Tactical Communication Systems Research Articles

Web Application for Estimating Radio Link Budget Based on Channel Capacity And Bit Error Rate

Abstract Today’s tactical communications system increasingly relies on the use of broadband waveforms and data rates in the Mbps range. The main requirements of a broadband tactical communications system are wide coverage, high data rate and low power consumption. This paper presents a web application designed for automated radio link budget analysis. The application takes into account various parameters that are critical for establishing a reliable link, including the desired data rate, transmit power, channel bandwidth, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), bit error rate (BER), modulation scheme, and more. Using this application, it is possible to determine the feasibility of establishing a radio link with the available equipment and achieving specific performance targets before deploying the equipment in the field. This pre-assessment capability significantly increases the efficiency of the radio link deployment process.

Advanced Military Radio Channels Monitoring System Based on Software Defined Radio Platform: Preliminary Analysis

Abstract The use of electromagnetic spectrum monitoring for military emissions is essential due to the mobility and diversity of military operations. A tactical communications system used in the military domain includes encrypted and unencrypted data, voice and video communications using wideband and narrowband waveforms. This research focuses on the development of a high capability monitoring system based on Software-Defined Radio (SDR) technology for monitoring military waveforms. The implemented system has been tested for its ability to detect both wideband military waveforms and narrowband frequency hopping waveforms. The proposed SDR-based system provides a cost-effective solution for military waveform monitoring that can be used for real-time monitoring and analysis of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Joint power and hopping rate adaption against follower jammer based on deep reinforcement learning

AbstractAs an effective anti‐jamming approach, frequency‐hopping (FH) technology has been widely applied to tactical communication system, providing reliable communication guarantee and improving resilience against conventional interference under strong confrontation environment. Key challenges for tactical wireless communication network face are the smart follower jammer with responsive spectrum reconnaissance and intelligent decision‐making capabilities. In response, this article investigates a deep reinforcement learning based anti‐jamming scheme, with the aim of maximizing the system throughput. The interactions between a radio transmitter and a smart follower jammer are formulated as a hierarchical anti‐jamming dynamic game model, in which the radio terminal decides transmission power and hopping rate according to the state feedback information, and the jammer chooses spectrum scanning rate accordingly to minimizing the rewards of the FH communication system. We prove that there is a Nash equilibrium (NE) strategy for static and dynamic environment in the game. A double deep Q‐network with prioritized experience reply (PDDQN) based anti‐jamming scheme is proposed to approximating the optimal power control and hopping strategy without being aware of the environment and jamming parameters. Finally, simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm efficiently provide better throughput and jamming resistance.

Multiconstraint-Oriented Tactical Communication Network Planning Problem

Based on the complex network theory, this paper comprehensively studies the equipment and its interrelationship in the tactical communication system and constructs a system networking model. Based on the analysis of the structure and organizational application of the tactical communication system, this paper provides an appropriate mathematical description of its net-electric attack strategy and evaluation. A network simulation test model of tactical communication system was established, and then, by changing the network structure of the tactical communication system, such as the number of nodes, the nature of links, and the conditions of the net-electric attack, changes in combat capabilities were observed, and the impact of equipment deployment and communication organization methods on the system was analyzed, and finally, reliability evaluation and optimization analysis were conducted.

Performance Analysis of Propagation in VHF Military Tactical Communication System

The main challenge of military tactical communication systems is the accessibility of relevant information on the particular operating environment required for the determination of the waveform's ideal use. The existing propagation model focuses mainly on broadcasting and commercial wireless communication with a highs transceiver antenna that is not suitable for numerous military tactical communication systems. This paper presents a study of the path loss model related to radio propagation profile within the suburban in Kuala Lumpur. The experimental path loss modeling for VHF propagation was collected from various suburban settings for the 30-88 MHz frequency range. This experiment was highly affected by ecological factors and existing wave propagation effects such as reflection, diffraction, scattering, and Doppler effect. Radio propagation performance is evaluated by collecting received power at the allocated substation and comparing it against existing propagation models. The existing propagation model also will be tuned close to the measurement value by identifying the best path loss exponent to perform a suitable model for a suburban area. Theoretical assessments and analysis of the initial measurement stage for radio propagation show the extensive contribution of radio field from potential obstacles at lower VHF frequencies for both short and medium ranges around there. The explanation indicates the standard radio propagation prediction models that are generally reasonable for the suburban area. From the general error analysis, it is seen that, the performance of the LDPL with adjusting path loss exponent is the suitable model since it has least value of error metrics.

