

Commander Landing Force (CLF).  CLF provides a data feed from CINCFLEETLANT to PJHQ via Joint Analysis Centre (JAC) Molesworth.

Defence Imagery Transmission System (DITS).  DITS is a desktop / laptop system that uses Intelligence Messaging Network (IMN) as the data bearer to provide a means of passing electronic and scanned imagery (both still pictures and short video clips) between intelligence agencies and deployed users.

IMN.  IMN provides secure e-mail facilities to intelligence community users.  IMN is deployable and is installed at most operational locations.

Interim Media Operations Transmission System (IMOTS).  IMOTS provides video footage from deployed locations for ministerial viewing, particularly from TIALD and FLIR airborne cameras to assist in BDA rebuttal process.  Data is transferred via INMARSAT / BRENT to PJHQ for further processing.  System is due to be replaced by Media Operations Theatre Injection Point (MOTIP).

Joint Deployable Intelligence Support System (JDISS).  Provides access to a range of US-provided intelligence information and sources.  JDISS comprises a range of applications and uses Stoneghost as its bearer system.

Linked Opintel Central Europe (LOCE).   A NATO intelligence system providing imagery and in-theatre briefing facility.  With its hub at JAC Molesworth, LOCE is the backbone intelligence system for NATO providing, amongst other data, tactical Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), imagery, Order of Battle (OOB) information and shared Theatre Ballistic Missile (TBM) early warning.

Modernised Integrated DataBase (MIDB).  MIDB provides warfighters with access (via Distributed Production Program (DPP) to a large General Military Intelligence (GMI) database in the US, which serves as the UK’s primary world-wide repository for GMI information.

NATO Tactical Intelligence Broadcast (NTIB).  NTIB is used to exchange tactical intelligence data between NATO HQs and deployed forces.

OSIS / OBU / OED.  Ocean Surveillance Information System (OSIS) provides an analyst tool to search for data from a number of ocean sensors and sources.  OSIS Baseline Upgrade (OBU) is a multi-level secure network that takes inputs from a number of systems and sensors.

Ocean Surveillance Product Distribution System (ODPDSLAN).  OSPDSLAN provides the Ocean Surveillance Product (OSP) to a number of distributed terminals within the intelligence community at the PJHQ.

Stoneghost.  Also called Intelink-C, and sometimes JDISS 4 Eyes, Stoneghost provides a confederated internet communications bearer that allows access to JDISS intelligence information.

TRAP.  In conjunction with TRE, TRAP receives high-interest tactical ELINT reports from a number of sources (including contact reports and parametric information) and rebroadcasts it using Tactical Digital (Data) Information Exchange System Broadcast (TADIXS-B) messages over a shared sideband of the Navy’s Fleet Secure Voice UHF satellite channel.  Some TRAP sites also serve as satellite relay sites in order to disseminate the information world-wide.

GLOBAL.  Replacement stores management system for Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) Supply Squadrons and Stores Sections at a variety of sites world-wide.

Logtraks.  Logtraks is a vehicle tracking system that combines satellite communications and GPS to provide visibility and control of logistics consignments and load platforms in the operational supply chain.

MERLIN.  A two-tier system providing depot management functions for RLC and Royal Engineers (RE) equipment holdings.  It has a protectively marked central core at Logistic Information Systems Agency (LISA) Bicester / Donnington and an unprotectively marked distributed system at eight depots.

Movement Management and Air Reservation System (MMARS).  Installed in movement centres world-wide, and with a number of mobile terminals, MMARS is an adaptation of a British Airways application which automates the Joint Services Air Booking Centre (JSABC) air passenger process.

On Line Issues Validation and Enquiry Routines (OLIVER).  With over 600 terminals world-wide, OLIVER is part of the stores management system for Army units.

Seesups.  Comprising two elements (a Sqn level accounts database module called Operational System for Combat Supplies Account Reporting (OSCAR) and a regimental / successive HQ Management Information System (MIS) database called COMIS), Seesups provides secure support for the accounting and reporting of combat supplies for operations and peacetime.

Unit Supply ADP System (USAS).  USAS provides accurate stock control of RAF assets within a station, but it also has links to RAF Stanbridge for central stock allocation.  A version of the system (DUSAS) is available for deployment as necessary.

Visibility of Stores in Transit (ViTAL) supports the operation of the Army freight distribution system to provide global visibility of stores in transit.

Corporate Head Office technology System (CHOtS).  CHOtS provides central MOD and other major HQs with office automation (MS Office 97), MODWeb access, e-mail facilities and several Division-specific applications.  Although primarily an administrative system, CHOtS is widely used for operational planning.

