Maelstrom-Relay Waveform: Low Probability of Detection Chaotic Communications

Low Probability of Detection (LPD) is a critical characteristic in modern covert waveform design to protect Soldiers and enable mission success. Increasingly, adversaries can detect LPD waveforms designed using traditional methods such as Direct Sequence Spread-Spectrum by using cyclostationary analysis techniques. In this Phase II effort, Cryptic Vector further develops the prototype featureless LPD waveform created in the Phase I effort to create a more robust physical layer based on coherent Chaotic Sequence Spread-Spectrum transitioning the waveform from a Proof-of-Concept (POC) system to a TRL-6 product. The product provides multi-user access using a hybrid Time Division Multiple Access / Code Division Multiple Access scheme extended for chaotic sequences. In Phase I, Cryptic Vector solved the chaotic sequence synchronization problem without the use of GPS timing using the processing available in a commercially available Software Defined Radio (SDR) platform. Phase II focuses on creating a demonstrable solution that exceeds all Sponsor threshold requirements and operates in urban and foliated environments in the presence of sophisticated adversarial Electronic Attack. The solution provides a Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) architecture to implement PLI, chat, data, and voice services. The solution scales to large deployments providing a decentralized, fully (single hop) or partially (multi-hop) connected mesh with no single point of failure and no additional infrastructure. A high TRL, low-cost, commercial SDR solution is chosen to implement this Phase II product along with carefully selected Radio Frequency (RF) electronics to provide amplification and filtering which ensures all range requirements are met. The Phase II solution is designed to be compatible with the Army’s C5ISR/EW Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) taking advantage of Cryptic Vector’s experience with RedHawk, OpenVPX, VITA 49.2, and Vehicle Integration for C4ISR/EW Interoperability (VICTORY) shared processing units. The effort culminates with multiple field demonstrations that occurs in threat-representative environments while mounted on the US Army’s mounted vehicle platforms.