USAF tasks Rockwell Collins with new close-support system software

Next-generation software for the U.S. Air Force's Tactical Air Control Party close air-support system is to be developed by Rockwell Collins. The contract for development, testing, fielding and support of the software is worth $15 million, the company said. "The Rockwell Collins TACP 1.4.5 software offering capitalizes on our company's vast experience in close air support system solutions," said Tommy Dodson, vice president and general manager of Rockwell Collins Surface Solutions. "We are building on 12 years of continuous support to the TACP-Modernization Program to deliver next generation solutions for the dismounted, static, mounted, and C2 echelons of the TACP community." Rockwell said it expects development of the software to be completed by the summer of 2016 and that it will provide "a modern graphic user interface and updated aircraft capabilities, and integration of TACP modernization systems." Additional details were not provided. The Tactical Air Control Party system is used to help coordinate Air Force support for ground forces.