Field Record Support System (FRSS).  FRSS is used to process management information for Army personnel out of barracks, on exercise, on operations and in the field.  In particular, the system tracks servicemen in theatre and assists with unit documentation in the field, including casualty reporting, Prisoner of War (POW) handling, war grave registration and management of in-theatre replacements.

ISIS.  Army administrative system (ISIS) Formerly known as Land CSS, and sometimes called Mapper, ISIS provides a number of applications (including MS Office 97) and a secure database to key staff in HQ Land, subordinate Districts and on deployed operations.  ISIS also has a gateway to CHOtS.

Station Administration Management System (SAMA).  SAMA is an RAF system that provides authorised station administration personnel with personnel statistics and records.  The system also incorporates point-to-point links to support station detachments.

The UK’s operational communications architecture consists of three primary elements:

·                     Static UK communications.

·                     Deployable theatre communications.

·                     Global communications linking the static and deployable elements.

However, in order to ensure that information flow is transparent to the operational user, and to provide flexibility and resilience, the systems that provide for these elements must overlap.  It is therefore easier to conceptualise these systems as merging clouds, rather than as discrete boxes with interconnecting arrows.

The DFTS enables the MOD and all three Services to connect to common telecommunications platforms within the UK, including a digital-based telephone system and wide area data networks.  Although overseen by the Defence Communications Services Agency (DCSA), DFTS is provided under a 10-year PFI contract with INCA, a BT-led team that also includes Marconi Secure Systems and Lockheed Martin.  The INCA consortium has assumed all commercial and technical risks, and is responsible for updating the technology and providing the necessary expertise to manage the service until 2007.  Following the migration of the existing, disparate, networks on to new platforms, the emphasis is now on sustaining a high quality, value-for-money service and on adapting the DFTS business to new customer requirements and rapidly advancing technology.

Managed by the DCSA, DII provides a coherent information infrastructure across the whole of Defence, including fixed sites in the UK and abroad, maritime platforms and deployed HQs.  This capability is provided by a computing infrastructure that includes networks, servers, terminals and associated operating systems and services.  Adopting a coherent engineering approach to information management and application delivery that will involve integrating current ‘stovepipe’ systems, DII will ensure that users will no longer have to cope with multiple terminals to exchange information, even with colleagues who work on the same site.  The DII design will be based on an IP directory enabled resilient network, consisting of geographically located estates, both fixed and deployed, interconnected by a WAN.  The evolving architecture will be based on COTS products and will enable and require technology refreshment to ensure it continues to meet the required capability.  Current plans are to provide a system involving around 130,000 workstations.

Skynet 5.  Skynet 5 is a new UK military satellite communications system currently being deployed.  The programme replaces the Skynet 4 satellite space segment and enhances the ground and system management segments.  It is a privately financed solution, with a private contractor who has developed, owns and operates the system.  Key objectives for the Skynet 5 system include interoperability with US and other allied communication systems, together with coverage of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, parts of Asia, the Atlantic Ocean and eastern USA.  Skynet 5 will process significantly larger quantities of data far more quickly than its predecessors, has greater security features and offers surge capacity to meet MOD communication needs during military operations.  Skynet 5 also includes a commercial element since much of the MOD communications traffic does not need to employ military frequencies.  It is envisaged that excess capacity could be leased to other military users (most notably NATO), and possibly to commercial operators as well.  Currently elements of SKYNET 4 augment the SKYNET 5 services available.

The Skynet 4 system provided SHF and UHF military communications for MOD single service and other government users.  The latest SKYNET satellites incorporated steerable antennas for SHF spot beam communications, increased power and a fully tuneable UHF system. 

The system used to provide Skynet 5 services will consist of at least three new purpose-built hardened geostationary satellites with UHF and SHF payloads, augmented by access to commercial space segment resources, primarily for surge, growth and OOA capabilities.  Extra High Frequency (EHF) capability is likely to be provided via UK participation in a US DoD programme.  The Skynet 5 system also includes upgraded ground and management segments.  Advanced modems and baseband processing, support network services which will be offered to other networks and users (such as Cormorant and Falcon) via standard interfaces.  Point-to-point services, will continue to be available to support legacy systems and overlay networks (where users must choose an appropriate point-to-point architecture, likely to be IER dependent).  However, it is anticipated that most users and connected networks will eventually migrate to a switched network interface, thereby providing greater freedom in optimising communications requirements.  Skynet 5 will also provide broadcast services.

