Combat Survivor Evader Locater

The Combat Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL) program, led by the U.S. Air Force, is designed to enhance the survival and recovery capabilities of aircrews through advanced communication technology. It provides a secure, global satellite-based emergency communication system crucial for both combat and peacetime operations. The primary objective is to ensure that isolated personnel can be accurately located and efficiently rescued, utilizing the Terminal Area Guidance (TAG) waveform for precise location capabilities.

A key goal of the CSEL program is to maintain and upgrade existing communication infrastructure to prevent obsolescence. This involves procuring data deliverable specifications for the TAG waveform, which is integrated into the Lower Airspace Radar Service (LARS) radios used by rescue vehicles. By doing so, the program ensures these systems continue to meet current and future operational requirements, supporting four out of five phases of Personnel Recovery Missions: Report, Locate, Support, and Recover.

The integration of the CSEL system with LARS radios is critical as these radios face potential obsolescence. The program's objectives include securing continued functionality and compatibility with evolving technologies within the CSEL architecture. This initiative underscores the Air Force's commitment to maintaining robust personnel recovery capabilities through strategic procurement and technological advancements.

The CSEL program represents a concerted effort by the Air Force to enhance its emergency communication systems for aircrews. By focusing on procurement and technological updates, it aims to ensure that isolated personnel can be effectively located and rescued in various operational scenarios.