Miniature Link-16 Communications Device

ABSTRACT:The purpose of this proposal is to investigate and develop a hardware radio architecture that will be able to implement the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Link 16 waveform in a small form-factor device. A reduced-Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) platform supporting the Link 16 waveform will lead to handheld devices for the dismounted soldier. Additional application of waveform optimization techniques will also be used to augment the Link 16 waveform for handheld applications. GIRD Systems will use its expertise in JTRS waveform development, analysis, and porting to investigate novel approaches to small form-factor platform architectures.BENEFIT:Due to the near universal presence of Link 16 on U.S. and coalition fighters a handheld Link 16 terminal will significantly benefit dismounted operators via the real-time situational awareness feeds and direct targeting dialogs supported by Link 16 nets. A small, affordable Link 16 terminal will also benefit disadvantaged platforms such as vehicles and Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) for situational awareness, real-time target cueing, and fratricide avoidance. The design developed in the Phase I work plan, if successful, will lay the foundation for small, power-efficient, yet computationally capable devices for fielding additional applications, such as interference cancellation and compressed sampling in dismount mission scenarios, and smart munitions, among many other possibilities.