Volume 5 Number 2 March/April 2013
Calling forward Militaries increase frontline SATCOM coverage
DEVELOPING KNOWLEDGE BORDERLINE CAPABILITIES IS POWER SUCCESS Emerging C4I requirements Transmission security Securing national boundaries
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CONTENTS
Editor Andrew White. 3 Comment [email protected] +44 1753 727023 Tony Skinner detects some glimmers of hope North America Editor in the long struggle for true interoperability Scott R Gourley. of communications systems across different [email protected] allied nations. Staff Reporters Beth Stevenson Jonathan Tringham 4 News Defence Analyst • Boeing nears P-8I delivery Joyce de Thouars 15 Contributors • L-3 TRL launches new jammers Claire Apthorp, Adam Baddeley, • ISAF withdrawal prompts Afghan air Angus Batey, Richard Scott, Martin Streetly, Tom Withington power changes Production Department Manager David Hurst. ISR [email protected] SPECIAL REPORT Sub-Editor 22 Degrees of improvement Adam Wakeling 6 Developing capabilities The US Army is pursuing a dual-track Head of Publishing Sales Command, control and intelligence collection modernisation of its ground-based radar Mike Wild. [email protected] capabilities are in high demand across a number capabilities, involving both new and upgraded +44 1753 727007 of emerging nations in the Latin American and systems. Scott R Gourley fills in the details. Junior Sales Executive Asia-Pacific regions. Tom Withington explores Ranjit Jeer. [email protected] some of the acquisition trends that are starting to 25 Borderline success +44 1753 727007 become apparent. Whether it is to prevent illegal immigrants Editor-in-Chief entering the country or monitor lines of conflict, Tony Skinner effective border control is vital, and suitable Managing Director Darren Lake COMMAND AND CONTROL surveillance technology must be employed, Chairman 10 Knowledge is power Beth Stevenson reports. Nick Prest Encrypting the contents of a communications Subscriptions Annual rates start at £65 transmission is easy, but hiding the fact that a 29 Sharpening the gaze Tel: +44 1858 438879 message has been sent at all presents a whole Reduced maintenance levels and the ability to Fax: +44 1858 461739 [email protected] new set of problems, finds Angus Batey. detect small, highly mobile targets are key aims of www.subscription.co.uk/shephard the USAF’s ongoing 3DELRR radar programme. Digital Battlespace is published six times per year – in January/February, March/ Tom Withington reviews progress to date. April, May/June, July/August, September/ COMMUNICATIONS October, and November/December – by The Shephard Press Ltd, 15 Calling forward 268 Bath Road, Slough SL1 4DX, UK. As militaries continue their focus on dismounted 32 Final Word Subscription records are maintained at CDS Global, Tower House, Lathkill Street, operations, frontline troops are being equipped Rafael’s legacy in providing ISR sensor pods is Sovereign Park, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9EF, UK. with greater SATCOM capabilities. Adam Baddeley leading the way towards new developments and Air Business Ltd is acting as mailing agent. explores industry’s response in light of growing opportunities, Zvi Yavin, director of airborne ISR Articles contained in this publication may data requirements. systems at the company, tells Beth Stevenson. not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. © The Shephard Press Ltd, 2013. Cover story: A US Army specialist sets up a Hawkeye III multiband VSAT terminal to provide communications for tents at Yokota air base, Japan. (Photo: US DoD) ISSN 1759-345X DTP Vivid Associates, Sutton, Surrey, UK Print Williams Press, Maidenhead, Subscriptions Berks, UK Shephard’s aerospace and defence publishing portfolio incorporates six titles: Defence Helicopter, Digital Battlespace, Land Warfare International, Military Logistics International, RotorHub and Unmanned Vehicles.
Published bi-monthly, all have become respected and renowned for The Shephard Press Ltd, covering global issues within their respective industry sector. 268 Bath Road, Slough, For more information, including editorial content in the current issues, visit Berkshire, SL1 4DX shephardmedia.com/magazines. Tel: +44 1753 727001 Fax: +44 1753 727002 Subscribe today via: www.subscription.co.uk/shephard or +44 (0)1858 438879
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COMMENT
Work in progress At the beginning of March, it emerged that date, using various standards and approaches Thales has been selected by the European that may not necessarily work on future Defence Agency (EDA) to carry out a survey deployments. of current and future communication Of course, the default routine is to rely on capabilities across the continent. the US to either provide interoperable assets The project brings with it a new acronym – and resources or take the lead in developing a FUCOM (future communications) – and will theatre-specific solution. result in a study of Europe’s main terrestrial Many within industry have long argued and SATCOM network programmes. that the adoption of standards developed for The conclusions will ostensibly help military the commercial world, the widespread planners align available communications embrace of open-architecture (OA) principles resources with the requirements of EU forces, and the work of industry bodies, such as the creating an inventory of the existing and Network Centric Operations Industry future assets of the major member states. Consortium, would lead to products being The EDA has also been working on a interoperable by default, while at the same project known as the Future Interoperability time remaining competitive from a of Camp Protection Systems (FICAPS), which procurement standpoint. aims to show how ‘multinational allies are It is clear that this has failed to materialise able to share information in real time… in and, as argued by RTI in a white paper different locations and across different provided to Digital Battlespace recently, systems supplied by different manufacturers’. ‘patience has run out’. According to software developer Real-Time ‘For over ten years, defence procurement Innovations (RTI), which provided its RTI agencies have been asking for open- Connext data distribution service for the architecture solutions from their supply project, FICAPS has successfully chains, and all they have got is a tick box demonstrated interoperable control of exercise for the adoption of open standards, effectors and sensors, including streaming open systems (modularity and video, between equipment based in France “integratability”) and COTS technologies,’ and Germany. states the white paper. Despite the snail’s pace of progress, The company argues that there has now projects such as FUCOM and FICAPS could been a radical shift in defence procurement generously be regarded as an indicator that, thinking, and the UK and US are starting to at least on a European level, some headway take ‘architectural ownership’ of the reusable towards widespread interoperability is finally system-of-systems architecture of electronic being made. and software systems they wish to procure. However, like many other touted Evidence of this shift includes the US DoD’s interoperability initiatives, they also bring the UAS Control Segment and the UK MoD’s same knee-jerk reaction – why haven’t these Generic Vehicle Architecture, which both aim things happened before now? to define a common architecture that any Creating the interoperability needed to future product must adhere to. Are we seeing cooperate on multinational operations has evidence of progress at last? RESPONSE largely been addressed on a piecemeal basis to Tony Skinner, Editor-in-Chief Digital Battlespace’s editorial team is always happy to receive comments on its articles and to hear readers’ views IN THE n Airborne ISR n Tactical comms on the issues raised in the magazine. NEXT n n Contact details can be found on p1. ISSUE Naval EW Sensing
www.digital-battlespace.com Volume 5 Number 2 | March/April 2013 | DIGITAL BATTLESPACE
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Boeing nears P-8I delivery Wight said that the latest Poseidon flew on 1 February, following delivery of the first five aircraft to the navy in 2012, and the sixth in January, completing the first group of deliveries ordered under a January 2011 LRIP contract. Boeing has said it remains on schedule to build the 24 aircraft. The P-8I offers long-range maritime reconnaissance and ASW capabilities. (Photo Boeing) Rick Heerdt, Boeing VP and P-8 programme manager, said in a statement: ‘The P-8 team Boeing has confirmed that it is set to hand over The first spares consignment was sent to Goa continues to incorporate efficiencies into our the first three P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft during the show, and in the second quarter of production as we ramp up deliveries in 2013. to the Indian Navy this year, following the first 2013, the first aircraft will be delivered to India, We’ve reduced flow times and costs, which on-site delivery in Seattle in December. with the second in the third quarter and the ultimately benefits our USN customer.’ The long-range ISR aircraft is based on the third in the fourth quarter. The next three Poseidon aircraft are 737-800 airliner, and Boeing is on contract for ‘There are quite a few Indian systems on currently undergoing mission systems eight aircraft, with options for four more. board,’ continued Wight. ‘We are in discussions installation and checkout in Seattle, and two After the first example was delivered on site, with them [the Indian Navy] with regards to the more are in final assembly. Boeing will deliver training began in January. possibility of carrying out performance-based its seventh production P-8A to the navy later ‘This provides a great capability for the Indian logistics on the aircraft. Those conversations this quarter. The company is also providing Navy,’ P-8I programme manager Leland Wight are going very well and there’s momentum maintenance training for the navy, in explained to a media briefing at the Aero India in that area.’ addition to logistics support, spares, show in Bangalore. ‘This is a big year for Boeing Boeing is also on contract to build 24 P-8A support equipment and tools as part of and the Indian Navy, with deliveries in-country Poseidons for the USN, although the the LRIP contract. starting this year.’ programme requires a potential 117 in total. By Beth Stevenson, Bangalore L-3 TRL launches new jammers L-3 TRL has added two new jammers to (without battery), while maintaining robustness its Broadshield family, a downsized for military operations. man-portable lightweight unit and a larger The Broadshield High-Power Compact high-power variant for use in vehicles. System (HCS) for deployment in vehicles offers Speaking to Digital Battlespace at the IDEX increased frequencies for jamming and an exhibition, Alex Hickey, L-3 TRL’s head of Middle improved range. Hickey said the waveforms East and North Africa, said that the Lightweight used in jamming can be pre-programmed prior Countermeasures Suite (LCS) offers to operations to fit the threat profile of RCIEDs The LCS jammers are designed to neutralise dismounted soldiers protection against the in a specific area, for example to block signals the threat of RCIEDs. (Photo: author) threat of remote-controlled IEDs (RCIEDs). sent by common garage door remotes adapted There are two variants of the LCS: one to trigger such devices. Hickey said the next stage is to complete a operating in the low band (20-520MHz), and the Operators can control the HCS using a device testing and demonstration programme this other in high-band (420MHz-6GHz) frequencies. on the dashboard of the vehicle. The company year. The company will offer the system to Hickey said the LCS has been redesigned from said the device can be configured into a stack of potential customers for trial, with regional the original man packs to improve the electrical up to three interoperable units, providing up to interest expressed by Kuwaiti, Saudi and system and remove the heavier metal packaging 160W of jamming capability across a UAE forces. enclosures, reducing the weight to less than 2kg continuous frequency range of 20MHz-6GHz. By Tim Fish, Abu Dhabi
DIGITAL BATTLESPACE | March/April 2013 | Volume 5 Number 2 www.digital-battlespace.com
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News bytes
Raytheon to supply MS3 for ACTUV programme 12 March 2013
Raytheon tests dual-band data link with Thales radar US Army soldiers survey a valley for insurgent activity in Afghanistan. (Photo US Army) 12 March 2013
Combating cyber attacks: a new approach ISAF withdrawal prompts 6 March 2013 Thales to conduct future military Afghan air power changes communications study Despite ISR assets being critical to the ISAF mission It is understood that any physical ISR capability 4 March 2013 in Afghanistan, as coalition forces withdraw from will be operated purely by Afghan special operations Sagem announces theatre this capability will not immediately be carried forces – the technical inexperience of the rest of new EOMS-NG over to Afghan security elements, a leading official the military would make it a challenge to train on maritime order has revealed. sophisticated systems. 1 March 201 Air Cdre Mike Wigston, director of air operations ‘For now, Afghan Air Force roles are limited to for ISAF Joint Command between November 2011 battlefield mobility, airlift and casevac, and its [ISR] Saab to upgrade Brazilian Erieyes and November 2012, told an International Institute capability and air-delivered fires – its air-to-ground 28 February 2013 for Strategic Studies meeting in London that ISR role – that will be delivered at a later date,’ he added. capability will be available right up until the planned Wigston noted that the air force will simply act as Another Ground Master 400 withdrawal in 2014, although it is not deemed a a support service to the army and police post-2014, radar base for France primary concern for the Afghan military to underlining that illiteracy and lack of technical 27 February 2013 continue with it. experience are high within the service, creating ‘In terms of the ground commanders and the another personnel training challenge. Canadian Navy to deploy Aurora Towfish contribution to the tactical fight, it’s probably the ‘The Afghan Air Force is going to have to be used 22 February 2013 [ISR] role that [currently] brings the most valued very carefully and selectively in how it supports its contribution,’ he explained. ‘The key development in army and police in the years to come,’ he noted. Malaysian MoD receives 2012 was the production of releasable intelligence The ISAF mission in Afghanistan saw 30,000 ISR new C2 system and surveillance information to the Afghans. sorties in the year up until September 2012, and at 20 February 2013 ‘Until now, we have been hindered by ISAF present 150 are flown per day. ‘And of that, the vast Rockwell Collins’ smallest security classification, but from 2012 we have been majority was full-motion video [FMV] – persistent Link 16 terminal on the releasing information to the Afghans so that they overwatch of enemy positions for the protection of international market can go off and plan their autonomous operations friendly positions,’ continued Wigston. ‘Those 21,000 19 February 2013 and missions without the full support of ISAF. FMV sorties generate a huge amount of data, so the There will be a continuing need for protection scale of the flying operations is actually dwarfed by of ISAF forces, and an increasing need for ISR to the scale of the processing and dissemination that understand what is going on in the transitional goes on behind that, both in-country and at coalition Afghan-led battlespace.’ bases worldwide.’ Wigston explained that ISR will evolve from the He concluded that the changes being made over typical assets used at the moment, and instead the next two years will inevitably lead to a reduction VISIT Afghan forces will rely on ‘human ISR’. This will in offensive air power requirements, something that www.digital-battlespace.com come in the form of local knowledge and visual is already evident. FOR DAILY ONLINE NEWS. judgement of observed activity. By Beth Stevenson, London
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Command, control and intelligence-collection capabilities are in high demand across a number of emerging nations in the Latin America and Asia-Pacific regions. Tom Withington explores some of the current acquisition trends.
