Communications-On-The-Move (COTM) Antenna Pointing and Stabilization System

The US Air Force is requesting the development and demonstration of a low-profile, robust antenna system capable of maintaining a Satellite Communications-On-The-Move (COTM) link for a moving vehicle as it traverses off-road terrain.  This proposal presents an innovative solution codenamed XCA2T.  XCA2T provides a robust solution by using multiple wider beam antennas and offsetting the reduction in gain by using a sophisticated spread spectrum waveform with state-of-the-art channel coding. BENEFIT: XCA2T provides the DoD with a true OTM SATCOM system cable of operating in several deployment scenarios: land, sea, and air.  With the recent deployment of the first Wideband Gapfiller Satellite (WGS), the demand for Ka and X-band SATCOM service On-The-Move will significantly increase.  XCA2T is cable of delivering to the DoD a well documented blueprint for how a true OTM SATCOM system, based on proven commercial technology, can be deployed for military applications where high mobility is required. In terms of the commercial market, we foresee XCA2T providing high-speed Internet connectivity to several types of consumers.   XCA2T system provides RV travelers with OTM Internet connectivity for web browsing, accessing directions, and making VoIP calls.  The system also provides a means to get roadside help for flat tires and engine trouble.  Additionally XCA2T provides truck fleet managers with the ability to monitor the status and location of any truck on the road.  Additionally, the system provides the driver with Internet connectivity to quickly report breakdowns and find up to the minute traffic data and alternate route suggestions.  XCA2T also lends itself to the commuter train market: the system could be used to provide commuters with Internet connectivity to make their rides more productive.  XCA2T can also be deployed in maritime applications: the COTM link can be used to provide web-browsing as well as up to the minute navigational data.