SAF'S IMPROVED WIDE AREA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
PHOTO // Illustration PIONEER designers
The Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) communications hardware goes digital as it gets upgraded to cater to the increasingly demanding communication needs of the 3rd Generation fighting force.
Digitised System
The Digitised Trunk Communications System (D-TCS) serves as the basic building block in creating a high bandwidth network in the battlefield. Through the set-up of multiple communication nodes, the D-TCS provides a fully digitised data and voice communication network in the tactical environment, with a transmission range of up to 40km.
Speedy Network
The D-TCS provides a battlefield network with a high bandwidth of up to 34Mbps, up from the 2Mbps of the previous system. This allows for speedier and richer information exchanges between fighting platforms and command headquarters, which then translates to greater shared situational awareness (via video streaming from mini-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), and better command and control (via video teleconferencing).
Mobile & Rugged
With the D-TCS mounted on military vehicles, the SAF has the mobility and flexibility to rapidly deploy in remote places without pre-existing infrastructure. This is in contrast to the static infrastructure of commercial telecommunication companies, which would generally require longer durations to establish and extend. The D-TCS nodes can be established within 30mins and are ruggedised for use in the toughest conditions.
User-Friendly
Operating on the common Internet Protocol (IP) architecture, the D-TCS broadband network allows fighting platforms to join and leave the network easily in a "plug-and-play" manner. The IP network can also be easily managed and monitored through the Network Management System which allows easy identification and rectification of network faults.
The D-TCS integrates various communications technologies and systems used in various SAF platforms into a single network.