Cormorant is designed to provide a Theatre Wide Area Communications Network (TWACN) for the JTFHQ chain of command.  It is a deployable, modular, air-transportable, communications system that provides direct support to the military user and acts as a backbone network, interconnecting communities of Ptarmigan / Falcon, Bowman, the RAF Transportable Telecommunications System (RTTS) and DLAN.  Direct subscribers are provided with telephone services and a high speed Ethernet LAN service interconnected over the Cormorant backbone.  These services link to the UK’s strategic networks via public Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and satellite services.  An interface into the UK DFTS is utilised through the DCSA.  The Cormorant Management Information System is hosted on a distributed hierarchy of Cormorant Management Information System Enclosures (CMISE), interconnected via a dedicated management communications channel.  The CMISE is a powerful management server, consisting of multiple processors, which provide management support via web based interfaces to authorised users.

The equipment contained within the Cormorant modules has been designed for rapid deployment and set-up, and operates from vehicle and transit cased installations, with the ability to deploy into tents and buildings of opportunity.  The prime-mover chosen to transport the Cormorant communications installations is the Swiss made Bucher Guyer Duro 6 x 6.  Installations will be strategically air-transportable in C130 J / K and C17 ac.  In-theatre movement of complete installations can be carried out using Chinook support helicopters, and the communications container may also be moved by Sea King and Merlin ac.  The Cormorant system comprises six main modules:

Local Area Support (LASp).  LASp modules contain equipment to provide the office communication facilities within a deployed HQ.  This consists of voice and data access, local switching and data routing equipment.  Within this module there are two main variants: the LASp 100 and LASp 30, each capable of supporting up to 100 and 30 subscribers respectively.

Core Element (CE).  The CE contains the main Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) switching and gateways equipment for interconnection to other communications systems.

CLASp.  A hybrid of CE and LASp.  This module gives an operational capability of deploying a single installation to support a 30-subscriber community, where there is only a modest transit switching and gateway requirement.

Bearer Module (BM).  BM provides radio relay links to allow interconnection over extended distances.  Tactical Fibre Optic cables and SRLOS radios links also provide short-range operation.

Mobile Subscriber Access Module (MSAM).  MSAM utilises a GSM Piconode based system to provide a local area mobile subscriber capability.  Mobile subscribers are able to use most of the facilities offered to static Cormorant subscribers.  The installation is housed in a Land Rover Truck Utility Medium (TUM) HS ‘Wolf’ vehicle and supporting trailer.

Long Range Bearer Module (LRBM).  LRBM provides Over-The-Horizon (OTH) communications utilising tropospheric scatter technology.  Module comprises two vehicles, one providing power and SRLOS radio link functionality, the other providing the management and tropospheric scatter equipment.

Cormorant UK Nodes are installed at three Satellite Ground Stations (SGS), providing UK hub to Theatre switching.  In addition to the UK Nodes, Cormorant Management Terminals is also deployed to a number of locations within the UK to provide individual HQs with C2 / planning functionality and first-hand up-to-date information on operational Cormorant assets.

As a Formation Communication System (FCS) or tactical formation level communications system, Falcon will form the backbone of a theatre-wide Unified Communications System (UCS) concept by integrating fully with projects such as Cormorant, Skynet V and Bowman.  When allied with these CIS, Falcon will be able to support fully the communications needs of the five JFCCs, including Framework Nation requirements of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), within a Joint, allied and multinational framework.  This will be achieved through the provision of a high capacity, extended range, deployable, mobile and flexible communication system, which will incrementally meet the requirements of theatre commanders at all levels.  As such, it will replace and improve upon the capabilities currently provided by Ptarmigan, RTTS, Euromux and others.  The principle requirements for Falcon are that it must be both secure and interoperable (whose specific requirements often conflict), as well as being flexible, deployable, useable and upgradeable, all with minimal overheads.  In order to manage risk, Falcon will be procured incrementally, with increasing levels of capability being delivered in 2006, 2008 and 2010.  Adopting the NATO PG/6 Telecomms Post-2000 architecture, Falcon will consist of:

Local Area Subsystem (LAS).  LAS provide communications services to single users or groups of users in geographically restricted areas.

Wide Area Subsystem (WAS).  WAS provides sufficient, secure and resilient communications services to users in geographically distributed areas, both supporting interoperability and minimising the impact of terrain.

Mobile Subsystem (MS).  Although Falcon is not designed to meet the needs of true mobile users, the MS provides services not available through CNR, such as broadcast reception and multiple terminals.