Getting Tactical Communications for Land Forces Right

Tactical ground combat formations need good tactical communications systems to be effective. New battlespace management technology occurs in the context of an increasingly contested electromagnetic spectrum, with serious implications for digital communications systems and networks architecture. Nick Reynolds argues that simplicity, resilience and repairability should be combined with better education about communications systems and networks and the electromagnetic spectrum, to ensure that these systems remain operational under adversarial conditions while still tactically assisting users. Furthermore, militaries should move away from aiming for assured communications and connectivity at all times, for even modernised systems will either be vulnerable to degradation and denial or will create a signature that may be exploited for enemy targeting and fires.◼

Evaluation of Extended-Wear Hearing Aids as a Solution for Intermittently Noise-Exposed Listeners With Hearing Loss.

Many individuals with noise-related hearing loss continue working in environments where they are periodically exposed to high levels of noise, which increases their risk for further hearing loss. These individuals often must remove their hearing aids in operational environments because of incompatibility with the mandated personal protective equipment, thus reducing situational awareness. Extended-wear hearing aids might provide a solution for these individuals because they can be worn for weeks or months at a time, protect users from high-level noise exposures, and are compatible with communication headsets, earmuffs, and other types of personal protective equipment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate localization ability and speech understanding, feasibility of fitting and use, and acceptability in terms of comfort in a population of noise-exposed, active duty Service members. Participants in the study were active duty Service members who were experienced hearing aid users and were currently using standard hearing aids bilaterally. Participants were fitted with extended-wear hearing aids for up to 14 weeks. Laboratory measures included functional gain, sound localization, and speech recognition (in quiet and in noise). Performance was compared between unaided, standard hearing aids, extended-wear hearing aids, and extended-wear hearing aids combined with a tactical communication device (3M Peltor ComTac). In addition, self-perceived benefit between extended-wear hearing aids and standard hearing aids was compared. The extended-wear hearing aids provided more attenuation of external sound when turned off compared to standard hearing aids. Speech understanding in quiet and in noise was comparable between extended-wear hearing aids and standard hearing aids and was better when a tactical communication device was worn in addition to extended-wear hearing aids. Localization with extended-wear hearing aids was the worst, intermediate with the standard hearing aids, and the best when the ears were unaided. The extended-wear hearing aids and standard hearing aids provided similar self-perceived communication benefits relative to unaided ears. Device failure and issues with extended-wear hearing aids fit and comfort contributed to a high participant withdrawal rate. Overall, the hearing benefits of extended-wear hearing aids for Service members with hearing loss were comparable to those obtained with standard hearing aids, except for sound localization, which was poorer with extended-wear hearing aids. Extended-wear hearing aids provide the additional benefits of protecting the ears from high-level impulsive noise and being compatible with tactical communication and protection systems and other existing personal protective equipment and communication gear. The withdrawal rate in this study, however, suggests that extended-wear hearing aids may not be suitable for active duty Service members in locations where properly trained hearing professionals are not available to replace or re-insert extended-wear hearing aids when needed due to discomfort or device failure.

Impulse Noise Parameter Assessment in a Batch Radio Channel

Modern radio communication means to provide safe data transmission due to adapting radio channel to the actual noise environment. It is impossible to conduct proper comparative tests on various radio stations offered by manufacturers and to compare objectively the results obtained in field without actual signal parameters and noise environment instrument inspection at the reception point. The paper considers tactical level radio communications system operation when jammed with powerful impulse noise of various nature. It suggests a device enabling to assess the main parameters of impulse noise, namely desired signal and additive noise mixture envelope effective value, impulse noise envelope effective value, impulse noise duty factor. To provide measurement independence from a specific realization of a decoder it is suggested to use the envelope of a signal received by a radio station. The developed device uses standard radio channel data batches as measuring signals and does not require changing radio channel or radio network algorithms and timing charts. A method to assess the effective value of desired signal envelope and additive noise mean-square value when the received signal involves impulse noise is suggested. The paper demonstrates that valid assessment of desired signal and additive noise mixture is possible in case of setting aside selection values affected by impulse noise. A device separating symbols affected by impulse noise from those that are not affected is suggested. Formulas that allow synthesizing the device operation algorithms are obtained. The structure chart of the measurer is developed; the algorithms used to assess measured parameters are given.

