The TCI Model 803 is a compact Direction Finding (DF) subsystem for Communications Intelligence (COMINT) and Electronic Warfare (EW) applications. The 803 integrates seamlessly with TCI’s Blackbird NextGen COMINT / EW platform to provide a complete signal search, collection, direction finding and geolocation solution. 

The 803 continuously scans, detects, DFs, and records DF results in tasked frequency channels on a 4 or 40 MHz instantaneous bandwidth. Bandwidth is tunable over the 20 to 3,000 or 20 to 8,000 MHz frequency ranges. The dual 40/4 MHz wideband DF capability enables the Model 803 to detect and capture weak signals in crowded RF environments using the 4MHz instantaneous bandwidth and detect short duration, frequency-agile and wide-bandwidth signals using the 40 MHz bandwidth. 

The 803 is available with any of TCI’s single – band VHF/UHF/ SHF monitor and DF antennas. Antenna options include the Model 641
for high – accuracy DF on vertically polarised signals in fixed and mobile applications, the compact, low – profile Model 645 for mobile and transportable applications from 20 MHz to 3,000 MHz. For higher frequencies, the Model 803 can use the Model 647 antenna, the first antenna to provide high – accuracy DF on vertically polarised signals in fixed and mobile applications from 20 MHz to 8 GHz.

The TCI Model 802C provides field-proven DF and signal acquisition in an integrated solution for COMINT applications. The 802C is based on an open and flexible client/server architecture that combines fast wideband signal search and direction finding with a complete set of signal analysis tools, including classification, decoding, demodulation and recording. It simultaneously supports automatic and manual signal intercept missions.

The 802C processes any signal activity and performs detailed analysis of specific signals of interest in either real-time or delayed (post-facto) mode. The analysis function includes detection, location, recording and archiving of signal activities.

In typical automatic mode, the 802C rapidly searches the spectrum for RF energy using fine frequency resolution parameters. When new energy is detected, the system automatically determines the direction of the energy source, archives it for future analysis and passes it in real time for further processing to automatic and manual intercept processing. The Signal of Interest (SOI) parameters available for future processing include time of intercepts, frequency, bandwidth, signal direction and signal location if system is configured to use optional Single Site Location (SSL) processing. SSL processing uses measured elevation data and ionospheric data from an optional sounder processor.

The DF RF chain uses two receiver channels connected to the DF antenna array. With automatic noise and co-channel interference suppression, the system can perform automatic DF and modulation analysis on any type of signal. The analysis function provides transmitter parameters including frequency, direction and/or location, bandwidth, and time of transmission.