A Handheld Radio System with Advanced MANET, ROVER and Legacy Capability

ABSTRACT:Legacy narrowband military waveforms are limited in their throughput (data rate) and can typically carry only a single type of traffic. Special Operations Forces, however, require a communications solution that can deliver and transport a blend of information from multiple systems and sources. The ideal SOF communication system should provide immediate links to Command and Control; Fires; ISR; Battle Space Awareness; Tactical Logistics; and Information for Force Protection. Additionally this system should enable timely reach-back to application and to supporting staff in order to quickly obtain and ana-lyze information. A key component of this blended information delivery mechanism is a mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) that complements the legacy communication and ISR capabilities. Our proposed solution is a handheld radio system that augments the legacy radio with a mission mod-ule (add-on module) containing both a highly advanced MANET based a state-of-the-art multi-antenna MIMO Physical layer, and a multi-waveform ISR link with ROVER functionality.BENEFIT:As an add-on element, the Advanced MANET plus ROVER/CDL MM will be an accessory that could be added to existing procurement contracts during the regular technology refresh cycles. Moreover, with an a la carte pricing strategy, the mission module could also be purchased directly in small volumes. The ability to complement narrowband communications as well as voice-grade MANET solution such as SRW with a high throughput MANET capable of transporting 10s of Mbps worth of data across spans of up to 10 km will signficantly improve potency and mission success.