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Shipboard Troposcatter
Navy SBIR 2016.2 - Topic N162-135 SPAWAR - Mr. John Thom - [email protected] Opens: May 23, 2016 - Closes: June 22, 2016 N162-135
TITLE: Shipboard Troposcatter TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Ground/Sea Vehicles ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMW/A 170 ACAT IC Navy Multiband Terminal; ACAT III Commercial Broadband Satellite Program The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: Develop troposcatter control algorithms and control software that can compensate for ship motion and can overcome the communications limitations imposed by Anti-Access Area Denial (A2AD) environments. DESCRIPTION: Anti-Access Area Denial (A2AD) environments impose significant communications threats from traditional jamming interferers to kinetic attacks on any communications relay vehicles. The A2AD threats continue to grow significantly each day rendering certain counter-counter measures less effective and, potentially, ineffective in the very near future. A2AD environment threats can be partially overcome via communications systems that do not rely on communication relays; these include Line of Sight (LOS) and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS). Shipboard LOS communications, however, are generally limited to 15 miles which provides very limited ability to overcome A2AD environments for a vast majority of mission scenarios. Troposcatter uses the troposphere as the reflection medium; thus, BLOS communications distances of 150 miles can be easily realized. Troposcatter typically utilizes narrow channel beams which provides inherent jam resistance and Low Probability of Detection (LPD). Troposcatter, therefore, can effectively provide communications capabilities for ships in A2AD environments. However, due to the amplitude fluctuation associated with mobile platform dynamics, troposcatter communications have been limited to “communications at the halt”. Shipboard dynamics is constant; thus, the notion of ‘at the halt’ is not possible for any Navy ship platforms. Recent work by Draper Laboratories indicates that the issue of platform dynamics can be addressed. Comtech has an existing troposcatter solution for relatively low dynamic marine oil and gas platforms to stationary shore site communications. There is no commercial system to the best of PMW/A 170’s knowledge that can address two dynamic platforms (ship to ship) troposcatter communications. A novel troposcatter control algorithm and ship motion compensation software that utilize existing shipboard Commercial Broadband Satellite Program (CBSP) C-band without imposing significant ship alternation is desired. The troposcatter control algorithm should be designed to maintain at least 10 Mbps of throughput with Bit Error Rate of 10^-5 or better. The troposcatter motion compensation software will also need to compensate for ship motion dynamics that range from World Meteorological Organization (WMO) sea state 0 (calm) to 5 (rough). PHASE I: Determine technical feasibility for the development of troposcatter control algorithms and to increase communications capability for shipboard application, identify potential algorithms/software that can counter ship motion effects, and develop a strategy to realize troposcatter capabilities that maximize reuse of existing CBSP and a commercial off the shelf troposcatter modem (e.g., Comtech CS67500A) systems. Elements of the control algorithms can be considered for embedment in the future Navy Multiband Terminal (NMT) Wideband Anti-jam Modem (WAM) for CBSP application. PHASE II: Based on the Phase I effort, develop, demonstrate and validate the counter ship motion effects algorithms for troposcatter communications on a representative CBSP like system to include C-band antenna control system meets the throughput and error rate requirements specified above. Produce an Interface Control Document (ICD) for the troposcatter antenna control system prototype that conforms maximally to the current CBSP C-band antenna control system. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Deliver at least two prototype software systems for demonstration and testing for ship-to-land communications. Additional ship-to-ship testing may be conducted. Support Navy efforts for integration and certification for use in the NMT and WAM for CBSP application. Private Sector Commercial Potential: Troposcatter for use on commercial ships and oil rigs to provide high capacity and low cost communications to both shore and afloat platforms. REFERENCES:
KEYWORDS: A2AD; PMW/A 170; Shipboard communications; Troposcatter; NMT; CBSP; C-band; NLOS; LOS; BLOS
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