Army SATCOM on the move technology initiatives

The army is increasingly reliant on beyond line of sight (BLOS) communications due to a non-contiguous battlefield. The war fighter also requires mobility and network connectivity to provide the needed level of near real-time, tactically-relevant information. On-the-move (OTM) space based communications forms a critical layer in supporting these essential networking capabilities. There are a significant number of inter-related technical hurdles involved in developing satellite communications (SATCOM) OTM systems. Size, weight, and power (SWaP) are limited on tactical vehicles. There are many tactical vehicles in the Army inventory, used differently by different units, representing diverse integration issues and challenges. Required data rates need to be supported within size and power restrictions, driving higher antenna and radio frequency (RF) performance. Ground communications are required in a high velocity, high acceleration, high blockage, cross country environment, driving rigorous pointing requirements. Systems need to be designed to work with current and planned military satellites in their respective frequency bands, which typically drives state-of-the-art. Electronic jamming protection and extremely low profile need to be considered in order to maintain communications and avoid visual targeting of the host tactical vehicle. Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate (STCD) space systems division has been analyzing and addressing the technology to support required satellite communications (SATCOM) OTM system performance. Successful research and develop initiatives will be discussed, as well as planned initiatives to support future efforts addressing advanced requirements and future military SATCOM systems at extremely high frequency (EHF). Specific component technologies and how they fit into meeting overall system objectives will be included. Lastly, the transition of these technologies to the tactical army will be addressed.