wo of the developing world’s biggest Initially, SISFRON will federate surveillance SISFRON could be completed by the end of 2019 investors in C4I technology are Brazil and radars, optronics sensors, UAVs, C2 and and be worth up to $6 billion to local suppliers TIndia. Both countries have similar priorities, communications systems to provide and foreign contractors. namely enhancing their border security with the surveillance over Brazil’s 6,800km-long western Away from the world of border security, acquisition of new sensor systems. border with Colombia, Peru and Venezuela, efforts are ongoing in Brazil to improve At the same time, investment is following although it is expected to eventually provide the connectivity of its army. In June 2012, into communications systems and UAVs, coverage of all 16,900km of Brazil’s land frontier. defence electronics contractor Selex Elsag notably in Brazil and Colombia where both In August 2012, a consortium led by local won a contract to upgrade the service’s nations’ armed forces are seeking to improve defence contractor Embraer was selected by the SISTAC communications system, which their connectivity and reconnaissance assets. Brazilian Army to fulfil phase 1 of the SISFRON supports non-secure and encrypted voice Countries in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly initiative, which will install the system in border and data communications, and provides a the Philippines, are upgrading their surveillance areas under the control of the country’s Western gateway to other defence and civilian capabilities against a backdrop of simmering Military Command. The full implementation of communications networks. maritime disputes with China, while similar efforts are being made to enhance the air C2 architecture of Malaysia and Taiwan. While the investment that Brazil has been pouring into the acquisition of new platforms, such as helicopters and submarines, is well documented, the country is also leading Latin Developing America regarding spending on C2 technology.
nn ARMY ACQUISITIONS Some of the most significant C2 development efforts are occurring within the Brazilian Army, which is procuring a border security system capabilities known as SISFRON (translated from Portuguese as ‘Integrated Border Monitoring System’), designed to monitor the frontiers of the country.
Brazilian Army soldiers learn to use an AN/PRC-119 tactical radio. The force is currently modernising its communications via the upgrade of its SISTAC system. (Photo: US DoD)
DIGITAL BATTLESPACE | March/April 2013 | Volume 5 Number 2 www.digital-battlespace.com
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Selex Elsag’s upgrade is aimed at further Pakistan. New Delhi could spend up to $2 enhancing SISTAC’s abilities by ensuring it billion on this effort by the end of the decade. can operate with future communications The purchase of a space-based border systems. The improvements were made to monitoring system will occur concurrently with SISTAC units operated by the army’s Southern the acquisition of unattended ground sensors, Military Command. radar and optronics to enhance the surveillance of India’s border regions – many of which are in nn COLOMBIAN CONFLICT isolated and inhospitable locations. Neighbouring Colombia is no stranger to Much of India’s border security presently conflict, with the country having been beset relies on fencing, which may only cover around by fighting since 1964, pitting successive 40% of the total frontier. The upgrading of governments against Marxist-inspired guerrilla India’s monitoring technology is also intended groups and drug cartels. to relieve the army of a significant quantity of its The security threat that the country border control commitments, allowing it to continues to face has prompted its armed focus more closely on domestic counter- forces to consider methods by which they can Aerostats have become increasingly insurgency operations. enhance surveillance capabilities. In March, popular for the provision of air and ground India is not the only Asian nation investing surveillance – India is one country that is flight trials were performed of an AR4 Light Ray in its air C2 posture. Franco-American defence looking to purchase an aerostat-based UAV, built by Portuguese company Tekevar, to solution to enhance its AEW coverage. contractor ThalesRaytheonSystems (TRS) evaluate the aircraft’s performance in (Photo: US DoD) declared in February that it had completed full Colombia’s demanding elevated terrain. systems acceptance tests in conjunction with It can remain on station for up to three around India’s coastline, identifying and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) of the hours, has a 20km range and carries a variety tracking vessels at a distance of up to 50km Malaysian Air Defence Ground Environment of optronic sensors. The company is hopeful from the coast. These systems will be rolled (MADGE) third sector operations centre (SOC). that it will secure an order from the Colombian out at 86 sites around the country. The MADGE programme outfits the RMAF government for the UAV, which will provide with several SOCs, radars, accompanying its armed forces and law enforcement nn IN THE AIR communications links and C2 software. authorities with overwatch of the dense The introduction of NAIS, which will commence Regarding the latter, the programme has jungle areas where narcotics producers operations this year, is just one of several steps utilised a variant of the TRS Sentry air defence and guerrillas operate. India is taking to enhance its security. C2 software, which is used by the As well as investigating the procurement Another important initiative is the Royal Canadian Air Force and the USAF for of UAVs from third parties, nations in Latin procurement of up to six aerostat-based air their respective components of the bilateral America are developing their own platforms. and ground surveillance radars at an estimated North American Aerospace Defense Command For example, the Chilean Army’s Centre for Army cost of $400 million. As well as accommodating to federate military and civilian air surveillance Modelling and Simulation showcased its Lascar an early warning radar, they are expected to radars, and associated communications links, UAV at the FIDAE air show in Santiago last year. carry ELINT and COMINT payloads, plus IFF to provide a detailed recognised air picture. The aircraft is electrically powered and designed interrogators. The company has also delivered the GM-400 to perform both tactical missions and assist in Once deployed, the aerostat-mounted family of ground-based, medium-range air disaster recovery and humanitarian tasks. radars could have a potential range of surveillance radars as part of the initiative. With a 7,500km-long coastline and having up to 350km and a ceiling of 30,000ft. The suffered a deadly attack on Mumbai that was deployment of an aerostat-based system nn COASTAL RADARS launched from the sea in 2008, claiming the is intended to avoid the expense and Alongside air sovereignty, coastal security is lives of 164 people, it is little surprise that India logistical challenges of deploying a chain a perennial concern for many nations around is investing in coastal security. of ground-based gap-filler radars to provide the Asia-Pacific region. A cluster of maritime In August 2012, the country commissioned low-altitude coverage. disputes in the South China Sea, coupled the National Automatic Identification System This aerostat-based radar chain could with worries regarding narcotics and people (NAIS) into service, which has been developed be supplemented further in the future with trafficking, environmental degradation by Saab and local contractor Elcome Marine satellite-based sensors to provide additional and illegal fishing, are encouraging the Services. NAIS is built around optronic sensors coverage of the country’s borders with procurement of coastal radars to keep a and radars mounted on lighthouses positioned Bangladesh, Burma, China, Nepal and watch on the prevailing maritime situation.
