ANOMALOUS PROPAGATION COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM (APCS)

Shared Spectrum Company and HS Owen LLC propose a program to develop and demonstrate innovative methods to increase the predictability and realization of long link distance maritime communications to support mission planning and enable new mission capabilities. Anomalous propagation (i.e., ducting) leads to significantly increased link ranges. The project purpose is to develop the Anomalous Propagation Communications System (APCS) concept.The APCS uses predictable troposphere ducting to increase communications range between UUV and/or UAS operating in the maritime environment. Ducting is well known to greatly increase link range. APCS uses Smart Access Frequency Exploitation (SAFE), which is a combination of Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) and Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) concepts. SAFE uses a three-phased channel selection protocol utilizing the unique combination of frequency agility, ALE, and DSA to establish and maintain a wireless link between nodes.