The US Navy has deployed the Raytheon-developed tactical control system (TCS) on its guided-missile frigate USS McInerney.
The TCS system develops a cost-effective and performance-efficient common ground control system for a wide range of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) across multiple agencies.
The TCS has been deployed on the ship to support a counternarcotics mission in Central America as part of the MQ-8B Fire Scout programme.
US Navy Captain Tim Dunigan said deploying the Fire Scout aboard the USS McInerney will allow for the continued maturation of their system while increasing the warfighting effectiveness of the ship.
TCS is the only system that exhibits key enablers such as common system framework, open documented interfaces and air-certified software.
The system also gives the government unlimited rights necessary to develop UAS control across the spectrum of missions, applications and air vehicles.
