Intelligence

Tactical Related Applications (TRAP)

The Tactical Related Applications (TRAP) broadcast system provides worldwide dissemination of high-interest ELINT, contact reports, and parametric information at the SECRET level. The TRAP equipment receives these reports from a number of sources, and reformats and compresses the data.

This information is broadcast from one of nine gateways, using Tactical Data Information Exchange System-Broadcast (TADIXS-B) message format over a shared sideband of the UHF satellite communications channel used for the Navy's Fleet Secure Voice communications. Some TRAP sites also serve as relay sites to relay the data from one satellite to another, thus making the TRAP broadcast worldwide. It takes under 30 seconds for data to be sent by TRAP, in contrast to up to and exceeding 10 minutes via other methods.

Four important networks support the dissemination of tactical intelligence. The Tactical Receive Applications (TRAP) and Tactical Data Exchange System Broadcast (TADIXS-B) broadcast networks disseminate global detection and cueing information to users worldwide. The Tactical Information Broadcast Service (TIBS) network disseminates theater area information with tracking accuracy. The Tactical Reconnaissance Intelligence Exchange System (TRIXS) network disseminates tactical intelligence with targeting accuracy.

Selected Air Force units receive the TRAP broadcast using their CONSTANT SOURCE terminals; Army units use the Synthesized UHF Computer Controlled Equipment Substation (SUCCESS) radio; and Navy and Marine Corps use Tactical Receive Equipment (TRE) terminals.

In 1996, The ASD (C3I) approved the "Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS) Plan" which provides for the integration of the Tactical Information Broadcast Service (TIBS), the Tactical Related Applications(TRAP) Data Dissemination System (TDDS), the Tactical Reconnaissance Intelligence eXchange System (TRIXS), TADIXS-B, and the BINOCULAR efforts into a standardized protocols with compatible hardware and software. This effort was directed by the 1996 House Intelligence Bill.

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