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Indonesia, a country of 17,000 islands, has which the latter claims as its own, with the deliver a second tranche of its SwitchplusIP taken important steps forward in this regard Philippines arguing it lies within its 370km IP-based communications system to enhance with the purchase of two Kelvin Hughes exclusive economic zone. the ADS. SharpEye S-band solid-state radars, which There is currently no word on the type of This builds upon work that the company have a particularly good performance radar that the Philippines will obtain, where has already concluded regarding its delivery regarding the discrimination of sea clutter it will be located, how much it will cost and the of the ADS to the RTAF in 2008. SwitchplusIP from objects of interest. date when it will become operational. Tensions was procured to provide ‘seamless IP-based The two radars will provide surveillance between the PRC and the Philippines increased communications’ to a host of RTAF sites spread of the waters around Maluku and Papua in April last year when the latter’s naval vessels across the country. provinces, both in the east of the archipelago. attempted to apprehend Chinese ships that One example of the functionality The procurement of the SharpEye radar is Manila claimed were illegally fishing near the that this provides to RTAF operations was part of a longer-term Indonesian initiative to Shoal. illustrated by C4I in the company’s official enhance the maritime security of the country. press release discussing the delivery, which The Philippines is following Indonesia’s nn THAI DEFENCE noted that, via SwitchplusIP, a deployed example and will obtain a surveillance radar The past year has seen new developments mobile air force air traffic management and maritime command centre from the US to regarding the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF’s) system could communicate directly with provide overwatch of its coastal waters. The Air Defence System (ADS) C2 architecture. other C2 assets over the network. Philippines is involved in a sovereignty dispute Australian communications specialist C4I SwitchplusIP can be used to accommodate with China regarding Scarborough Shoal, announced in January 2012 that it would a number of communications systems
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including voice-over-IP, tactical radio and platforms and subsystems off the shelf or data services. develop locally with foreign partnership, Allied to the enhancement of national those with more modest defence budgets air C2 assets in Thailand are the country’s are showing a desire to purchase affordable improvements to its air surveillance capabilities that may lack some of the capabilities. For example, it recently activated complexity of products offered by Western a Lockheed Martin AN/TPS-77 long-range suppliers, but which can, nonetheless, ‘get transportable radar that will perform the the job done’. important task providing air surveillance Colombia’s interest in the AR4 Light over the Gulf of Thailand. Ray UAV is an example of this trend. Similarly, local investment is flowing into C4I product nn ROUGH AND READY development for domestic consumption – While the upward trend regarding the Chile’s development of the Lascar UAV, for acquisition of C4ISR capabilities across instance. Nevertheless, one trend seems Thailand recently declared a new Lockheed several emerging powers in Latin America certain – while defence budgets in the Martin AN/TPS-77 air surveillance radar and Asia is discernible, the market is assuming West may be under threat, spending on operational. The country is one of several its own trends. C4I capabilities in several developing nations around Asia modernising its air C2 While large nations such as Brazil or India countries seems set to continue into the capabilities. (Photo: Lockheed Martin) may be in a position to buy sophisticated foreseeable future. db
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DB_MarApr13_p06-09_Emerging_Markets.indd 9 19/03/2013 12:19:14 10 COMMAND AND CONTROL
Encrypting the contents of a communications transmission is easy, but hiding the fact that a message has been sent at all presents a whole new set of problems, finds Angus Batey. Knowledge is power he need for service personnel to be able to A sudden flurry of network activity could solutions to customers including the US DoD. communicate with one another securely is signal an imminent attack, or the passage ‘So it is inherently more vulnerable to Tas fundamental and long-established as of large amounts of full-motion video might eavesdropping by an adversary.’ any other basic aspect of armed conflict. confirm the presence of an aerial surveillance This is why transmission security is In 21st-century militaries, many of the asset, against which countermeasures can so important when utilising SATCOM. ‘Of concerns relating to communications security be deployed. course, all of the communications that the are addressed by encrypting data in transit – So the art and science of transmission military are going to be using will be modern algorithms are hard enough to crack security (TRANSEC) – ensuring that even the encrypted with very, very strong crypto that message content can safely be assumed to fact that communication is taking place is algorithms, so that an adversary has no be available only to those with the relevant hidden from an adversary – has become an chance of breaking into the channel and decryption key. However, even an unbreakable important part of battlefield data assurance. understanding what conversations are going cypher cannot solve all tactical on,’ he continued. communications security problems. nn CRUCIAL COMMUNICATIONS ‘But because of the nature of satellite An adversary can gain vital information TRANSEC can be applied to all types of communications, normally the Layer 2 simply from knowing that communication is communications, but is perhaps most crucial [data link layer] protocols are sent out in the taking place – if they can also see not just that in systems such as satellite radio, where clear. With what’s known in the US as a HAIPE – data is transiting a network, but whether the broadcast and internet protocol (IP) a high assurance IP encrypter – everything is transmissions are voice, imagery or digital, that transmission methods intertwine. encrypted at Layer 3 [network layer], so all the insight can be even more useful. Additionally, ‘The first thing that’s important to realise IP-layer stuff is encrypted and then the crypto they may be able to establish how many nodes is, unlike terrestrial communications which builds its own header, and that header is sent in the network are transmitting or receiving are effectively point to point, a satellite beam out in the clear. that information. is broadcasting your transmission over an ‘It has to be sent in the clear so that Significant actionable intelligence can enormously wide area,’ said Karl Fuchs, VP intermediate routers are able to route the be therefore be gained, even if the content for technology at iDirect Government packets appropriately. And on top of that, a of the communication remains unknown. Technologies – a key supplier of SATCOM Layer 2 protocol is appended over the air. So what the adversary can get to is information in Layer 2, as well as tunnelling information of Layer 3. ‘The net effect is that an adversary can not only tell the types of traffic,’ Fuchs explained, ‘but in many cases they can tell prioritisation of the packets as well. So an adversary could tell if there is high-priority flash override traffic being transmitted over the network. If an adversary is sophisticated enough, they can understand and determine how many remotes are in a network at any given time; they can determine acquisition activity levels; and they can even The TURMA family of combat net radios get a feel for the antenna types and sizes. provides secure transmission capability for ‘So if, all of a sudden, an adversary sees a manpack and vehicular use. (Photo: Selex ES) dramatic increase in the number of terminals
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US VSAT systems can use traffic obfuscation to make it difficult for adversaries listening in to pick out real transmissions from a continuous background of false data clutter. (Photo: US Army)
being brought into the network, they know ‘The traffic engineering information that’s Consequently, operators need to carefully there are significant troop movements going over the air would only really be of use assess which parts of the communication occurring at that point, and they know that very to an adversary for a very short period of time, system require this heightened level of security, high-priority voice traffic is now traversing the perhaps in the order of weeks or maybe a and ensure commanders are aware of any network. So that becomes a particularly month at best – and that’s not nearly enough limitations its introduction may impose. disconcerting problem.’ time, with current processing power, to break ‘The modem system that we would use on a an AES 256-bit encryption algorithm. So, military system would have a number of modes nn COMBINATION PACK effectively, by the time the adversary had of operation,’ explained Patrick Wood, currently The solution, as practiced by iDirect in its VSAT broken the TRANSEC code, they’ve already UK engineering director for Astrium UK, and (Very Small Aperture Terminal) system, involves done a History Channel special on the battle formerly programme director for prime system a combination of metadata encryption and so it doesn’t matter any more. integration on the British military’s Skynet 5 traffic obfuscation – the end result of which is to ‘That’s the simplest portion of it,’ he added. SATCOM infrastructure. make any transmissions harder to understand, ‘There are also some more sophisticated ‘One of those modes might be “low and to make real transmissions difficult for an algorithms that provide what’s known as a protection but high data rate”, and it might be adversary to pick out from a constant “wall of noise”, so that, regardless of how much easier to identify the volume of traffic going background of false data clutter. data is being transmitted, it always looks like a over that. But as you switch into the “lower data ‘What we do on our system is to encrypt constant stream of traffic. And there are other rate but higher levels of protection” [mode], it the entire Layer 2 packet,’ Fuchs said. ‘So our algorithms that obfuscate the acquisition becomes incredibly difficult to understand if entire Layer 2 protocol, which would then activity as well.’ the link is actively communicating data, or include the Layer 3 tunnelling protocol of the whether that link is just keeping itself ready for encrypter, is encrypted with our FIPS-certified nn ASSESSING THE PARTS use by communicating from point A to point B.’ [Federal Information Processing Standard], Inevitably, successful TRANSEC means adding There is an inevitable trade-off between AES [Advanced Encryption Standard] information to the network, increasing the data transfer rates and security, but, as Wood 256-bit encryption. demand for processing power and bandwidth. pointed out, even apparent disadvantages
www.digital-battlespace.com Volume 5 Number 2 | March/April 2013 | DIGITAL BATTLESPACE
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can be turned into elements of a layered ‘Maybe the part that will be more prevalent information assurance solution. is frequency-agile signals,’ said Wood. ‘And ‘If you imagine the amount of processing spread-spectrum signals, which just appear that you need, or the amount of agility that you above the noise floor. There are techniques for might want to put on the RF signal, the more spotting that, but it takes time, energy and complex that you make it, you’re adding a kind analysis to do it.’ of overhead on the top of the message, and Selex ES is developing a system described that overhead has a finite amount of as cognitive radio, which, according to the processing,’ he said. spokesperson is ‘able to understand what the ‘So as you switch to the higher levels of environment is, and change and adapt the protection, typically you’re reducing the Skynet 5 satellites provide UK forces with communication function implemented in data rate. But you’re also doing that for other secure voice and data communications for the radios [in terms of] modality of reasons, because if you want to protect yourself combined operations. (Photo: Astrium) communication, bandwidth and throughput’. against jamming, one of the ways of getting The company expects this capability be fielded round that is to use much more sophisticated the internet boom. NATO published STANAG in three to four years, and it will have an waveform algorithms, and deliberately [use] 4246, a standard requirement for a secure and adaptive TRANSEC element. a lower data rate but [achieve] a higher jam-resistant comms system known as Have However, it believes that the key driver guarantee that the data will burn through Quick, in January 1987. The requirement is still for future TRANSEC development will be in the jamming signal. So sometimes it’s classified but Digital Battlespace understands integrating communications security and advantageous in a high-threat environment that elements of TRANSEC were included. cyber defence elements, as IP- and radio-based to assume that you’re going to be under a ‘At the beginning of the 80s, we started communications continue to intertwine, jamming attack, [so] using the right level of providing radio for ground-to-air, air-to-ground and the frontline demands for smartphone- protection means the data throughput would communications in VHF and UHF,’ said a style handheld multifunction devices continue naturally have to go down.’ spokesperson for Italian contractor Selex ES. to grow. ‘Have Quick was the standard applied in the ‘We try to avoid anyone disrupting our nn KEY REQUIREMENT UHF band. Since then, our transceiver has been communications,’ the spokesperson said, The requirement for TRANSEC might appear to designed and implemented with Saturn [NATO ‘So we want to be sure that the radio link only apply in high-threat situations and affect STANAG 4372], which is a new standard for is protected. But we have IP on top [of the militaries operating against technologically UHF communications. So we provide both radio signal], of course, and IP in the tactical sophisticated adversaries, but the advantages Have Quick and Saturn in our transceivers, and environment can be attacked. So we have to of maintaining the ability to communicate for non-NATO applications we provide our protect the IP communication as well. For that covertly have been understood for millennia. implementation of fast frequency-hopping we use cyber capabilities.’ The US National Security Agency’s ‘Cryptologic which we call Easy II, which is able to work on ‘You can draw a fantastic block diagram Almanac’ mentions as an example of early UHF and VHF.’ where the troop on the front line has got his TRANSEC the story of a Greek slave in 500BC smartphone and he’s got an additional little whose shaved head was tattooed with a nn FUTURE FOCUS module that allows him to get his SATCOM message. He was then sent to the required Despite the recent experience of advanced data,’ added Wood. destination only after his hair had grown back. militaries being in conflict with technologically ‘Architecturally it’s fantastic, and In modern militaries, advanced TRANSEC limited adversaries, TRANSEC has remained a architecturally we could do it today, to is now a part of many SATCOM requirement high priority. As operations in Afghanistan and be honest. But I think what you find more documents – in the US, the Defense Iraq continue to wind down, and future force and more these days is that, from a cyber Information Systems Agency mandated requirements are reconfigured to address perspective, people are unwilling to use TRANSEC for all DoD VSAT traffic around 2010, unknown threats from more advanced entities, absolutely brand new technology until that with a limited and decreasing number of the challenge of hiding communications seems technology is proven to be secure. There’s interim authorities to operate issued to entities set to increase. plenty of R&D looking at tactical networks that that have not yet acquired the capability. Future developments will have to react have a mix of SATCOM, ground and tactical The take-up has been spurred by the and adapt not just to the capabilities potential [nodes] and enable communication to small, increasing reliance on IP-based elements of enemies may possess, but also take account handheld devices. That will continue to push communications systems, but TRANSEC has of the continuing convergence of RF and and expand. But I think they’ll use a fairly
been an important consideration since before IP communications. standard backbone of the SATCOM.’ db
DIGITAL BATTLESPACE | March/April 2013 | Volume 5 Number 2 www.digital-battlespace.com
DB_MarApr13_p10-12_Transec.indd 12 19/03/2013 12:21:14 It´s a matter of intelligence.
