Beyond Line of Sight Communications Backhaul SWaP Improvements in support of AFSOC Capabilities in Contested Environments

The current data transmission and communication abilities of DAF fall short when it comes to quickly deploying and maintaining combat operations in challenging and contested environments, as outlined by the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept. Given the threats from China and Russia to operational communications, both the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and the Concepts Development Management (CDM) Office have emphasized the need for a more resilient, decentralized communications system, particularly in support of the Resilient Basing Operational Imperative and the ACE concept. Enter Fourth State Communication's Enhanced Thermo-Scatter System (ETSS). This MVP capability offers a fast (200MBPS), resilient, and long-distance (up to 2000 miles) communication solution at a low cost. This system allows the Air Force and AFSOC to maintain comprehensive backhaul link control with minimal infrastructure investment, catering to the demands of the Next Generation Beyond Line of Sight Backhaul for AFSOC. At its core, the ETSS uses a High-Frequency (HF) Pump that alters the Thermosphere, making it reflective to HF, VHF, and UHF communication signals. Thanks to the height of this reflective layer, long-range communicationŚover 2,000 milesŚis feasible. Field tests confirm the system's ability to establish such long-distance links. In alignment with the Air Force SBIR, the ETSS MVP is designed to offer consistent, round-the-clock communication backhaul. This not only enhances current AFSOC equipment sets but also aligns with the innovative capabilities AFSOC aims for in the future.