The Tri-band SATCOM Subsystem (TSS) is a follow-on to the specialized transportable
high-data-rate, X band, SATCOM terminals using 20-foot tactical antennas. The new
TSS terminals features upgraded capabilities permitting operation on any military or
commercial satellite in the C, X, or Ku-bands. The electronic systems will be housed in a
20-foot ISO shelter, accompanied by a trailer-mounted antenna system, and
transportable by C-130, C-141, or C-5 aircraft. TSS will provide full duplex connectivity
up to 256 Kbps, and a receive-only circuit of up to 6.2 Mbps.
The new TSS, while primarily designed to operate in the military X band, shall be
capable of reconfiguration at a field site by its operational crew to either the
commercial C or Ku-bands for operation with either U.S. domestic or international
satellites. Specifically, it is capable of operation with NATO III and IV, SKYNET 4,
INTELSAT, the European EUTELSAT, and the U. S. international common carrier
PANAMSAT. TSS will be deployed with full redundancy and on-site spares and all
band-conversion equipment. Upon site arrival a crew of four trained operators can
deploy the system, including satellite acquisition, within two hours.