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DB_MarApr13_p14.indd 14 19/03/2013 12:26:22 15 COMMUNICATIONS
Callingverything shrinks with age, and He noted that this technologyforward can also As militaries continue SATCOM terminals are no exception. be deployed within minutes to provide their focus on dismounted ETheir reduction in terms of SWaP has, high-bandwidth voice, video and broadband operations, frontline troops however, coincided with the advent of data communications, allowing HD visual operations characterised by smaller, widely assessments to be delivered quickly, without are being equipped with dispersed forces demanding improved the need for existing infrastructure. greater SATCOM capabilities. beyond-line-of-sight communications. ‘Due to these significant technological Adam Baddeley explores SATCOM has also had to keep up with developments, satellite equipment is industry’s response in the need for higher levels of data transfer to increasingly becoming a viable alternative to light of growing data support information-led capabilities, alongside radio communications for military personnel, requirements. the growing number of bandwidth-hungry complementing a range of manned and applications and their proliferation to lower unmanned equipment for land-, sea- and tactical levels. Such information includes the air-based communications and surveillance,’ the defence sector to keep pace with the expansion of the common operational picture, continued Hiley. growing volumes of information generated by shared situational awareness, ISR, demand for ‘Vislink’s approach has been to adopt using data-intensive tools, such as HD video video teleconferencing at lower levels, medical design principles that make it easier to streaming.’ data transfer and biometric data. integrate this technology with the protection systems, procedures and encryption modules nn INTERCHANGEABLE BANDS nn HARDWARE ACCELERATION used by military and defence forces, to ensure In addition to small individual sets, the market is ‘Satellite hardware now exists that is extremely absolute operational flexibility and security. also seeing greater demand for terminals at portable, versatile and easy to use,’ explained ‘High-efficiency encoders developed tactical HQ levels, FOBs and patrol bases. Lance Hiley, chief marketing officer at Vislink. for the broadcast industry minimise the Requirements can be diverse, but a common ‘Modern satellite data terminals can operate data transfer requirement and developments thread is their support of interchangeable effectively in high temperatures or inhospitable in modulation schemes also maximise bands in ruggedised self-contained lightweight conditions, to satisfy the increasingly varied available data bandwidth, significantly man-portable terminal chassis. Scalable environments found on today’s battlefields.’ reducing the data requirements and enabling antenna range from as small as 30cm up
A US marine contacts HQ via SATCOM, after engaging enemy fighters in the Depak Valley, Afghanistan. (Photo: USMC)
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to 1.2-1.5m, with integrated RF manual the military, as well as the move towards more 256Kbps VSAT link, while at the platoon-level, pointing for austere systems and mechanical dismounted operations – the British experience UHF Tacsat was issued. Medical units at Camp pointing for others. Some systems weigh as in Afghanistan being illustrative of this. Bastion only had access to Ku-band and VSAT little as 25kg. In 2001, prior to the beginning of operations links at rates of 256Kbps. Beyond such applications, commercial in Afghanistan, at the brigade or task force Since then, demand for SATCOM access has satellite operators have been responding to HQ, X-band was provided by the VSC-501 become greater, with the Skynet 5 programme growing military demand for higher levels X-band terminal, secure data and voice over and a range of UORs supplying higher numbers of data transfer, especially for ISR missions. Inmarsat at 128Kbps and insecure Iridium. of compact SATCOM terminals. Examples of Mark Daniels, general VP of engineering Below this level, the battle group or battalion these include the Skylark terminal and an early and operations at Intelsat, said commercial HQ could expect Inmarsat 128Kbps and entry HQ capability for extreme high-readiness satellite services were part of a ‘layer approach’ insecure Iridium, with the J2 section also forces described as ‘baseband in a box’. to SATCOM. ‘Military planners and warfighters relying on a 128Kbps SATCOM link. All other One solution is Rockwell Collins’ around the world need advanced, robust levels of communications were reliant on the Swe-Dish CommuniCase Technology technology that can supply more bandwidth terrestrial Clansman combat net radio (CNR). 120 (CCT120) terminal, which is a three-box and provide highly secure mission package weighing 150kg. It has seen operational communications. nn MEETING DEMAND service in support of missions in Libya. ‘Because the US military wants more HD The demand for SATCOM was such that by Cobham has developed another to support their missions, Intelsat General is 2008 all staff in brigade HQs, main bases and solution, which entered service in 2012 and advancing its capabilities to support high data other key nodes had: secure phones; ‘mission provides assured 2Mbps links. It is based on rates to UAVs – from approximately 3Mbps to secret’ NATO terminals and UK secret and the company’s Microsat µSat-7X, which can 12Mbps on Predators and 45Mbps to 200Mbps restricted systems; UHF Tacsat and C-band be fitted into a single airline-checkable case, on Global Hawks – through use of smaller, Talon and Reacher terminals with throughput can operate in wind speeds of 95km/h and is more powerful spot beam technology using of 2-4Mbps; and a 2Mbps link over VSAT. ruggedised to IP-65. According to Cobham, the current Intelsat fleet and on the upcoming Below this level, the growth in SATCOM the system has a set-up time of less than two Intelsat EpicNG [Next Generation] satellites.’ from near zero capability in 2001 is, if anything, minutes and uses a dual-folded flat panel array The focus on SWaP has, to a large degree, even more profound. An infantry company antenna described as being equivalent to a been due to increased demand for SATCOM by had ‘mission secret’ Ku- or X-band links with a 1.2m reflector dish.
nn UHF REQUIREMENT In the UHF Tacsat domain is the Skylight UOR, which uses the Harris RF Communications AN/PRC-117(F), and more than 1,800 of these manpacks are currently in operation. The UK is one of a number of countries wanting to move away from UHF Tacsat for tactical levels of command – other than for some voice and backup capabilities – a decision driven by a lack of UHF channels that can be allocated to data. The UK is still trying to get more out of its UHF, with the adoption of an integrated waveform, which increases the number of demand-assigned multiple-access channels from six to 20. Industry has naturally sought to support the demand for new capabilities across a range of individual sets, terminals for bases and compact SATCOM-on-the-move (SOTM) capabilities. A key driver for smaller terminals will be the increasing use of the Ka-band. The A SWAN mini-SATCOM system is assembled during field training. (Photo: USMC) frequencies used allow for inherently
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smaller and lighter terminals by the military, A field radio operator sets up a SATCOM helped not least by the advent of the Boeing terminal in Iraq in 2008. (Photo: USMC) combined X-band/Ka-band Wideband Global SATCOM programme, providing a significant increase in available throughput. Four satellites are currently on station, with ten required in total, and the US has allocated 1GHz of that space to military users for wideband services. However, the availability of the Ka-band is limited in comparison to the Ku- and C-bands. ITT Exelis’ Global Network on the Move Active Distribution (GNOMAD) SOTM system has been involved in the US Army’s Network Integration Evaluation (NIE) process, and its latest iteration is currently being tested at the service’s Network Battle Laboratory at Fort Gordon, Georgia, ready for inclusion in required, shifting between Ku-, X- and Ka-bands channel, and it can be carried in a rucksack or NIE13.2 later this year. according to mission requirements. standard airline case. In the field, it uses passive Exelis has integrated components from a With size there is a trade-off, as with all multi- radio rather than fan-based cooling, and has a number of suppliers in GNOMAD. For its latest band designs – a system which supports the modest-sized antenna, supporting up to iteration, it has opted to move from the larger specifics of three bands carries more baggage 3Mbps uplink and 6Mbps downlink. StealthRay 2000 to the StealthRay 200 small than single-band dedicated solutions. dish antenna, which is around 53cm in The dishes used by the CCT family are nn PERSONAL SATCOM diameter and 20cm in height. made of carbon fibre to balance strength The Netted Iridium-based Distributed Tactical The overall system is modem-agnostic, and weight, with other features allowing Communications System (DTCS) has enabled but primarily uses the ViaSat LinkwayS2 antenna gain efficiency, maximising personal SATCOM to become a reality for modem, reflecting current US preferences. throughput in the antenna. The CCT120 US forces via the ITT Exelis RO Tactical Radio. The Warfighter Information Network-Tactical was also used in NIE12.1 in support of the Originally conceived to meet a joint urgent programme uses the L-3 Communications Company Command Post programme. operational need statement, the system MPM-1000 modem, which has also been Brazil acquired the terminal in 2009. has the look and feel of a standard CNR and successfully tested, although to date this A larger 2m CCT200 solution has also automatically sends global and regional has not been used with GNOMAD in the NIE. been developed in the X-, Ku- and Ka-bands, position location information to US Strategic with total weight across the four cases of Command’s mission management centre, and nn LIMITED SPACE 125kg. The system uses a dual offset antenna to from there into high-level situational awareness The switch to the StealthRay 200 produced a support data rates of up to 50Mbps. packages. smaller SOTM solution for armoured vehicles. After a number of years supplying US Special While DTCS is a US system, other sources While many platforms like MRAPs have large Operations Command with a number of of Iridium-based SATCOM are available. Gilat top surfaces suitable for flat plane arrays, terminals under the banner of the Special SATCOM’s Dynamic Relay System, for example, turreted vehicles such as the Bradley and Operations Forces Deployable Node-Family connects to a CNR and establishes an IP-based Abrams have limited space when hatches of Terminals, Rockwell Collins was awarded a ad-hoc mesh network over Iridium. and force-protection-related features are further $500 million contract to deliver tri-band Hughes offers a range of terminals in considered. This year, the new smaller version Hawkeye III Lite 1.2M terminals and quad-band its HX family, which are field-proven and can of GNOMAD will be tested at Aberdeen, with 2.0M terminals to US special forces, which be readily configured and networked in any the main weapons of the vehicles being fired began in late 2012. combination of star or mesh topologies, to see how the antenna fares. Also on offer is the L-3 Global thereby optimising the use of expensive The Rockwell Collins CCT family has been Communications Systems Panther parabolic satellite bandwidth for whatever mix of data, designed to have common elements across VSAT. This terminal uses the embedded iDirect voice or video traffic is needed on the ground. the range. The user is able to swap between Evolution iConnex e850mp modem with Rick Lober, general manager for defence transponders and modems quickly when DVB-S2 receive capabilities and a TDMA return and intelligence systems at the company, said
DIGITAL BATTLESPACE | March/April 2013 | Volume 5 Number 2 www.digital-battlespace.com
DB_MarApr13_p15-19_Satcom.indd 18 19/03/2013 12:27:24 19 COMMUNICATIONS