Network Management Subsystem (NMS).  NMS configures and manages the Falcon network and external connectivity options.

Bowman provides an integrated tactical secure communications system for the land elements of all three Armed Services.  It introduces a range of services, primarily at Bde level and below, that were previously unavailable in the land tactical environment.  These include secure communications for both voice and data messages, improved levels of situational awareness, and resilience to ECM and interference.  Bowman also provides much of the core infrastructure for Battlefield Information System Applications (BISA) and, as such, is an essential element of the UK Joint Battlespace Digitisation (JBD) initiative.  The fielding of Bowman equipment began in ernest in 2005.  In order to provide an effective C2 system, Bowman provides:

Voice.  A fully secure, autonomous, all-informed voice service, with facilities for increased range by radio rebroadcast stations.  The system maximises its use of the frequency spectrum and provides a range of EPM modes; it also has the ability to work in a covert mode.  Interoperability is provided and a clear hail facility is available to enable insecure access to a secure network by a bona fide user.

Data.  A facility called Bowman User Data Service (BUDS), allows users or BISAs to transfer data around the system.  BUDS identifies all users uniquely and provides the necessary mechanisms to address and send information to any user or BISA within the Bowman system.  These messages, which can be free text, formatted to NATO standards or in user defined formats, are composed, stored and displayed on BOWMAN user data terminals or printed out on HQ printers.

Network Data Service.  In order to improve overall throughput and speed of delivery, the bulk of the data traffic routing via the command nets is removed by an internet overlay of High-Capacity Data Radio (HCDR)s, which is superimposed over the user nets on the battlefield.

Automatic Position Location Navigation Reporting (APLNR).   The position of each Bowman radio is determined and updated automatically by external signals such as GPS, internal sensors, or a combination of both, and is reported automatically to other Bowman users.  A navigation aid also assists users in moving between particular points and in determining bearing and distance from specified locations or other users.

Management.  Bowman is provided with:

·                     Bowman Communications Management System (BCMS), to plan, establish and maintain a communications network that is both mobile and subject to attrition.

·                     Bowman Logistics Information System (BLIS), an automated information system to record build states and equipment usage, and to monitor the location of Maintenance Significant Items (MSI).

·                     Bowman Key Variable Management System (BKVMS).  BKVMS provides a secure and reliable mechanism for the management and distribution of Crypto Key Material.

Radios.  The Bowman suite of radios consists of:

·                     VPT, VHF Portable Radio.

·                     ADR+, Advanced Digital Radio.

·                     VA, VHF Airborne Radio.

·                     HM, HF Manpack Radio.

·                     HMOL / HMOP, HF Permanently Mounted Transceiver System.

·                     UDT, User Data Terminal (comprising BMDT, VUDT, DUDT and PUDT).

BRAHMS.  BRAHMS is a suitcase-based system that can be plugged into any standard telephone line world-wide to provide secure voice communications.  However, voice communication is delayed slightly and strict RT procedures are required for effective system use.

BRENT.  Secure ISDN phone.

BRERE.  BRERE is a desktop version of BRAHMS and is usually used for permanent or semi-permanent installations.

Clansman.  Due to be replaced by Bowman, Clansman currently remains in-service as the family of tactical radios with which non BOWman units are equipped to provide communications, from deployed formation HQs forward to fighting units.  Providing communications for mobile armoured formations, amphibious and airborne units, ground to air, and support and logistic units, Clansman also allows access to wider coverage area communications systems such as Ptarmigan.  Although designed to be capable of world-wide deployment in rugged conditions, and incorporating interoperability and simple maintenance features, the Clansman equipment is now over 20 years old and is becoming unreliable.  Additionally, individual VHF sets have limited frequency range, thereby inhibiting frequency management flexibility and making the system vulnerable to electronic interception and attack.  Clansman has limited data transmission capacity and no data handling capability, and is unable to process radio net management information.  It also requires a Secure Speech Harness to operate in a secure mode (which cannot be used by manpack sets) and has no secure HF voice facility.  The CLANSMAN family of radios includes: PRC 349 lightweight VHF radio, PRC 351 tactical VHF radio, PRC 320 HF radio for long range comms, and VRC 353 vehicle mounted VHF radio.

DLAN.  A rapidly deployable general purpose LAN designed to emulate Local Data Communications Network (LDCN) capabilities in the field.

Euromux.  Euromux provides a vehicle-borne secure communications area network similar in principle to Ptarmigan.  Using 1980s OTS technology, it is interoperable with the trunk systems of NATO allies.  Although it does not provide facilities as comprehensive as those of PTARMIGAN, it has proved itself to be a very versatile network in OOA operations to remain in service until around 2005.

