Advanced In-Flight Interceptor Communications System (IFICS) Error Detection/Correction

The MDA03-37 Phase I research explored the potential of improvement of adding turbocodes to MDA's IFICS system. In the related Phase II effort, ECC proposes to develop the hardware and firmware necessary implement the Phase I algorithms in an end-to-end communications link, and perform the testing and measurements required to validate the results obtained in MDA03-37. As an optional extension to this development effort, ECC proposes to add significant extensions to further improve the robustness of the IFICS communication link. These enhancements include alternate modulation/demodulation methods, improved waveform design, and use of diversity at both transmit and receive locations. As part of the optional proposal, ECC will procure and test the system over a wide range of configurations using an Advanced Channel Simulator. It is anticipated that the results of the Optional development effort will demonstrate communication techniques that show dramatic improvements over existing IFICS performance, and over the performance of adding turbocodes alone.