whether it is fixed, transportable on a moving that weighs 20-30kg, and can operate in X- and vehicle or in a manpack, a SATCOM solution is Ku-bands as well as support a CDM570L-IP only as good as the system design behind it. satellite modem. ‘Unlike fragmented solutions employing pieces of equipment that are somehow nn OPERATIONALLY RELEVANT cobbled to work together, Hughes SATCOM Integrating Broadband Global Area Network solutions employ fully integrated and highly (BGAN) closer to the front line is not simply a reliable terminals – including routers, antennas, case of lugging the terminal – it also has to radios and interconnect hardware – all working remain operationally relevant to ensure users seamlessly together with our industry-leading take it into battle. ExpertNMS [Network Management System],’ Harris has two offerings in this field – the he said. RF-7800B Land Portable BGAN Terminal and the Selex Elsag’s Micro Very Small Aperture RF-7800B Land Mobile SOTM BGAN Terminal. Terminal (Micro VSAT) weighs 23kg and is The quick-halt Peli case-based Land Portable carried in a single Peli case, with cue to the variant has data rates of up to 432Kbps and operators via embedded GPS positioning and consists of a square antenna. It can be operated inclinometers for manual alignment of the 1 or by a Touch Book or similar laptop, with the user 1.2m dish. It is offered in X- and Ku-bands and establishing a connection via an intuitive has a built-in iDirect modem or optional user steering tone. modem – a Ka variant is also in development. The SOTM solution can operate at speeds of Under Skynet 5, the X-Band Micro VSAT can 70Mps, with up to 100° of motion per second support single-channel-per-carrier links of up to while travelling through difficult terrain, and 20Mbps. This is complemented by the larger still maintain a link that is slightly higher than Talon Lite, which in turn followed on from the its Land Portable sibling. Dagger and Talon. The Lite variant is a 1m dish Another Inmarsat BGAN solution is the RapidSat700 developed by Beam Communications, which is based around a single suitcase. It has a 492Kbps wi-fi connection of up to 45m outdoors, with sufficient battery power for 24 hours. The future for UHF Tacsat is the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) – the first satellite in a five-bird constellation – which was launched in February 2012. MUOS offers 16 times the capability of the legacy system. The next systems will launch later this year, with full operational capability of four satellites plus a spare due to be in place by 2015. The US Army has chosen the General Dynamics C4 Systems two-channel AN/PRC-155 as its main initial bearer for MUOS under Army Capability Set 13. Harris’s path to MUOS compliance is the AN/PRC-117G, which uses two internal transceivers – one narrowband for waveband in order to support the key feature of the MUOS waveform, which differentiates it from other Routine maintenance is performed on a waveforms, as it is full-duplex rather than half- satellite dish at FOB Shindand in Afghanistan. duplex. The same approach will ultimately be (Photo: USAF) taken with the handheld AN/PRC-152A. db
www.digital-battlespace.com Volume 5 Number 2 | March/April 2013 | DIGITAL BATTLESPACE
DB_MarApr13_p15-19_Satcom.indd 19 19/03/2013 12:27:25 ITEC – Demonstrating the latest digital developments in military training and simulation ITEC 2013 Digital Battlespace show preview Photo: CAE ITEC is the international exhibition and conference for military training, education and simulation technology and services, providing world-leading military experts with an annual
opportunity to discuss, develop and Photo: CAE compare different approaches to complex and demanding issues wide range of topical issues. Following an opening address, delivered by Vice Admiral Filippo Maria Foffi, Commander in associated with modern warfare. Chief of the Italian Fleet, a panel of senior officers will examine the vexing issue of training for operations in the face of continued Organised by Clarion Events, which is acknowledged for its high- defence cuts. Led by Lt. Gen. Carlo Magrassi, Deputy calibre portfolio of defence and security events, top government Commander, Italian Air Force Operational Forces Command, the officials and senior military personnel from the operational and eminent panellists will call on their own experiences and procurement communities use ITEC to meet with leading global responsibilities to illustrate current thinking on training strategy. providers of services and equipment, to develop partnerships, The conference will then divide into six strategically themed conduct business and network for future growth. streams, each focused on key aspects of current and future ITEC 2012, which was staged at ExCeL London, hosted over 500 training and simulation technology. These themes are: Innovative military attendees from 45 countries, as well as eminent Learning Technologies; Medical Training Challenges; Current and representatives of multinational organisations such as NATO, SISO Future Military Operational Needs; Technological Innovations in and MIMOS. ITEC’s organisers anticipate an even more impressive Modelling and Simulation; Civil Support, Protection and Disaster attendance from international VIP attendees to this year’s event, Management; and Cyber Security Education. due to be held in the historic city of Rome. A unique hub for international training and simulation, Rome is Cyber central the location for NATO’s Modelling and Simulation Centre of Now accepted by experts within the defence establishment as the Excellence (M&S COE) which acts as a catalyst for transformation ‘fifth dimension’ of modern conflict, the complex threat of cyber through the involvement of NATO, government, academia, warfare has swiftly scaled the international agenda. The cyber industry and operational and training entities. The city is also threat is perceived to be a priority by those responsible for home to NATO’s celebrated Defence College, a unique safeguarding critical national infrastructure and numerous international institution established to educate officers and governments have responded rapidly, developing both defensive officials and conduct academic studies and research in support of and offensive capabilities. the Alliance’s wider goals. Building on the success of ITEC 2012’s inaugural Cyber Security Training and Education workshop, the Cyber Security Education A meeting of minds theme will examine the latest developments in this dynamic Recognised as the foremost forum for the debate, display and domain. Attention will be drawn to the importance of cross- discussion of military simulation and training requirements, this sector expertise and how education and training can be year’s ITEC agenda is tailored to offer an expert overview across a implemented not only by defence and the military, but a variety
www.itec.co.uk
DB_MarApr13_p20-21_ITEC.indd 20 19/03/2013 12:29:44 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE ITEC – Demonstrating the latest digital developments in military training and simulation
Particular highlights include the Serious Games in Defence Technology conference session, when insight will be given into ‘The Command Control and Communications Trainer (C3T)’, while on Thursday 23 May, LTC Malcolm Conway, Headquarters Forces Command will review ‘Project Horizon, the Australian Army’s approach to emergent learning technology’. The evolution of technological skill and expertise will also be examined in a unique panel session on Thursday 23 May, entitled ‘2020 Technology Vision – the Future of Innovation’. Pete Morrison, CEO, Bohemia Interactive Simulations, will join Flag Officers from the Netherlands, United States and the Czech Republic, to discuss the direction of innovation in military technologies – from command and staff training to self-paced training. Drawing on their operational, instructional and industry experience the panel will put forward their findings on the impact of new technologies in current training and ideas for future technology use. Exhibition developments Photo: Alenia Aermacchi An exclusive showcase of the latest innovations for the military simulation and training market – from more than 140 organisations – ITEC combines the needs of those who define, of vertical sectors. Confirmed speakers on ‘Approaches to Cyber influence, procure and implement military training from around Security Education’, which will take place Wednesday 22 May, the world. An impressive number of new participants are also due include Rear Admiral De Felice, Director of the Italian Centre for to exhibit, including the world-leading providers of healthcare Defence Innovation, as well as representatives from the European education and resuscitation training, Laerdal Medical; Transas Defence Agency. Marine International; Ankara-based Onur AS which provides Reflecting these high-level discussions, ITEC will host a unique integrated telecommunication and electronic systems supporting cyber security round table event on the exhibition floor. Focused airfield communication and Navigation and Surveillance Systems; on ‘shaping the cyber warrior for 2020’, this pioneering addition to Germany’s eurosimtec and Q4 Services, a business which the ITEC 2013 agenda, will bring together leading experts in cyber specialises in manufacture, service, and support of visual display security and education from across academia, industry and the systems to the global flight simulator industry. ITEC 2013 is also military to further debate the future of cyber security education. delighted to welcome back exhibitors Finmeccanica; Bohemia Organised in association with Lancaster University, a UK Interactive Simulations; Saab Training Systems; Quizdom; and Government certified Academic Centre of Excellence for Cyber Norway’s leading supplier of defence and aerospace-related Security Research, the event will generate discussion that will form systems, Kongsberg Defence Systems. the basis for an official white paper, to be released after ITEC 2013. “As the importance of training and simulation continues to grow Taking place Thursday 23 May, the session is open to all ITEC in both the civil and military spheres, I am confident that this year’s attendees and will seek a wide range of perspectives, encouraging event in Rome will see a significant participation from the Italian lively debate between the panellists and the audience. government, industry and educational institutions, as well as high- Confirmed panellists include Dr Dan Prince, Security Lancaster, level attendees from across Europe, USA and crucial emerging Andrea Rigoni, Director General Global Cyber Security Centre, Rear markets,” said Cristiano Montrucchio, Head of Avionic Systems at Admiral Simon Williams OBE, Chairman Clarion Defence and Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica Company and ITEC 2013 Security, and Eneken Tikk-Ringas, Senior Fellow for Cyber Security, Conference Chair. IISS; Visiting Senior Mentor, Baltic Defence College. Innovation abounds ITEC will be held at Fiera di Roma exhibition Exploring the most recent advancements in mobile applications ground, Rome, from 22-24 May 2013. and serious games, as well as the application of civil technologies in military scenarios, the Innovative Learning Technologies For more information about the event, conference stream will offer delegates an understanding of register to attend, to view the full conference innovative solutions to emerging military requirements. programme, please visit www.itec.co.uk
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DB_MarApr13_p20-21_ITEC.indd 21 19/03/2013 12:29:45 22 ISR
n early December 2012 briefing titled ‘US Army Fires 2020’ serves to highlight the Adynamically changing roles and vision surrounding ground-based radars in modern operational environments. The presentation Degrees of also provides a framework for exploring several recent and pending developments involving US and international radar systems. For example, reflecting current field artillery improvement modernisation strategy, the briefing outlines an existing environment that includes systems The US Army is pursuing a dual-track modernisation of its like: the AN/TPQ-36/37 Firefinder series radars; ground-based radar capabilities, involving both new and the Enhanced AN/TPQ-36 (‘EQ-36’, now AN/ upgraded systems. Scott R Gourley fills in the details. TPQ-53); and the SRC AN/TPQ-48 (a quick reaction capability for US special operations The AN/MPQ-64 ground- forces designed to be compatible with airborne based radar has enhanced operations and deployable by parachute) counter-UAV detection and AN/TPQ-49 (follow-on design for use by capabilities. (Photo: author) expeditionary forces) Lightweight Counter Mortar Radars. In addition to these systems, FY2008 witnessed the US Army Product Manager Radars acquire two Saab Giraffe Agile Multi- Beam (AMB) long-range radars to provide 360° force protection for US forces then in Iraq. Near-term strategies for evolving these systems include ‘pure-fleeting’ with the AN/ TPQ-53 to fill identified gaps for combined arms manoeuvre and wide area security, and fielding a mobile AN/TPQ-50 to eliminate any 360° gaps in counter-rocket, artillery and mortar operations. In parallel with field artillery modernisation plans, ‘Fires 2020’ also addresses current ground-based radar inventories and near- term evolution of air defence capabilities. A key element of this strategy involves introduction of the ThalesRaytheonSystems (TRS) AN/MPQ-64 Improved Sentinel radar that will provide future forces with improved counter-unmanned aerial system (UAS) detection capabilities.
nn PROGRAMME ACTIVITY One of the key programme activities currently under way to satisfy the modernisation vision involves the AN/TPQ-53 counterfire target acquisition (CTA) radar now in low-rate initial production (LRIP) by Lockheed Martin.