FRANFIELD.  Provides secure voice communication at permanent installations throughout the intelligence community.

Inmarsat.  Established in 1979 to serve the maritime industry by developing satellite communications for ship management, and distress and safety applications, Inmarsat services have expanded to cover land, mobile and aeronautical communications.  Its users now include thousands of people in remote areas without reliable terrestrial networks.  Inmarsat presently represents 86 member countries and has nine satellites in geosynchronous orbits; four of these satellites, the latest Inmarsat-3 generation, provide overlapping global coverage, and the remainder are available as spares or for leasing to other organisations.

Intelsat.  International Telecommunications Satellite Organisation (Intelsat) has 143 member agencies and a network of 17 satellites in geosynchronous orbits that provide instantaneous communications throughout the world, and more than 2,000 earth stations to transmit and receive signals to and from the satellites.  Its current series of satellites, Intelsat-8, can carry 22,500 two-way telephone calls and three colour television broadcasts at the same time; this could be increased to as many as 112,500 two-way telephone circuits using advanced electronic equipment.

LDCN.  An infrastructure project to provide LANs to support RAF Functional Area IT Strategies world-wide.

NSTN.  Provides formal signal messaging between RN mobiles and shore establishments.  System currently has eight shore nodes with over 5000 terminals, and two deployed nodes on HMS Invincible and Illustrious as part of the JTFHQ(A) CIS package.

Patron.  Provides secure voice communications between MOD, HQs and units.  The Patron exchange is installed at Whitehall and has gateways to a number of other secure voice systems.  The facilities provided by Patron can be extended to overseas locations through Mentor bearers.

Ptarmigan.  Introduced into service in 1984, initially to meet the needs of the British Army in Germany, Ptarmigan is a vehicle-borne, secure, computer controlled, battlefield communications system.  Consisting of a network of Trunk Switches connected by satellite, Triffid relay and PSTN links, the system offers considerable flexibility in providing voice, data, telegraph and fax facilities to field formation HQs and deployed operational users, both within the area of operations and back to the UK base.  Known as MAPPS, Ptarmigan also has a mobile telephone / SCRA capability to provide isolated and mobile users with an entry point into the full trunk system and all its facilities.  With an expected out-of-service date of 2011, Ptarmigan will be replaced by Falcon / Cormorant.  In the meantime, Ptarmigan will continue to be upgraded to meet the challenges of changing requirements and new tasks, including the introduction of an air portable Secondary Access Node (SAN) for 16 Air Assault Bde, and General Purpose Trunk Access Port (GPTAP) software to improved inter-connectivity to other nations' tactical systems.

RTTS.  Installed and managed by TCW*, RTTS provides a series of secure and insecure voice / data services to RAF units at deployed locations (including a DLAN capability to provide support to various deployed CIS such as RAFCSS) and strategic communications via military satellite links.

Secure Telephone Unit (STU).  STU provides mobile secure voice communications (voice, 9.6 kbps data and RS232 fax) via a standard PSTN telephone line.  STU IIB and STU III models are compatible and both comprise desktop, deployable units that can be interfaced to Inmarsat world-phones and Saturn B-series systems.

Triffid.  Provides the multi-channel radio relay links for Ptarmigan and Euromux.  With three interchangeable modules (known as heads), Triffid provides links in the UHF band at 512Kbs, with up to 32 digital channels.

Tactical Satellite Ground Terminal (TSGT).  TSGTs, in conjunction with the Skynet 4 military satellite constellation, provide high quality, high bandwidth communications links at very short notice, anywhere in the world.  The VSC501 is a Landrover based mobile TSGT, which has recently been upgraded to automatically track satellites in their figure-of-eight orbit.  The VSC501 will be replaced by Reacher in the next few years, prior to the introduction of Skynet 5.  The TSC503 was introduced into service in 2000, to provide a containerised TSGT capability.  In addition, there are four variants of MOST, which provide additional capability for use on peacekeeping operations, and a wide range of INMARSAT terminals.  Also, the Army will shortly see the PSC510 man pack satellite terminals replaced by the PSC506.

Video TeleConference (VTC).  To support crisis planning at the higher levels, secure static VTC links have been established between the MOD DCMC, PJHQ, HQ Land, HQSTC and the UK Delegation in Brussels.  Additionally, PJHQ is establishing VTC links with its equivalent command in a number of allied nations, including the US, France and Germany.  The MOD has also purchased a number of portable VTC installations for deployed use.