AN/TSC-85B

The AN/TSC-85B and AN/TSC-93B are Super High Frequency (SHF) systems which provides reliable multichannel capacity satellite communications with an anti-jam capability. Both terminals operate with an eight foot diameter antenna through the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) satellite network.

AN/TSC-85B provides a capacity of 48 channels that can also operate in a point to point mode or as a nodal terminal in a nodal network. The AN/TSC-85 contains equipment to receive, transmit, and process low, medium and high capacity multiplexed voice, data, and teletypewriter signals. Using encryption devices, they will process secure and nonsecure traffic. The terminals are intended for either point-to-point or multipoint operation in tactical communications systems. They can transmit one and receive up to four high data rate carriers. The AN/TSC-85( ) TACSAT terminal 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 also operate with either the nonorganic AS-3199/TSC (20-foot diameter) antenna or the OE-361(V)/G quick reaction satellite antenna (QRSA). All three antennas operate with DSCS satellites.

The Baseband Improvement Modification (BIM) is a directed program change by Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to the Army Ground Mobile Forces (GMF) SHF program. This change increases and improves satellite efficiency and interoperability modes between Army (AN/TSC-85B, AN/TSC-93B) and Air Force (AN/TSC-100A, AN/TSC-94A) terminals. The terminals use spacecraft resources more efficiently while improving network management and control.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:

Jun 76 LRIP contract awarded to RCA Corporation (AN/TSC-85, AN/TSC-93).

Feb 79 Full Scale Production approved.

Sep 79 Production contract awarded to Harris Corporation.

Apr-Nov 85 First production unit delivered; First Article Test; First Unit Equipped; Initial Operational Capability.

Sep 86 BIM awarded (AN/TSC-85B, AN/TSC-93B).

Jul 92 BIM Complete.

May 94 HQDA Decision not to field AJCM.

Aug 94 Transition to Level III Management.

REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT: TACSATCOM Qualitative Materiel Requirement approved 12 Nov 71.

TYPE CLASSIFICATION: LRIP terminals approved Apr 77; Standard approved Jul 85.

AN/TSC-85 Technical Characteristics

Frequency Range:
Receive............... 7250 to 7750 MHz
Transmit............... 7900 to 8400 MHz
Power Output............... 500 W (nominal) at antenna
Operation:
Single Channel (digital voice)............... 16/32 kb/s Multichannel 6, 12, 24, 18-96 channels (48 kb/s per channel at true multiplex data rates)
Power Requirements:
AN/TSC-85(V)2 115 V AC 10%, 50/60 Hz, single phase
AN/TSC-85A V AC 10%, 50/60 Hz, 3-phase, 5-wire

AN/TSC-85A Satellite Communications Terminal

AN/TSC-85(V)2 Satellite Communications Terminal

AN/TSC-85(V)2 Satellite Communications Terminal (Cont.)

GMF Tri-Service Deployment

GMF Terminals Technical Characteristics

Sources and Resources

• AN/TSC-85B and AN/TSC-93B
• Chapter 4 Multichannel SHF System - FM 24-11 TACTICAL SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS, 20 September 1990
• AN/TSC-85A, AN/TSC-85B(V)1 and AN/TSC-85(V)2 Satellite Communications Terminals FM 24-24 SIGNAL DATA REFERENCES: SIGNAL EQUIPMENT
• UTC 6KTAH C-E USAFE Communications Package is an Air Reserve Component Unit providing initial communications support at USAFE Beddown locations.