Control of the Topside Electromagnetic Environment

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe surface combatant's topside electromagnetic environment is becoming more complex. The quantity of antennas has been increasing, radiation characteristics are becoming more varied, and there are more modes of operation and a larger library of radiating parameters. Automatic computer control of radiators is more prevalent as is increased output power. Furthermore, there has been a reduction in maximum safe exposure limits for personnel, and there is an increased awareness of the importance of radar cross section reduction. The result is that ship designers and system operators are faced with conflicting requirements. The future will require electronic equipment designers to be more innovative and replace traditional systems with those of more flexibility. Potential solutions to the situation will require increased attention to both topside design and to the tools provided to the operators. Areas warranting further attention include the physical shape of the topside structure and equipment, movable antennas, increased use of radiation absorbing material, and movable radiation barriers. Safe radiation limits for personnel need to be made more flexible. Wartime rules and battle conditions will be different than peacetime. Some of our ordnance needs to be tested and possibly redesigned, so as to be less susceptible to electromagnetic radiation. And finally, complex surface combatants will require computer‐based expert systems to assist the operators in making decisions as to what to radiate, how to permit or restrict the movement and firing of ordnance, and the limitations to be placed on personnel access topside under peacetime, wartime and battle conditions.