Chapter 3
AN/TSC-85A Tactical Satellite Platoon
3-1. General
a. The AN/TSC-85A Tactical Satellite Platoon is organized and equipped for use in several configurations in a satellite communications trunking network. It can be deployed in a mesh, hub-spoke, or point-to-point configuration.
b. The terminals operate in the space segment of DSCS II and III networks. Terminal configurations include shelters, standard trucks, power sources, power switching gear, and trailers.
3-2. Structure
The AN/TSC-85A Tactical Satellite Platoon is a pivotal element in the building block concept of the TACSAT Company. Terminal sections can provide the hub of a hub and spoke configuration. Other terminal sections may be configured as a meshed system. Terminal sections may be attached to major supported headquarters. Figure 3-1 shows some typical representative configurations. Terminals may be used as needed to implement the required configuration.
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a. Mission. The mission of the AN/TSC-85A Tactical Satellite Platoon is to provide the tactical satellite communications net for the TA. Terminal facilities are provided at major functional command headquarters in the EAC. Terminal facilities also may be provided at corps or unified and combined headquarters. Terminals also may be used in the area network of the TCS(A).
b. Assignment.
(b) Theater Army main.
(c) Theater Army alternate.
(d) Theater Air Force.
(e) Air Defense Artillery Command.
c. Organization. The AN/TSC-85A Tactical Satellite Platoon organization consists of a platoon headquarters and two AN/TSC-85A terminal sections. Each section has three tactical satellite teams.
(2) Each terminal section team is staffed and equipped for standalone operation.
3-3. Command and control
The TACSAT Company commander employs the operating elements in accordance with mission requirements and operational directives. The extended distance between company headquarters and terminal section teams makes it necessary for the TACSAT Company commander to extend operational control to the platoon leader, platoon sergeant, and section team chiefs. They, in effect, are the TACSAT Company commander's operations staff. The platoon leader directly supervises operations of the widely dispersed teams. He or she keeps the unit commander informed on the operational status of the platoon.
a. Platoon personnel.
(2) The platoon sergeant, as senior NCO, acts in the name of the platoon leader when dealing with others NCOs. He or she helps the platoon leader ensure mission accomplishment and is the principal enlisted advisor.
(3) The tactical satellite systems section chiefs are responsible for accomplishment of missions and functions of their AN/TSC-85A teams. They advise the platoon leader and platoon sergeant on the operational status of their terminals and assist the platoon sergeant in the administration of enlisted personnel management. Because of their separation from company headquarters, they must be able to make support arrangements for their teams.
(4) The tactical satellite systems operators are responsible for the actual performance of the terminal. The operators provide status reports to the team chiefs.
b. Internal communications. The following internal communications exist within the AN/TSC-85A Tactical Satellite Platoon:
(2) HF net.
3-4. Employment
a. The assets of the AN/TSC-85A Tactical Satellite Platoon are employed to support major headquarters command and control communications. They augment the existing terrestrial communications systems. They can also be used to interconnect the TCS(A) area nodal system.
b. Individual terminal teams will be widely dispersed. Each team will be dependent upon the headquarters of attachment, particularly for billeting, POL, food service support, and security.
c. The platoon headquarters will make arrangements for command and control, administrative, and logistical support to the dispersed terminal teams.
d. At full strength, the AN/TSC-85A Tactical Satellite Platoon is capable of installing, operating, and maintaining six AN/TSC-85A tactical satellite communications terminals. The terminals are highly mobile and can be installed and disassembled rapidly.
3-5. Operations
The AN/TSC-85A Tactical Satellite Platoon may be used to augment communications links which are currently served by LOS, troposcatter, and HF radio systems. Operating frequencies, transmit power settings, antenna angles, and so forth, are received from the Satellite Communications Control Center (SCCC) described in chapter 6. A full-time satellite orderwire connects the SCCC to each deployed terminal. Instructions from the SCCC must be followed explicitly, since numerous SHF terminals are sharing the same satellite. This is elaborated upon in chapter 6. All platoon personnel must be thoroughly aware that they must not change any of the operating parameters (for example, frequency, power) of the terminal without approval of the SCCC.
a. Capabilities. The ANITSC-85A tactical satellite terminal has the following capabilities:
(2) On the downlink side, four carriers can be received, demodulated, and switched to user interfaces.
(3) Fully independent operation from a 15 kW, 3-phase engine generator or compatible commercial power.
(4) Link with a nodal terminal in the point-to-point mode.
(5) Operational in severe environments.
b. Limitations.
(2) Each team will require billet and food service support from the headquarters of attachment.
(3) Administrative and unit level logistical support will be provided by the TACSAT Company.
(4) DS supply and intermediate (DS) maintenance for organic equipment, except C-E equipment, will be provided by the TAACOM. GS supply and intermediate (GS) maintenance for C-E equipment and specialized repair activity (SRA) support for communications security (COMSEC) equipment will be provided by the TAACOM.
(5) Transportation of maintenance support team personnel and critical equipment evacuation and replacement flights must be provided by the TA Aviation assets.
(6) AN/TSC-85A Tactical Satellite Platoon communications terminals have the following system limitations:
(a) Cannot communicate with U.S. Air Force AN/TSC-94A and AN/TSC-00A until low rate multiplex equipment modification is performed.
(b) DCS interface is restricted or limited by the amount of equipment in the DSCS or GMF gateway entry at the DSCS earth terminals.
c. Defense. Neither the platoon headquarters, the two AN/TSC-85A terminal sections, nor the individual tactical satellite terminal teams are manned with sufficient personnel for active rear battle operations. Limited area defense may be conducted for short periods of time. Extended security must be provided by the headquarters of attachment. Operations in an NBC environment will be dependent upon the situation.
d. Mobility.
(b) Truck Cargo: Tactical 5/4 ton 4 X 4 w/Commo Kit.
(b) Truck Cargo: 2-1/2 ton W/E.
3-6. Deployment
a. The AN/TSC-85A Tactical Satellite Platoon is housed in a modified S-280 shelter. It operates with an organic AS-3036/TSC (8-foot diameter) antenna which is moved in an antenna pallet transit frame (APTF). It may operate with the nonorganic AS3199/TSC (20-foot diameter) antenna. Both antennas are designed for operation with DSCS satellites.
b. The baseband (multiplexing or demultiplexing) equipment is located on the four curbside racks inside the shelter. Modems and intermediate frequency (IF) or radio frequency (RF) assemblies are located in four racks on the roadside of the shelter. The electronic equipment can operate in an NBC environment.
c. Each part of the satellite terminal equipment (shelter and APTF) is transportable by road; air (C130, C-141, C-5A, or helicopter); rail (flatbed); and sea, For the shelter to be mobile by rail or air, the M720 mobilizer (nonorganic) must be used.
d. Setup time for a trained team using the organic AS-3036/TSC should be 20 minutes (4-person crew) or 30 minutes (3-person crew).
e. Each terminal is capable of independent operation. AN/TSC-85A normally will operate with the AN/TSC-93A described in chapter 4.
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