QinetiQ US Modernizes TARS Program Through Payload Optimization

Passionate enthusiasts of lighter-than-air vehicles have long envisioned a future where advanced technology and innovation drive the evolution of aerial surveillance systems. Enter QinetiQ US, a company at the forefront of this revolution, which is making significant strides in modernizing the Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) program. This visionary endeavor aims to enhance national security through cutting-edge payload optimization and operational efficiency.

Seamless Transition to Support National Security

Since being awarded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) TARS Operations & Maintenance (O&M) IV contract in late 2023, QinetiQ US has successfully completed and accelerated the transition to support national security missions along southern border without disruption to mission operations. This achievement highlights the company’s commitment to excellence and rapid response capabilities.

“We worked really well with the government, and the internal QinetiQ team to stand up a rapid transition team and get all the factors transitioned safely, without mission interruption,” said Jonathan Riksen, Executive Vice President and General Manager of National & Global Security Solutions at QinetiQ US, describing the early stages of the program start.

Advanced Tethered Aerostat Systems

Employing tethered aerostats, TARS operators relay vital data to DHS and other organizations, supporting real-time monitoring of border activity. QinetiQ US and its partners operate eight TARS sites, with six over the U.S.-Mexico border, one over the Florida Straits, and another over the northern Caribbean area. These advanced systems provide a crucial layer of surveillance and intelligence, enhancing the capability to detect and respond to potential threats.

Focus on Optimization and Modernization

QinetiQ’s focus is centered around operations optimization and payload modernization. Speed and efficiency in staying ahead of technological evolution are made possible through the Secure Persistent & Aware Data Ecosystem (SPADE). SPADE provides a near real-time data ecosystem to deliver a cutting-edge, integrated operational picture across a diverse set of missions. By integrating multiple data sets, SPADE proactively optimizes mission planning and execution, ensuring that operations are both effective and efficient.

Enhanced Surveillance Capabilities

The proven processes in the aerostat platform and elevated sensing allow QinetiQ’s customers to detect, sort, intercept, track, and apprehend criminals in diverse environments at and beyond U.S. borders. This capability is essential for maintaining national security and addressing evolving threats.

“A real important piece for us in this evolution is to always focus on bringing the right levels of automation, the right levels of data analysis, the right levels of modern technology integration into this picture so that we are able to maximize the value of the systems and do so in a way where it’s not burdensome, it’s fast, it’s agile,” Riksen emphasized.

Bringing Modern Technology to Legacy Programs

QinetiQ US is committed to integrating modern technology into what has been traditionally viewed as a legacy program. This integration aims to demonstrate to the market and various missions that require this capability that it is possible to have the best of both worlds: advanced technology and proven, reliable systems. This approach not only enhances the operational capabilities but also ensures that the systems are efficient and user-friendly.

“We are really trying to bring the modern world of technology into what has been looked at as a legacy program, so that we can show the market, and the various missions that are in need of this capability, that you can have the best of both worlds, and it can work,” Riksen said.

Future Prospects

Technologies such as TARS will continue to allow QinetiQ US to support DHS, CBP, and AMO in mitigating evolving threats to national security. As the company advances its capabilities, the integration of modern technology and innovative solutions will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aerial surveillance and border security.

In the world of lighter-than-air vehicles, QinetiQ US stands as a beacon of innovation, demonstrating that with the right blend of technology and dedication, the skies can indeed be filled with advanced, reliable surveillance systems that safeguard our borders and enhance national security.