Focus Area: Reliability Improvement (Hardware)

Contact

Chester Pennock
chesterpennock@techcommdf.com
910-617-6925

Tech Comm LLC is a U.S.-based, ITAR-registered small business headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, specializing in radio direction finding (DF), communications intelligence (COMINT), and search-and-rescue (SAR) RF systems for defense and civil platforms. For over 40 years, Tech Comm has designed, manufactured, and sustained DF systems, including for the U.S. Coast Guard, DoW, and allied customers.

Multi-Mission DF/COMINT Systems for Aviation and Maritime Platforms

Problem Statement:

  • USCG aviation platforms must simultaneously support SAR, interdiction, law enforcement, and ISR missions while operating within tight SWaP constraints
  • Legacy DF systems operate in narrow frequency bands (e.g., 100–500 MHz), lack modern cyber architectures and ease of integration, and cannot process second-generation COSPAS-SARSAT (SGB) emergency beacons now entering requirements

Technology Solution Statement:

  • Tech Comm's modular DF/COMINT systems enable operators to monitor spectrum activity, cue DF, and map SAR and known emitters – simultaneously across 30–6000 MHz through a single antenna with an 11.4" platform opening and full-system power draw as low as <3A at 12 VDC
  • Second-generation COSPAS-SARSAT beacon detection and decoding (FGB + SGB) is integrated into the same module
  • On-edge DF + AIS data fusion to identify potential dark vessels without operator intervention

Benefits Statement:

  • Drop-in replacement for legacy DF installations with adjustments available to fill existing openings
  • Multi-phase delivery with rapid customization available – developed custom processor hardware and bare-metal firmware for a USCG Cutter program in under six months
  • Easy to integrate via customizable API with custom interface development available; bare-metal, no-OS firmware aligned to DoW STIG requirements
  • One system delivers simultaneous DF, SAR, COMINT, and dark vessel detection across 30–6000 MHz – consolidating multiple subsystems and reducing logistics burden; no dedicated operator required
  • U.S. small business, 40+ years serving USCG; components fielded on CV-22, special mission aircraft, and Cutters