SOF Tactical Repeater

Special Operations Forces face a variety of scenarios that limit communications. Blockage by urban structures, urban and rural terrain obstacles, and a desire for over-the-horizon communication dictate the need for a tactical repeater. The proposed research will analyze candidate repeater architectures. Emphasis will be placed on cost, size, weight, power, functionality, time-to-market, ruggedness, and ability to be upgraded. The repeater will be designed to operate at VHF and UHF, and will be compatible with radios and waveforms currently used by Special Operations Forces. Attention will be given to system issues to insure the repeater fits in seamlessly with current hardware. For example, cosite issues will be carefully examined. The architecture will also be chosen such that use of the repeater will not involve soldier interaction that would detract from the main purpose of a mission. The hardware architecture will be designed to accept several types of power sources, including external power.