# Tactical Control System

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[1] The **Tactical Control System** (**TCS**) is a group of protocols that govern the command and control system for [unmanned aerial vehicles](/source/Unmanned_aerial_vehicle) (UAVs).

## History

Developed by [EG&G Technical Services](/source/EG%26G_Technical_Services) and [Raytheon](/source/Raytheon), starting in 1999, the Tactical Control System is designed to run UAVs in all branches of the [United States military](/source/Military_of_the_United_States) as well as [NATO](/source/NATO) [STANAG 4586](/source/STANAG_4586) compliant UAVs. Raytheon developed the systems to run on [computers](/source/Computer) using a type of [Unix](/source/Unix) [operating system](/source/Operating_system) called [Solaris 8](/source/Solaris_(operating_system)) from [Sun Microsystems](/source/Sun_Microsystems). Raytheon also developed a system for the [Linux](/source/Linux) operating system.

According to the winning Raytheon bid for the development of the TCS system, it will feature:

- Simultaneous control of multiple UAVs
- Compliance with NATO's Standardization Agreement 4586
- Integration of plug and play payloads
- Weaponization of the Fire Scout and Fire Scout operational evaluations

## Testing

Raytheon was to undergo formal Operational Evaluation with Fire Scout in [Fiscal Year 2008](/source/Fiscal_Year_2008). Until then, tests to determine the progress of the system's development were ongoing. Positive results included:

- December 2004 - A scaled down laptop version of TCS, the Multiple Vehicle Control System (MVCS), was able to control two UAVs flying over [Arizona](/source/Arizona) simultaneously. The MVCS was also able to simultaneously control an unmanned surface vessel operating on [Chesapeake Bay](/source/Chesapeake_Bay) near [Norfolk, Virginia](/source/Norfolk,_Virginia).
- January 2005 - The TCS system was able to complete a vertical shipboard landing on a moving target, the US Navy ship [USS *Nashville*](/source/USS_Nashville_(LPD-13)), independent of any pilot. This was the first time such a feat had ever been achieved.
- April 10, 2006 - Raytheon Company successfully simulated simultaneous command and control of two unmanned air vehicles ([UAV](/source/Unmanned_aerial_vehicle)) and an unmanned surface vehicle from one common control system.

## References

1. ["UAV Tactical Control System (TCS)"](https://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/systems/uav_tcs.htm). *www.globalsecurity.org*. Retrieved 2024-02-26.

## External links

- [Navy article July 2006](http://www.navyleague.org/sea_power/jul06-22.php)
- [Raytheon wins contract](http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/micro_stories.pl?ACCT=683935&TICK=RTN6&STORY=/www/story/04-26-2004/0002159541&EDATE=Apr+26,+2004)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Tactical Control System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tactical_Control_System) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tactical_Control_System?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.