A tactical beacon or TACBE as it is often known to be used by British and American armed forces (usually by
Special Forces
Special forces and special operations forces (SOF) are military units trained to conduct special operations. NATO has defined special operations as "military activities conducted by specially designated, organized, selected, trained and equip ...
) for many years. Its primary role is to contact planes or helicopters which may be overhead or nearby.
The system's main use is a
distress signal
A distress signal, also known as a distress call, is an internationally recognized means for obtaining help. Distress signals are communicated by transmitting radio signals, displaying a visually observable item or illumination, or making a soun ...
, sending out a constant danger message to
AWACS planes. However, it can also be used as a short range communications device with local aircraft. Using it indicates that one is in danger and needs help.
See also
*
Brevity code
Brevity codes are used in amateur radio, maritime, aviation and military communications. The codes are designed to convey complex information with a few words or codes. Some terms are classified to the public.
List of brevity codes
* ACP-131 A ...
*
Radio beacon
In navigation, a radio beacon or radiobeacon is a kind of beacon, a device that marks a fixed location and allows direction-finding equipment to find relative bearing. But instead of employing visible light, radio beacons transmit electromagnet ...
References
21st-century military equipment
20th-century military equipment
Military radio systems
Distress signals
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