Integrating acoustic shooter detection into a hearing protection device

Recent advances in the development of hearing protection devices open new fields of applications on the battlefield. While the TCAPS (Tactical Communication And Protective Systems) protect against acute acoustic traumas, they maintain information relative to the acoustic environment of the soldiers. Today, these systems are efficient for both hearing protection and communication. We propose to use the microphones equipping the TCAPS headsets in order to detect and localize shooters on the battlefield. The microphone underneath the hearing protection is used in order to detect the shock and muzzle waves generated by supersonic shots. A meshed network between the TCAPS deployed on the field allows transmitting asynchronous information relative to the detected waves to data fusion nodes that allow estimating the shooter’s position. Solutions are proposed in order to compensate the effects of the presence of the head between the microphones underneath the hearing protection. Results concerning the estimation of the time difference of arrival of a transient wave in free field and in the presence of an artificial head are presented. The data fusion process is tested thanks to simulations in various deployment configurations.

Краткий обзор зарубежных военных тактических систем связи

Краткий обзор зарубежных военных тактических систем связи

Safe-in-Sound Award Recognizes Innovations in Hearing Loss Prevention

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), in partnership with the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA), has announced the 10th Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Award™ winner. The award honors those who have contributed to the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus through effective practices or innovations that will benefit people exposed to noise at work. The initiative was launched to discover and share successful hearing loss prevention programs and public health practices. By disseminating evidence-based strategies, Safe-in-Sound™ aims to enable other groups to effectively advance proven approaches in hearing loss prevention.hearing protectionThe Safe-in-Sound Award is presented at the NHCA annual conference, where the winners get to share their stories. For the Excellence Award, nominees are evaluated against key performance indicators for hearing loss prevention programs in the workplace. The Innovation Award recognizes individuals or organizations for their dedication in creating, fostering, and implementing innovative and evidence-based solutions for hearing-related challenges at work. These advances can include policy development, program development and implementation, advocacy and outreach efforts, as well as unique product applications with proven success. This award is not intended to endorse any commercial product. Over the past 10 years, the Excellence Awards have resulted in the acquisition of high-quality field data on different components of hearing conservation programs, including noise exposure monitoring, use of new technologies like fit testing for hearing protection, new approaches in training and hazard communication, and successful noise control outcomes that lead to the elimination of the need for a hearing conservation program or the reduction of workers enrolled in the program due to fewer noise exposures (Int J Audiol. 2012 Feb;51 Suppl 1:S63; Acoust Aust. 2016 Apr; 44(1):67). The Innovation Awards have facilitated the extension of successful hearing loss prevention activities for workers who are not traditionally considered in most hearing protection programs (such as those for musicians, military personnel, and construction workers). The award has been able to identify successful strategies that can be translated to other venues or work arrangements. 2018 EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER The 2018 Excellence award was given to the U.S. Army's Tactical Communications and Protective System (TCAPS) program. Since the launch of the TCAPS program, nearly 30,000 commercially-available hearing protective systems have been evaluated, procured, and fielded to 15 brigade combat teams of infantry soldiers in the U.S. Army. Collin Drennen, the program's system engineer, accepted the award. TCAPS are primarily issued to combat infantry soldiers who use tactical radios. Beyond prevention of hearing injury, this system provides soldiers with enhanced ability to identify and locate opposing forces while wearing hearing protection, and seamless integration into existing communication equipment. The TCAPS program developed new and innovative procedures to procure, test, deliver, and train users on hearing protection devices. The success of this program represents the army's recognition of the importance of hearing protection and communication. One of the program's primary objectives is to field devices that enable simultaneous maintenance of auditory situation awareness and protection from noise-induced hearing loss. Another objective—and key to its success—is to restore the soldiers’ confidence in hearing protection devices; that is, to restore the confidence that hearing protective devices are an asset and not a liability in training or on the battlefield. These devices are potential combat force multipliers providing soldiers with advanced and active hearing protection. Go online to see the previous award winners and to send nominations for the next Safe-in-Sound Awards.Thais C. Morata, PhDKristen L. Casto, PhD

ПІДХОДИ ДО ПОБУДОВИ МОБІЛЬНОЇ КОМПОНЕНТИ СИСТЕМИ ЗВ’ЯЗКУ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ ГВАРДІЇ УКРАЇНИ З ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ MANET