DIGITAL BATTLESPACE | March/April 2013 | Volume 5 Number 2 www.digital-battlespace.com
DB_MarApr13_p22-24_Ground-based_Radar.indd 22 19/03/2013 12:32:05 23 The AN/TPQ-53 provides long-range ISR counterfire target acquisition for mortars, rockets and cannon. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
Mounted on its 5.1t Family of Medium programme in place supporting systems in systems, Flake acknowledged the introduction Tactical Vehicles prime mover, the solid-state Afghanistan, continental United States, Hawaii, of improvements within the LRIP phase. phased array Q-53 detects, classifies, tracks and Alaska and Germany. I am in the middle of ‘There have been some improvements, determines the location of enemy indirect fire environmental testing and low-rate initial primarily to make the system operate in either 360 or 90° modes. This innovative production testing. We completed a limited better in a rainy environment and also to sensor is replacing the ageing AN/TPQ-36 user test in October of 2012, and we are moving make it operate a little bit better in a hotter and -37 medium-range radars now in the toward IOT&E [initial operational test and environment,’ he said. ‘As we learned things army’s inventory. evaluation], beginning in October and running from our time in Iraq and Afghanistan, we had Lockheed Martin won the competitive through November of this year.’ no major issues, but we saw some minor things development contract for the EQ-36 radar in Successful completion of testing should that we could tweak.’ 2007. Responding to urgent needs statements pave the way for a full-rate production (FRP) He noted that the mechanical changes from theatre and following early programme decision/award in 2014. included the addition of ‘a rain hood and successes, the army awarded the company an some other things that would just make it more accelerated contract for 12 initial production nn SOLICITATION EFFORT impervious to water in a torrential downpour. systems in July 2008 and a follow-on with In preparation for that milestone, on And we’ve seen a lot of that, quite frankly, in options for an additional 20 systems in April 19 December 2012, the US Army released an RfI Afghanistan. Over the last two weeks it has 2010. In autumn that year, the army began with the purpose of conducting pre-solicitation been raining torrentially and the radars are deploying EQ-36 systems to combat in planning and market research to determine performing very well. We have not lost Iraq and Afghanistan. production capabilities for procurement of the anything – no components, nothing. No According to Lee Flake, programme AN/TPQ-53 system, including training in support radars have gone down even in the heavy director for counterfire target acquisition radar of OCONUS (outside continental US) tasks. rains they have seen in Afghanistan lately. programmes in Lockheed Martin’s Mission ‘This [announcement] is being issued to ‘And of course we continue to upgrade Systems & Sensors business, the Q-53 LRIP satisfy a requirement of the February 2012 the software throughout the life of the contract included two iterations – an award for acquisition decision memorandum which programme,’ he added. ‘We’re continuing to 12 systems on 29 February 2012, and a second required Product Manager Radars to conduct make the software better nearly every quarter.’ for 21 additional systems on 16 March 2012. market research to ascertain industry’s ability ‘We were already under quick reaction and interest in satisfying AN/TPQ-53 production nn LEGACY UPGRADE contract for 21 initial production systems, so requirements,’ it stated. ‘The information But the army’s goal of ‘pure fleeting’ with Q-53s that brought our total up to 65,’ he explained gained from the [announcement] will be will certainly take time. In the meantime, the to Digital Battlespace. ‘Two weeks ago [late used to support development of a business service has enhanced its existing counterfire January 2013] we delivered the 32nd of those case analysis which assesses the feasibility of capabilities with upgrades to its legacy 65 systems, which was the last of that quick reintroducing competition for FRP in FY2014.’ Firefinder systems. reaction capability contract. I’ve still got the 33 ‘They have to issue that sources sought, In June 2011, for example, TRS announced low-rate initial production systems in front of regardless of how they are going to approach that its ‘advanced Firefinder radars’ had been me, and I just received notification from the [FRP],’ Flake explained. ‘And we don’t know fielded in theatre to support and protect US army that I can expect another order, for “LRIP how they are going to do it. We don’t know and allied troops. The new radars feature a 3”, in the next 60-90 days. I think that in round if they are going to compete it again. We number of reliability and maintainability numbers that will be for about 20 systems. would love for them not to compete it, but improvements that extend service life and ‘Today I have eight systems in Afghanistan,’ they might – that’s always their option.’ reduce life cycle costs. TRS is delivering the he added. ‘They are performing exceptionally Further reflective of an ongoing modernised radars in conjunction with well over there. I also have my support modernisation emphasis in ground-based radar Tobyhanna Army Depot.
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DB_MarApr13_p22-24_Ground-based_Radar.indd 23 19/03/2013 12:32:05 24 ISR Looking around Just as US manufacturers are exploring new international markets for their ground-based radar offerings, companies outside the US are positioning some of their products to fill identified DoD capability gaps. An example of this can be seen in the June 2008 cooperative agreement between Saab and Sensis ‘to promote, enhance and support Saab’s Giraffe AMB family of radars in the United States’. A more recent example of interest in potential gaps in the US market could be seen at the October 2012 AUSA annual meeting and exposition in Washington, DC, where Israel’s Rada Electronic Industries ‘Firefinder radars have been serving the highlighted its full range of ground radar solutions. US Army since the 1970s,’ offered Cynthia Rada offers advanced pulse-Doppler, multi-mission, active electronically scanned array radars. The Baker, communications manager at TRS. ‘But software-defined radars can assume numerous operational missions and enable advanced force and this is not your grandfather’s radar. Redesigned border protection. Both the Compact Hemispheric Radar (designed for use on combat vehicles and short- from the inside out, the latest version of the range protection applications) and Multi-mission Hemispheric Radar (designed for force and border AN/TPQ-37 is the most accurate, most reliable protection applications) families were highlighted during the event. db and most widely proven weapon-locating radar available today.’ The current AN/TPQ-37(V)9 is improved In October 2011, TRS announced that the this translate to less weight and lower in both reliability and maintainability as a US Army would procure 56 Improved Sentinel power consumption, but the same sources result of extensive hardware modernisations. radars, later increased to 57. have acknowledged the possibility that GaN Specific upgraded features include: a new The announcement described Sentinel technology will translate to system capabilities fully air-cooled modular transmitter; a digital as a three-dimensional, phased-array radar similar to the next-generation radar programmable waveform receiver exciter; a operating in the X-band frequency range. requirements of other armed services. new advanced radar processor; and a fully The primary mission is to automatically That possibility is also reflected by industry digitised operations central shelter. detect, track, identify and report airborne sources, who note how some aspects of Baker added that 2011 and 2012 saw TRS threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles emerging radar designs could also present initiate an internal project to further improve and UAS. Sentinel’s capabilities are suited future planners with multi-mission/expanded Firefinder performance, with the overall result for missions such as air defence/missile role flexibility. being a fivefold increase in power amplification systems coordination, homeland defence As an example, while choosing his words module mean time between failures. The and infrastructure, asset and special carefully, Flake observed: ‘[The Q-53] was Improved Firefinder is fully exportable to event protection. designed as a multi-role/multi-functional/ allied nations worldwide. The first of the 57 new Sentinels is slated multi-mission radar. The prototype of it ‘ThalesRaytheonSystems continues to to roll off the production line this year. could do both the CTA mission we do – the invest in and implement technology advances counterfire mission – and it could also do to improve capabilities and efficiencies in all nn SERVICE SYNERGY air surveillance missions. Today we “see” air radar systems,’ she added. The US Army is not alone in its ground-based targets, but because our primary mission today Another example involves the AN/MPQ-64 radar activities. USMC efforts include the does not include those air targets, we simply Sentinel battlefield air defence radar. As noted AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar filter them out. earlier, the ‘Fires 2020’ briefing highlights (G/ATOR), developed by Northrop Grumman ‘It’s clear to me that there could be a path a near-term move towards an ‘Improved Electronic Systems. forward for this radar to have benefit/value to a Sentinel’ to provide enhanced counter-UAS G/ATOR is a three-dimensional short-to- customer if it could report those air surveillance detection capabilities. medium-range tactical radar designed to type targets. So there is plenty of growth detect, identify and track low-level cruise potential in this radar. And we are working on The AN/TPS-80 missiles, manned aircraft and UAS, as well as Lockheed Martin [internal R&D] dollars to fully G/ATOR will replace develop what we see as potential capabilities.’ five different legacy rockets, mortar and artillery fire. G/ATOR’s systems with the digital design allows the system to perform As might be expected, many of the new USMC. (Photo: the functions of five different legacy ground- ground-based radar designs are also drawing Northrop Grumman) based radars it is slated to replace. considerable interest beyond the borders of The AN/TPS-80 was delivered for the US. government testing in the middle of 2012, with For example, about the same time as the subsequent trials slated to set the stage for a October 2011 US order, TRS also received an possible low-rate production effort in 2013. FMS contract for six AN/MPQ-64 radars ‘to be The G/ATOR programme also serves to procured by two countries in South America highlight technology synergies between and North Africa’. different radar projects across the services. Examples of ‘immediate opportunities’ for Specifically, military representatives have the Q-53 noted by Flake included the Canadian described future goals of transitioning G/ATOR Medium Range Radar programme as well as to a next-generation gallium nitride (GaN) a reported counterfire radar requirement in
semiconductor technology. Not only would Singapore. db
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Whether it is to prevent illegal immigrants entering the country or monitor lines of conflict, effective border control is vital, and suitable surveillance technology must be employed, Beth Stevenson reports.
n order to maintain sovereign control called up in the case of a full-scale attack. and 1,269 injured, Serry reported. Six Israelis – over what enters and leaves a country, However, a ceasefire was declared on four civilians and two soldiers – were reportedly Iborder control, and in turn surveillance, 21 November, which both sides adhered to for killed by Palestinian rocket fire and 224 Israelis are essential. the most part, although the strain between the were injured, the vast majority civilians. Recent political tensions across certain two is still evident. While the broader issue of the future frontiers have led to security being stepped of the region is discussed internationally, up, with technology taken to the next level nn ADDRESSING CONCERNS Israel continues to enforce strict surveillance and permanent infrastructure being put in ‘The devastating round of violence is a stark of the area in response to these kinds of events. place to increase the ISR capabilities these reminder that the status quo is unsustainable,’ From ‘defensive forestation’ efforts along the particular countries have. Robert Serry, special coordinator for the Middle Gaza border to more sophisticated sensor The border between Israel and the East peace process, told the UN Security systems, activity is monitored daily. In turn, Palestinian Territories saw significant Council on 27 November, according to a the country’s industry is rapidly developing disturbance in November when a firing UN news statement. ‘There will be no progress surveillance solutions for domestic border campaign between the two was conducted if Israel’s legitimate security concerns are control, which also lends itself to international over the Gaza Strip. not addressed. At the same time, it will give markets. Adding to the strain already felt in the Palestinians a strong additional stake in a Ness Technologies, for example, started region, the firings lasted eight days, and some durable calm if it leads to a lifting of the development of the Sixth Sense detection 150 people were killed, mostly Palestinian. closure on Gaza.’ system some five years ago at the request of Armoured vehicles were reportedly lined up The eight days of violence left an estimated the Israeli MoD following a stabbing incident on the border by the IDF, and reserves were 158 Palestinians dead – including 103 civilians – that took place in Jerusalem. Borderline success
Photo: US Customs and Border Protection
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It was also announced in February that successful testing of the MHR had been completed with the IDF, using the RPS-40 Counter-Artillery, Rockets and Mortars variant. The RPS-40 detects, tracks, classifies and locates direct and elevated threats fired at stationary or mobile forces. These include rockets, artillery, mortars, ATGMs and RPGs. The system can be integrated with any protection and/or C4I system and installed at stationary bases and posts, or on board fighting vehicles. Zvi Alon, CEO of Rada, said at the time: ‘We are very pleased with the results of the FLIR introduced its MSC vehicular long-range detection system at AUSA. (Photo: Tony Skinner) tests, which have proved the advanced capabilities and the technological maturity of ‘According to video recorded before the our radars. incident, the terrorist acted in a way that was ‘Our next goal is to establish the serial abnormal – he stayed at the scene for a long ‘On 27 January, the IDF production line by mid-2013. In the coming time, going back and forth,’ Michael announced that it was deploying months, we will conduct further tests on Zinderman, president of the Technologies & additional operational missions, and estimate Systems Group at Ness Technologies, told more sensor capabilities along that by the end of the year our radars will be Digital Battlespace. the Syrian border.’ installed and in use by select customers.’ ‘Later when the system was presented The company’s range includes the to border protectors, the operational Compact Hemispheric Radar (CHR) family for requirements were widened to also cover centre or another C2 system. Meanwhile, the use on vehicles and for short-range protection border protection, especially related to cameras are also installed in all-weather boxes, applications, the RPS-10 sensor for active crowded border pass control points.’ and the camera choice fits the lighting and protection systems and the RPS-15 hostile fire weather conditions expected. management radar system for combat vehicles. nn SENSITIVE LOCATIONS During the AUSA Annual exhibition The MHR family is designed for force and The system is designed for use at border control in Washington, DC, in October, another border protection and includes the RPS-42 for points, in crowded urban environments and for Israeli company, Rada Electronic Industries, tactical air surveillance and the RHS-44 for VIP protection, although it can be used in any demonstrated what it described as ‘the first border intrusion management, alongside the ‘sensitive location’. At present, it is installed at a software-defined radar’ to the US market. RPS-40 radar system. ‘sensitive military site’ in Israel for operational The fact that the pulse-Doppler multi- evaluation, which is part of the advanced mission AESA radars are software-defined nn SYRIAN FOCUS development stage of the programme. means they lend themselves to multiple It is not just the Palestinian border that concerns ‘The main purpose was to develop types of operational missions and profiles. Israel. On 27 January, the IDF announced that it a system for common use,’ continued The company said that it was seeking a US was deploying more sensor capabilities along Zinderman. ‘Therefore, it works with a broad partner to team with to integrate its systems the Syrian border. range of video cameras, modern cameras on a variety of platforms. ‘Specifically, the IDF leadership has as well as the cheapest, even obsolete, decided to strengthen the border fence analogue video cameras.’ nn SYSTEM DEMONSTRATION while upgrading intelligence-gathering The system’s sensor comprises two cameras, Dov Sella, Rada’s VP of business capabilities in the area,’ an IDF statement and future development will include the development, told DB that the company’s explained. ‘In recent weeks, soldiers of the incorporation of different options, including Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar (MHR) had Ga’ash Formation, which defends the area, pan-tilt-zoom and IR cameras and RFID. been demonstrated to the US Army at Yuma have worked extensively on this project so The detection and alert mechanism is Proving Grounds, Arizona. He claimed that as to enhance the area’s general security.’ automatic, based on initial setup by the user. the system was less than 10% of the cost of These moves are designed to prepare for The system output can be displayed locally competing systems due to the COTS nature developments in Syria, as well as countering and/or disseminated to a distant control of its development. future terrorist activity.
