New RF Receivers Unveiled for Real-Time Signal Collection in COMINT Operations

TCI, part of SPX Communications Technologies, is introducing two new RF receivers designed for continuous, real-time signal collection to support Communications Intelligence (COMINT) operations.

The 955 Rackmount RF COMINT and Geolocation System and the 957 Rackmount RF COMINT and Independent Geolocation System debut at DSEI 2025, built to deliver rapid detection, filtering, and geolocation of RF communication signals across congested spectrum environments.

The systems are designed to enable faster decision-making and reaction times, improved threat awareness, and greater operational agility. Their 80 MHz Instantaneous Bandwidth (double that of its predecessor) allows wide-area signal collection for broad situational awareness or narrower focus for heightened sensitivity in challenging RF conditions.

The combination of Hybrid Angle of Arrival (AOA) and Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) geolocation techniques enables precise signal location with fewer deployed assets, even over low-bandwidth or intermittent networks.

The rugged, rack-mounted design supports deployment in vehicles, fixed installations, or forward field positions. Both models are built for mission flexibility, with the ability to switch roles without reconfiguration, from counter-terrorism and border security to frontline combat.

The 955 is optimized for single-unit, vehicle-mounted, or stand-alone operations, while the 957 offers enhanced processing capacity for simultaneous, independent tasking and networked multi-sensor geolocation across dispersed teams.

The RF systems also feature a 72-hour look-back recording capability, enabling operators to identify a new threat and immediately analyze historical spectrum activity to extract further intelligence. The feature also supports automated and remote monitoring options, reduces manpower requirements for persistent 24/7 operations, and lowers operational costs. A database allows further intelligence analysis for days, weeks, and months.

Both systems operate using TCI’s Blackbird software, currently in operational use on almost 1,000 frontline systems worldwide. Blackbird provides an intuitive interface that reduces training time and enables less experienced operators to perform effective COMINT tasks, immediately expanding the possible pool of operators. It allows highly skilled personnel to remain in safer, decentralized positions while remotely managing deployed systems, multiplying force effectiveness.

Built on the combat-proven heritage of their predecessor, the 953 receiver, the new 955 and 957 are backward compatible with existing SPX Communication Technologies and partner systems, including the ECS BLACKTALON counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) solution, for scalable integration into wider electronic warfare architectures.

David Beckett, Battlespace Business Development Director at TCI, commented, “Today, electronic warfare is at the heart of all defence operations, and mastering the spectrum is now as critical as controlling the air. Our new systems give defence teams the decisive intelligence they need to succeed.”