Air Force Special Warfare wants versatile mobile comms system across vehicles

Air Force Special Warfare teams need a network of communications and command-and-control systems that can integrate with any vehicle rather than being custom-built for disparate platforms, according to a new document. 

The request for information, published Thursday, is intended to inform the Mobile Communication System-Universal (MCS-U) program, envisioned as a mobile C2 node that can pass “critical voice, data, and video communications” between Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) operators while driving or parked. Industry replies are due Dec. 11. 

“MCS-U is an evolution of mobile communications and command and control system capabilities in AFSPECWAR vehicles,” the RFI states. “Previous MCS capabilities were designed and customized for specific vehicles.”

MCS-U systems would also tap into the Advanced Battle Management System, which builds the DAF Battle Network, the Air Force’s contribution to the Pentagon’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control effort. 

The upgraded system would need to be able to mix and match between Air Force Special Warfare vehicles “as much as possible,” the document adds. 

TACP operators call in airstrikes from the front lines while typically embedded with Army soldiers and Marines, according to an Air Force webpage. A draft system requirements document and draft request for proposals are tentatively slated to publish in fiscal 2027, although the RFI notes the program’s opaque future. 

“This program is pending formal acquisition approval, as well as funding approval, which may impact the schedule above,” the document states, adding that the Air Force hasn’t landed on a contracting strategy and that approach will likely take shape based on industry replies. 

Requirements under the program have yet to be fleshed out and will be included in a request for proposals, “if issued,” according to the notice. 

The TACP-Modernization program office asks companies for feedback on available capabilities and components for MCS-U, including weatherproof kits that keep systems running while integrated with various vehicles, including:

• Joint Light Tactical Vehicles
• Infantry Squad Vehicles 
• MRZRs
• Special Operations Craft-Riverine (SOC-R)
• Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) Family of Vehicles (FOV)
• Marine Vehicles
• Commercial trucks and SUVs

The RFI also asks for other input on how to mount systems to vehicles agnostically, mesh network connectivity options, antenna auto tracking approaches and power supply integration alternatives.