Features/Capabilities

CSEL includes:

• amultifunction, hand-held radio offering unique communication andmessage encryption, which prevents signals from being intercepted, andbattery life providing crucial contact for extended periods.
• securedigital message communications, Global Positioning System (GPS),line-of sight (LOS) voice and the full spectrum of radio and groundequipment interfaces required to work with existing search and rescue(SAR) systems.

Providing a complete system solution, the CSEL communication systems is made up of a user equipment segment, ground segment, and OTH relay segment.

The User Equipmentsegment consists of a multifunctional hand-held radio and theatermission planning computers, including GPS key loaders. The hand-heldradio supports data communication for all OTH Relay modes:

• aircraft interrogation
• precise geopositioning
• SAR aircraft-compatible line-of-site (LOS) voice and beacon

The Groundsegment is designed to operate simultaneously with other governmentsystems. It uses existing infrastructure providing a highly reliableand timely global connection between all CSEL ground elements:

• hosted on existing government networks and workstations
• user friendly interface
• extensive mapping capability

The OTH Relaysegment uses multiple, and in most cases, redundant DoD communicationchannels to assure transmission and reception of CSEL message traffic,resulting in rapid CSAR response times. It provides:

• near real-time two-way secure messaging and geolocation
• multiple satellite links
• extensive use of commercial off-the-shelf/government off-the-shelf (COTS/GOTS) hardware for base station

TheCSEL architecture meets near-term requirements, while assuringflexibility for future growth, and enhancements, including migration toa commercial satellite solution.