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This will allow earlier alerts that can be activated using fast jets and flying below radar to attack in specific zones. the site, adding to the tension in the region. ‘Reports claim that India has Rafael and the Israel Missile Defense been increasing surveillance Organization within the MoD successfully nn LINE OF CONTROL tested the upgraded variant, the IDF Another border that is controlled and measures in Kashmir in response announced on 21 January, having monitored is the Line of Control (LoC) in to recent events.’ completed a series of pre-planned trials. Jammu and Kashmir, which is subject to an The upgraded system, designed to shoot ownership dispute by India and Pakistan. down threats at greater ranges, is a response to In January, tensions mounted as the ‘This project contains within it a significant reported intelligence that Hezbollah in Lebanon two sides accused each other of breaking procedure for strengthening intelligence- has received longer range rockets from Iran. ceasefire rules. Military activity near the gathering, by stationing radars and state-of- Iron Dome mainly consists of a mobile border is regarded as common, but the-art cameras throughout the Golan Heights detection and tracking multi-mission radar, accusations of encroaching on each other’s sector,’ said Ga’ash Formation engineering a battle management and weapons control considered territory is not, and subsequently officer Lt Col Shai Unger, who is responsible unit, an interceptor with special warhead that three Pakistani and two Indian soldiers for the project. ‘Additionally, a barrier has detonates threats from ranges up to 70km were killed. been placed along the line of the fence, and a missile firing unit. Trade and travel across the border have which will provide added security to the In the coming months, an upgraded model commenced again, but reports claim that India surrounding communities.’ of the Tamir interceptor, used to interrupt has been increasing its surveillance measures The building of the fence is being rockets and missiles, is expected to enter into in response to recent events, and thermal carried out in a similar fashion to that of the operational use. Currently, 20 Tamirs are imagers and long-range reconnaissance and ‘Hourglass Project’ on the Egyptian border, allocated to each battery, and Iron Dome will observation systems are already in operation which has proven its effectiveness recently in use the new upgraded rocket alongside the along the LoC. preventing illegal border crossings, according current version. In March 2012, the Indian Institute for to the IDF. At the end of January, it was also reported Defence Studies and Analyses (ISRO) proposed ‘In the beginning, we chose to invest that Israel had targeted a research centre in Syria, the launch of Radar Imaging Satellite 1 our efforts in the areas close to civilian communities, but I believe in the future we will equip the entire Golan Heights with the same kind of barrier,’ continued Unger.
nn IRON DOME Meanwhile, the country’s Rafael-built Iron Dome rocket interceptor, operated by the Israeli Air Force, was used during the disruption in November, and of the five batteries in service, one was moved to the north of Israel, near Haifa in January, amid fears of conflict with Syria. Unconfirmed reports also state that Israel already had one Iron Dome stationed in the north near its borders with Syria and Lebanon. The system is undergoing a sensor and software upgrade, with improved capability allowing detection of 99% of the rockets and missiles launched towards Israel, allowing for specific scans of an attacked area. One of the main system improvements is the ability to have a more precise evaluation The Sixth Sense detection system was developed in response to a greater need for surveillance, of the area under attack within the country. following a stabbing incident in Jerusalem. (Image: Ness Technologies)
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(RISAT-1) with C-band synthetic aperture Pacific and Gulf maritime regions to enhance radar (SAR). the operating picture and better identify, track ‘ISRO also proposes to launch a GEO and intercept maritime targets of interest in imaging satellite [GISAT] in geostationary support of surge operations,’ notes the White orbit to provide near-real-time pictures of large House paper. ‘Agencies should continue to areas of the country, including borders, under develop and utilise all available means for cloud-free conditions,’ according to the ISRO. detection and tracking of suspect air and ‘RISAT-1 will be transmitting the picture Rada has demonstrated its MHR system to the maritime contacts, and improve information- data only during the passage of the satellite US Army at Yuma in an effort to market the sharing to enhance southwest border domain over India to the receiving station located at system to new territories. (Photo: Rada) awareness, including improved technology Hyderabad. The GISAT will provide the pictures and mechanisms to share information with of the areas of interest on a near-real-time basis. video camera mounted on a rugged truck that other federal, state and local partners.’ That is, selected sector-wise imaging every five can be driven to tactical areas of high risk. As part of the DoD’s military support to minutes and entire Indian landmass every 30 In October 2012 at the AUSA exhibition, civilian law enforcement agencies (MSCLEA), minutes at 50m spatial resolution.’ FLIR Systems unveiled its Mobile Surveillance Joint Task Force (JTF) North aided the effort to It is understood that India currently has one Capability (MSC) vehicle-based long-range monitor the Mexican border. satellite with SAR equipment, but because detection system. Developed in conjunction it is not designed to transmit 24/7, new sensors with CBP, it incorporates the TacFLIR 380-HD nn TECHNOLOGY SHIFT with night capabilities could be considered. sensor, Elta Ground Master radar and FLIR’s ‘During the first decade of JTF North’s Another option, according to news site Tribune CommandSpace Adaptive C2 software. MSCLEA operations, the support provided to India, would be a SAR capability on board a UAV. Deliveries of an undisclosed number of MSC law enforcement was relatively personnel- ‘We are at looking at improving surveillance units to CBP under a $100 million contract were intensive, using people on the ground to capability and ramping up human intelligence,’ expected to begin as this issue went to press. provide border detection,’ JTF North explains in the site reported the Indian Army Chief as FLIR also confirmed to DB that three of the its ‘Military Homeland Security Support: Joint saying. ‘We are revisiting doctrine and strategy international variant, the CommandSpace Task Force North Supports Federal Agencies’ and making it relevant and compatible.’ Cerberus Mobile Vehicle Surveillance System statement. ‘Today, JTF North support has (MVSS), have been ordered by a Middle Eastern shifted to a greater focus on the application of nn STATESIDE SEPARATION customer. MVSS uses FLIR’s R20SS radar, while technologies, including ground sensors, radar, Some 3,200km of border separates the US and the CBP variant uses the Elta GroundMaster. airborne platforms and thermal imaging. Mexico, and although the two countries are not A FLIR spokesman at AUSA also said that ‘The evolution of the support has resulted caught up in any kind of conflict, the boundary the company was in discussions with Kenya in more effective border detection. JTF North is still monitored to prevent illegal immigrants for possible export of the system. has shifted its intelligence support efforts crossing from the latter to the former. The surveillance system is designed with from the borders outward and deeper into ‘To help improve low-level air detection and a ‘one button to detect’ capability and can be the approaches to the US.’ monitoring along the southwest border, the DoD set up in less than eight minutes, according to Surveillance capabilities offered by and [Department of Homeland Security] continue the company. The system on display at the the DoD to federal law enforcement agencies to coordinate the testing, evaluation and exhibition was on a test vehicle, which had include: aviation reconnaissance; air and employment of suitable surveillance technology,’ been put through 8-9g stress testing without maritime surveillance radar; UAS; ground states the 2011 White House ‘National Southwest any damage to the sensor suite. surveillance radar; listening post/observation Border Counternarcotics Strategy’. ‘The [US] Coast Guard has deployed multi- post; and ground sensor operations. ‘The DoD-owned Tethered Aerostat Radar sensor DoD detection technology in both the ‘JTF North executed a multi-sensor land System is an effective tool to detect low-flying and maritime homeland security mission in aircraft, maritime and land traffic at the border support of the USCG along the US-Mexico and between the ports of entry. An effort to border south of San Diego,’ continues the integrate DoD portable radar systems will ‘Agencies should develop and statement. ‘The support mission included further optimise the air picture.’ utilise all available means for both day and night aviation reconnaissance US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has detection and tracking of suspect and maritime radar support operations.’ also acquired and deployed mobile surveillance Helicopters with FLIR sensors have been systems on select areas of the southwest air and maritime contacts.’ known to patrol the border, and since 2005
border. These units include a radar system and Predator UAVs routinely survey it. db
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Sharpening the gaze Reduced maintenance levels and the ability to detect small, highly mobile targets are key aims of the USAF’s ongoing 3DELRR radar programme. Tom Withington reviews progress to date.
