A01-209
TITLE: Solutions to the Encroachment of DoD Frequencies
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM Instrumentation, Targets, and Threat Simulation
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this SBIR is to address the most critical issue threatening the DoD Test and Training
centers: sufficient Radio Frequency (RF) bandwidth to test modern weapon systems. This SBIR would review the latest
and emerging RF technologies and methodologies to allow the DoD test ranges to become more efficient with their
present and future reduced approved spectrum.
DESCRIPTION: When most of the test ranges and training centers were established, they were set in relatively remote
areas. As Army Systems became more complex, the complexity of the evaluation systems increased as well.
Consequently, today we have many complimentary systems performing many functions on the ranges such as
Time/Space Position Information (TSPI)/Global Positioning System (GPS), telemetry, vehicle status, situational
awareness, audio, video, flightcontrol/termination, scoring, meteorology, range safety, test control and coordination,
etc. All of these functions require transmitting digital data over RF links that have rather limited spectral bands.
Because of the evolutionary nature of these systems, all of these systems were developed separately and require
separate datalink/transceivers operating at different frequencies, none with modern state-of-the-art techniques to
achieve high spectrum utilization/efficiency. Also, the range safety officers demand that all of these systems operate at
different frequencies so that they will not interfere with each other, and they must have dual redundancy for all critical
flight safety functions. This takes a huge amount of the total available bandwidth required to perform most any
evaluation of a modern weapon system. The spectrum once only required by the military test and training community is
now coveted by private industry for commercial use. Congress has sold off some of that spectrum and appears likely to
sell off even more (there are some ranges now that can not fully transfer all data required for evaluation of the system
under test). This SBIR's effort is intended to research and investigate what functions are required to evaluate modern
weapon systems, what is technically feasible in combining range function, exploring new and future technologies for
spectrum efficiency, and what functions could be suitable for other approaches that do not require RF solutions. A
detailed spectral analysis of the future test and training ranges requirements could lead to the development of
technology tools that more effectively test and evaluate the desired Objective Force characteristics. The legacy force
systems would be able to more easily begin their transformation. Technology tools that allow the Army to test and train
more effectively will greatly enhance the Army transformation from the Initial phase through the Objective Force
phase. Following successful demonstration of this technology at the test and training centers, it could be incorporated
into all areas of the DoD requiring radio frequency transmission of digital data. Loosing this spectrum is the single
most critical element threatening the DoD test and training community and the evaluation of future weapon systems
PHASE I: Identifying all of the functions required at the test and training ranges for evaluating the weapon system of
the Future Combat Systems and the Objective Force that require transmission of digital data and then determining
which of those functions could be combined into multifunctional systems. Concurrently with this effort, explore all of
the latest and emerging technologies to be more spectral efficient such as reduced sidelobe modulation, frequency and
time diversity, error coding, antenna efficiency, ultra wideband, etc.
PHASE II: Apply Phase I knowledge and results and fabricate prototypes. Prototypes would be exercised at White
Sands Missile Range or National Training Centers as appropriate to demonstrate the spectral efficiencies and increased
capabilities provided by the technologies.
PHASE III: The results of the above technical demonstrations could be incorporated into all DoD digital transmissions,
from prototype to production, and from T&E/training to Battle Labs, and the tactical /operational community in support
of the Future Combat Systems and the Objective Force. This technology once matured, would have potential
commercial applications, such as wireless internet, wireless local area network (LAN), millimeter-wave LANs,
intelligent transport systems (ITS), cellular radio, and broadband wireless access.
OPERATING AND SUPPORT COST (OSCR) REDUCTIONS: The OSCR could be millions. The Test Cost Benefit
Analysis (TCBA) for the Family of Interoperable Range System Transceiver (FIRST) project identified $270,000,000
in cost saving in the T&E community.
REFERENCES: ( All of the following have resulted in spectrum loss from the DoD)
1) The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993
2) The Balanced Budget Act of 1997
3) Presidential Executive Order, 2 Oct 00, directing the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to clear airwaves
for the next generation of global wireless services.
KEYWORDS; Radio Frequency Components, Electronic Battlespace Environment, telecommunication, test ranges ,
training centers, TSPI, telemetry, situational awareness, spectral analysis, bandwidth, Future Combat Systems, Army
Transformation