The current level of commercial data transmission systems development allows them to be used for military purposes without loss for functionality, level of reliability and security. Ready decisions allow these systems to be transferred into the military environment with minimal changes. This article highlights some new approaches to the building of the mobile component architecture of the NGU communication network, which can take into account the experience of the development of tactical communications systems in the USA, modern requirements to the process of troops command and the corresponding requirements for tactical level communication systems, as well as the current level development of wireless telecommunication technologies for civilian use. The possibilities and peculiarities of application technology of radio networks MANET are considered in more detail. It is a dynamic self-organizing network architecture, which does not include base stations and fixed routes for information transmission. Thus, a multi-link network is formed, which is characterized by a very high level of survivability, where each terminal is connected to a plurality of other terminals and has an alternative route to them. The mobile component of the NGU communication system is intended to provide an exchange of information in the interests of all troops operating in the tactical zone, regardless of their subordination and the tasks they perform. It is assumed that its architecture should be heterogeneous, hierarchical, which consists of three main levels: 1st - mobile radio networks of the lower echelon; 2nd- - the network of mobile base stations that create the backbone network; 3rd - air network, which can be implemented on the camera drones. An additional zero level can form sensory networks (telemetry networks). The creation of each level involves improving the performance indicators of the entire communication system. Each level of the mobile component uses its own sub-band frequencies.

Sound localization models as evaluation tools for tactical communication and protective systems.

Tactical Communication and Protective Systems (TCAPS) are hearing protection devices that sufficiently protect the listener's ears from hazardous sounds and preserve speech intelligibility. However, previous studies demonstrated that TCAPS still deteriorate the listener's situational awareness, in particular, the ability to locate sound sources. On the horizontal plane, this is mainly explained by the degradation of the acoustical cues normally preventing the listener from making front-back confusions. As part of TCAPS development and assessment, a method predicting the TCAPS-induced degradation of the sound localization capability based on electroacoustic measurements would be more suitable than time-consuming behavioral experiments. In this context, the present paper investigates two methods based on Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs): a template-matching model and a three-layer neural network. They are optimized to fit human sound source identification performance in open ear condition. The methods are applied to HRTFs measured with six TCAPS, providing identification probabilities. They are compared with the results of a behavioral experiment, conducted with the same protectors, and which ranks the TCAPS by type. The neural network predicts realistic performances with earplugs, but overestimates errors with earmuffs. The template-matching model predicts human performance well, except for two particular TCAPS.

Development of an auditory situation awareness test battery for advanced hearing protectors and TCAPS: detection subtest of DRILCOM (detection-recognition/identification-localization-communication)

Objective: To design a test battery and conduct a proof-of-concept experiment of a test method that can be used to measure the detection performance afforded by military advanced hearing protection devices (HPDs) and tactical communication and protective systems (TCAPS). Design: The detection test was conducted with each of the four loudspeakers located at front, right, rear and left of the participant. Participants wore 2 in-ear-type TCAPS, 1 earmuff-type TCAPS, a passive Combat Arms Earplug in its “open” or pass-through setting and an EB-15LE™ electronic earplug. Devices with electronic gain systems were tested under two gain settings: “unity” and “max”. Testing without any device (open ear) was conducted as a control. Study sample: Ten participants with audiometric requirements of 25 dBHL or better at 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 Hz in both ears. Results: Detection task performance varied with different signals and speaker locations. The test identified performance differences among certain TCAPS and protectors, and the open ear.Conclusions: A computer-controlled detection subtest of the Detection-Recognition/Identification-Localisation-Communication (DRILCOM) test battery was designed and implemented. Tested in a proof-of-concept experiment, it showed statistically-significant sensitivity to device differences in detection effects with the small sample of participants (10). This result has important implications for selection and deployment of TCAPS and HPDs on soldiers and workers in dynamic situations.

Effects of low speed wind on the recognition/identification and pass-through communication tasks of auditory situation awareness afforded by military hearing protection/enhancement devices and tactical communication and protective systems

Objective: To investigate the effect of controlled low-speed wind-noise on the auditory situation awareness performance afforded by military hearing protection/enhancement devices (HPED) and tactical communication and protective systems (TCAPS). Design: Recognition/identification and pass-through communications tasks were separately conducted under three wind conditions (0, 5, and 10 mph). Subjects wore two in-ear-type TCAPS, one earmuff-type TCAPS, a Combat Arms Earplug in its ‘open’ or pass-through setting, and an EB-15LE™ electronic earplug. Devices with electronic gain systems were tested under two gain settings: ‘unity’ and ‘max’. Testing without any device (open ear) was conducted as a control. Study sample: Ten subjects were recruited from the student population at Virginia Tech. Audiometric requirements were 25 dBHL or better at 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz in both ears. Results: Performance on the interaction of communication task-by-device was significantly different only in 0 mph wind speed. The between-device performance differences varied with azimuthal speaker locations. Conclusions: It is evident from this study that stable (non-gusting) wind speeds up to 10 mph did not significantly degrade recognition/identification task performance and pass-through communication performance of the group of HPEDs and TCAPS tested. However, the various devices performed differently as the test sound signal speaker location was varied and it appears that physical as well as electronic features may have contributed to this directional result.

