Innovative Concepts Provides US Air Force Tactical Air Controllers with Portable Tactical Data Connectivity
18 April 2005
Combat Proven PCIDM® Provides Digital Connectivity to Forward Air Controllers
Innovative Concepts' PCIDM® is designated as the "data modem of choice" by the US Air Force and WalkAbout Computers, the newly selected provider of rugged tablet computers. The PCIDM® was chosen by the US Air Force's Tactical Air Control Party's Modernization Program (TACP-M) to provide Close Air Support, Situational Awareness, and C2 digital messaging to multiple aircraft platforms. The PCIDM® provides a direct, digital connection to the communication suites of the F-16, AV-8B, EA-6B, F/A-18, AH-64D, OH-58D, JSTARS, and a host of international platforms. WalkAbout’s order to Innovative Concepts is for 300 PCIDM® card kits.
"It is with the utmost satisfaction that the PCIDM® and Innovative Concepts will remain an integral part of the world's premier digital CAS organization," noted John Simpson, PCIDM® Product Manager. Innovative Concepts has provided support to the TACP program since 2002.
The PCIDM® is fully integrated into WalkAbout's MRT, an "ultra rugged" tablet computer. These computers were chosen by the USAF for the data link integration that the PCIDM® provides, and the robustness of the computer. Housed in a hardened aluminum case, the PCIDM® and computer components are sealed against moisture and dust, and able to withstand shock, vibration, weather, dirt, humidity, liquid spills and harmful chemicals.
The PCIDM® is a portable data communications solution that is a single Type 2 Extended PCMCIA card, paired with a full software development kit for Windows, Linux and Solaris and application software for Windows 98/NT/ME/2000/XP. The protocols available with the PCIDM® are the same protocols used in the avionics version of the IDM, providing fully certified interoperability with any Innovative Concepts designed IDM Technology® product.
With a PCIDM® and a computer, a user can send and receive VMF, AFAPD, TACFIRE, MTS, IDL, IP, and MIL-STD-188-184 SATCOM messages over virtually any tactical radio allowing combat elements to utilize their existing inventory of tactical radios to communicate with multiple platforms that support these message sets.