Interconnection Study of Joint Tactical Communications Systems

The tactical communications system should be be interoperable with other allied networks and strategic networks for joint operation. Also, new equipment will invariably need to interoperate with current in-service equipment. In order to interconnect tactical communications systems between U.S. Forces and ROK Army, they conducted the interoperability test of two systems. In this paper we present the interoperability issues of joint tactical communications systems, the SAI physical level interface compatibility with the NAI, the network configuration for interoperability test and test results.

Auditory localization performance in the azimuth for tactical communication and protection systems

An important consideration in assessing auditory abilities is the effect personal protective equipment (PPE) can have on performance. Tactical Communication and Protection (TCAP) systems are a type of PPE that is becoming more common in military applications. These types of systems provide radio communications, while also protecting the user from hazardous noise through passive and active attenuation. These systems have an active acoustic pass-through mechanism that utilizes an external microphone and internal earphone to restore environmental hearing. Past research has shown that this type of pass-through mechanism can negatively affect localization ability. In the present study, six participants localization ability was tested for two different signals (AK-47 impulse, 500 ms white noise) across an array of eight loudspeakers arranged in a ring around the test participant. The systems tested consisted of three types of in-ear TCAPs, one over-the-ear TCAPs, and one passive nonlinear hearing protection device. All systems were tested with the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) donned. In general, localization performance was worst for the AK-47 impulse signal. Across signals, the over-the-ear TCAPs had significantly more front/back confusions and greater localization error than the in-ear systems.

Research on Communication Reconnaissance Information Processing and Fusion

In complex electromagnetic signal environment, the reconnaissance equipments in tactical communication system can uninterruptedly reconnoiter a variety of enemy’s communication signals as well as access a number of characteristic parameters of time, frequency and space domain by searching analysis, feature extraction, direction finding and comprehensive identification. After a series of signal processing, data mining and information fusion, we can get the characteristic parameters of the electromagnetic spectrum of the enemy’s reconnaissance equipments, which provide the basis for analysis and estimation of electromagnetic situation in battlefield. In this paper a multi-hierarchical blackboard model is proposed for multi-sources communication reconnaissance information mining and fusion and the effectiveness of the method is validated in simulation environment.

Study and Fabrication of Filter Film in Tactical Optical Fiber Communication System

The development of optical fiber transmission technology provides a broad application prospect for the communication of real-time battlefield information. The information could be communicated between the front and headquarters through the cable by using tactical optical fiber communication system, which ensures the missions of military intelligence communicated and tactical real-time arrangement are completed successfully. According to the requirements of multiplexer for military tactical optical fiber communication system, the filters with low-loss have been developed. Filters are prepared by the depositing method of dual ion beam sputtering, Nb2O5 and SiO2 have been chosen as deposition materials, and the filter film is designed and optimized with the help of TFCalc software. In order to broaden the shortwave cutoff region of the filter, the long-wave pass film have been added behind the initial film, and the thickness of the matching layers have been optimized, which based on the concept of equivalent refractive index, the insertion loss of the pass-band of the filter has been reduced. The optical extreme value method and average time method have been used to control layers thickness, and the problem of the layers thickness accuracy controlling have been solved by using the method of real-time calibration of the deposition rate and the repeatability of parameters accurately control. The transmission spectrum of the filter has been tested, which demonstration that the center wavelength of the filter is 1511.2nm, the width of the filters pass band is 17.1nm and 23.5nm in the region of-0.5dB and-35dB respectively, the worst insertion loss within pass band region is-0.1dB, the ripple of the pass band is 0.06dB. The results show that the preparation of the filter meets the using requirements of military tactical fiber optic communication system well.

Performance Enhancements in MIL-STD-188-220-Based Tactical Communication Systems

MIL-STD-188-220 standard specifies protocols for narrowband and voice-based tactical communication devices. However, the future tactical communication devices require broadband services for accurate command and control. In this letter, the enhancement for MIL-STD-188-220-based systems is proposed for use over wideband channels. Unlike the operation defined in the standard, transmissions in Bump-Slots uses P-Persistence method and give the higher p to stations experiencing longer delays. The proposed method is extensively evaluated and the performance enhancements are proved.