he USAF is looking forward to the improvements to the back end of the radar replacement of its veteran Northrop in the form of advanced signal processing TGrumman AN/TPS-75 ground-based techniques. These utilise Barker phase- air surveillance radars, which entered service coded pulses to increase accuracy, range in 1968, with the new Three Dimensional and resolution. Expeditionary Long-Range Radar (3DELRR). The 3DELRR programme is moving forward, and a nn AESA ARCHITECTURE An artist’s rendering of Lockheed Martin’s proposed 3DELRR design. The company is number of milestones are expected in 2013. One of the aims of the 3DELRR programme competing with Northrop Grumman and The AN/TPS-75 provides theatre-level air is to reduce the maintenance burden still Raytheon to fulfil the requirement. surveillance as part of the USAF’s Ground further vis-à-vis the radars which will eventually (Image: Lockheed Martin) Theater Air Control System (GTACS) C2 be replaced. This will be partially achieved via architecture, which forms a key part of the use of an active electronically scanned array during the technology development (TD) service’s Theater Air Control System (TACS). The (AESA) with transmit/receive (T/R) modules phase 1 of the programme. The formal AN/TPS-75 is based on Northrop Grumman’s mounted directly on the antenna, as opposed solicitation for 3DELRR was published on AN/TPS-43E radar. This latter S-band system to the previous radar’s design which has the 29 October that year. has an effective range of 450km when transmitter, receiver and processors located In December 2009, Saab Sensis completed detecting a fighter-sized target, and can be in the transportable shelter accompanying a systems requirement review (SRR) for the used for ground-controlled interception, the antenna. engineering, integration and test processes fire control and general air surveillance. In terms of mission, the original solicitation that the firm had performed regarding its Several electronic counter-countermeasures released by the DoD regarding 3DELRR work on the programme. Lockheed Martin are built into the AN/TPS-75, including frequency required the radar to ‘provide long-range completing its SRR in December 2010, agility, a new ultra-low sidelobe antenna surveillance, control of aircraft and theatre demonstrating a functioning 3DELRR designed to reduce sidelobe emissions by ballistic missile detection’. In addition, the prototype at the same time. This was up to 50% compared to the AN/TPS-43E, document called for the future replacement closely followed in January 2011 by a reduced maintenance burden and system to ‘correct current radar system Sensis completing demonstration of its shortfalls by providing the capability to detect radar prototype. and report highly manoeuvrable, small radar- cross-section targets, as well as to discriminate nn PROGRAMME RESTRUCTURING ‘One of the aims of the type of non-cooperative aircraft’. However, a radical restructuring of the the 3DELRR programme Work on the 3DELRR initiative commenced programme was announced in March that is to reduce the maintenance in May 2009 with the award of two contracts year during a 3DELRR industry day, reflecting (worth $21.9 million and $24.9 million) to DoD financial considerations and a desire to burden still further.’ Saab Sensis and Lockheed Martin to provide ensure that which ever radar is procured will radar engineering and design support be exportable. This latter focus could reduce
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eventual procurement costs, given that the complete a [PDR] as part of our pre-EMD As part of its pre-EMD contract, Meaney said more export customers receive the radar, the contract, along with a capability demonstration Northrop Grumman has ‘conducted a very lower the unit procurement price will be for of a 3DELRR radar prototype. We are diligently successful customer post-award conference the US military. working on the tasks associated with in early September and an equally successful This effectively relaunched the competition, completing those milestones.’ He noted that system requirements/functional review [SRFR] resulting in the award in August 2012 of the company has ‘a very capable team and in mid-December. The customer indicated they contracts for TD phase 2/pre-engineering and great partners in Saab Sensis, and we are on were extremely pleased with the breadth and manufacturing development (EMD) activities track to complete both the PDR and depth of the data we provided them, including to Lockheed Martin Mission Systems, Northrop demonstration on schedule’. a demonstration of a complete AESA radar Grumman Electronic Systems and Raytheon system incorporating high-efficiency gallium Integrated Defense Systems, which received nn PUBLIC SPEAKING nitride [GaN] T/R modules.’ contracts worth $36 million, $34.8 million and Like Raytheon, Northrop Grumman has spoken Raytheon is also touting its GaN expertise – $35.2 million respectively. publicly about its offering for the 3DELRR this material can operate efficiently at higher During this phase, the USAF will review programme. Mike Meaney, the company’s temperatures and higher voltages than gallium studies already undertaken by industry director of ground-based tactical radar, told arsenide, which is currently in widespread use regarding 3DELRR requirements and its Digital Battlespace that the contractual in radars. These properties make GaN ideal for strategies for meeting them. Furthermore, the requirements are to ‘mature all required microwave power amplifiers. ‘Gallium nitride service will perform preliminary design reviews technologies to Technology Readiness Level 6 technology is one of the key requirements for (PDRs) and evaluate technological maturity or above’, and ‘conduct an [AESA] system 3DELRR,’ Hajek said. ‘Raytheon was the first levels. Of the two original companies involved demonstration this coming summer’. defence company to recognise the potential of in TD phase 1, only Lockheed Martin remains, this revolutionary technology, and as a result, with Saab Sensis bowing out as a prime we have invested heavily in it for a number of contractor. Nevertheless, the firm is still years.’ He added that ‘this puts us in an involved with the initiative and is working ‘In order to win, you have to extremely strong position to provide the air with Raytheon to this end. be able to offer a system that force with a system that meets their Discussing its selection for the pre-EMD isn’t just affordable to procure, requirements at an affordable cost’. phase, Andy Hajek, 3DELRR programme He further argued that the company’s director at Raytheon Integrated Defense but affordable to operate.’ previous experience in designing and Systems, said that the company is ‘required to producing ground-based air surveillance
The USAF’s AN/TPS-75 medium-range ground-based air surveillance radar has been in service since the late 1960s. It is based on the earlier AN/TPS-43E. (Photo: US DoD)
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radars also holds it in good stead: ‘We certainly have the technical expertise to meet the requirements. We’ve been building radars for many decades, so this kind of competition is aligned with one of our core competencies.’
nn ACTIVE LINE Like Raytheon and Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin is involved in the pre-EMD phase of the 3DELRR initiative and will also perform an SRFR, and develop and demonstrate a full-scale prototype, according to company spokesman Keith Little. The Northrop Grumman hopes its experience developing the AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR for the firm believes it is well positioned to fulfil the USMC will give it a decisive advantage in the 3DELRR contest. (Photo: Northrop Grumman) USAF’s requirements thanks to the experience that it has gained to date in building radars for win, you have to be able to offer a system G/ATOR can perform is made possible by its the service. that isn’t just affordable to procure, but employment of AESA technology which allows ‘Lockheed Martin has an active radar affordable to operate. You need a system T/R modules mounted on the antenna face production line. We still manufacture and that is affordable throughout the entire life to be utilised for different surveillance tasks. deliver the AN/FPS-117 and the tactically cycle of the programme.’ The AN/TPS-80 has completed its first two mobile AN/TPS-77 long-range surveillance government development testing milestones radars,’ Little said. Both of these are phased- nn G/ATOR AID at Wallops Island, Virginia, and will now move array, three-dimensional radars that have Meaney argued that the experience accrued ahead with follow-on activities, along with been sold widely around the world. by Northrop Grumman regarding the GTACS performing an operational assessment at Furthermore, Little claimed that the initiative could place the company in an Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, by the end company has placed a major emphasis on advantageous position to fulfil the 3DELRR of the year. reducing the maintenance burden for any requirement: ‘In addition to our unique GTACS Meaney argued that several 3DELRR future 3DELRR system: ‘The high number of radar experience, another factor that qualifies requirements are similar to those of the AN/ line replaceable units on fielded radars today us to implement the 3DELRR programme is TPS-80, chiefly high operational availability to will be drastically reduced. Lockheed Martin is that we are the only US company that has perform air defence missions. He argues that sharing components from across its current designed, built and tested a production-quality this allows Northrop Grumman to expedite line of radars and applying those to 3DELRR. ground-based AESA air defence radar [in the radar design and production, and ultimately For example, the levelling legs from our form of the G/ATOR for the USMC – see below], entry into service should the firm be awarded AN/TPQ-53 Counter Fire Radar that so we have already encountered and the contract. ‘As a result, we have the ability to automatically and quickly level the addressed technical issues that our competitors significantly accelerate the 3DELRR acquisition, radar are being considered. That saves probably wouldn’t even discover for another which is vitally important to the air force given development costs, and those legs are three years or so.’ the age and limitations of the existing radar already qualified and in use today in combat. The AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented systems that 3DELRR will replace.’ It also helps with procurement costs.’ Radar (G/ATOR) replaces the marine corps’ He also stated that ‘Lockheed Martin existing Lockheed Martin AN/TPS-59 L-band nn FUTURE MILESTONES matured its gallium nitride transmitters for air surveillance radar, which has a range of Where does the 3DELRR programme go its 3DELRR system and will now use those up to 370km and a 100,000ft ceiling, using a next? Following the completion of TD phase components on current radars such as the planar array where radar pencil beams are 2/pre-EMD, the USAF expects to move towards company’s AN/TPS-59 USMC air surveillance mechanically scanned in azimuth. The AN/TPS- the full EMD phase in the first quarter of FY2014. radar, along with the AN/TPS-77 and 80, however, will be capable of tracking all air A single winning bidder will be selected AN/FPS-117 in their transmitters.’ threats, including air-breathing targets as well following the conclusion of this phase in late However, Raytheon’s Hajek warned as rocket, artillery and mortar fire. 2017/early 2018, with a subsequent go-ahead that simply meeting the requirements is In addition, the radar will be used to for low-rate initial production. Following this, not enough: ‘We are in an extremely budget- provide air traffic management services during USAF 3DELRR initial operational capability is
constrained environment, so in order to USMC deployments. The array of tasks which expected to be declared in 2020. db
www.digital-battlespace.com Volume 5 Number 2 | March/April 2013 | DIGITAL BATTLESPACE
DB_MarApr13_p29-31_Long-range_Radar.indd 31 19/03/2013 12:36:25 32
FINAL WORD
Common ground Rafael’s legacy in providing ISR sensor pods is leading the way towards new developments and opportunities for the company, Zvi Yavin, its director of airborne ISR systems, tells Beth Stevenson.
afael offers a range of sensing pods for because this is how the pod is operated in both manned and unmanned aircraft, combat aircraft. Rwhich are interchangeable between ‘The information from the pod can be the different types. Yavin explained to Digital transferred via our wideband data link over Battlespace how the company is using a long distance, but with limitations of line this commonality to help meet customer of sight, or the pod can be connected to the demands. SATCOM [from the Predator] and then work ‘It takes a huge amount of experience to over the horizon.’ have to support those standards to ensure integrate systems to platforms,’ he said. ‘We interoperability. In parallel, the fact is that a have already installed pods on most of the nn CUSTOMER BASE significant part of NATO is using Reccelite. I combat aircraft in the world, and we know He said that NATO customers, of which there hope that this part will also grow in the future. how to do it. It is quite simple – the system are four, are the largest ones for the Reccelite, This will create a standard of its own. interface is a separate software segment, and the ground station is built to support ‘We have been talking about UAVs for which is very easy to adapt. NATO standards. almost ten years, but in reality most of the ‘One of our goals is to put the Reccelite ‘We are preparing right now the next activity is still done by combat aircraft,’ [tactical reconnaissance pod] on the generation of the ground system, and we explained Yavin. ‘There is a huge delay Predator. This always starts with a customer are doing it with our customers, especially between the promises and the activity. If requirement. The fact that the customer has NATO,’ continued Yavin. ‘We are carrying out a you look at NATO countries, they don’t have Reccelite on combat aircraft means that it is requirement definition with them. It will enjoy UAVs, yet they have plans… but it will come. natural that they’ll put it on their UAVs. This is the latest generation of image processing ‘For one of our customers we have already one of the advantages – you can use the same integrated, together with IAI, the pod for the pod on different platforms. For example, the Heron TP. It is one version of the pod, not Italian Air Force, they have Tornado and AMX ‘We have been talking about necessarily the version that all of our other both flying Reccelite, and the pods can be customers have – it is already operational.’ switched. The pods will recognise the aircraft UAVs for almost ten years, but and behave relative to that aircraft. UAVs are in reality most of the activity is nn EUROPEAN SALES the same, just with a different interface.’ still done by combat aircraft.’ Rafael is working with IAI for some customers that are considering the Heron TP, and Yavin nn EASE OF OPERATION believes that when the aircraft is sold to Yavin said that customers are involved in algorithms, and knowing the needs of the Europe, it will contain the Reccelite pod. conversations to put the pod on board their market, the ground station is built in such ‘This is coming from the customers,’ he UAVs, and he believes that the sensor suite a way that it will be able to work with other said. ‘IAI is trying to promote their sensors, will be easily operated on board the Predator. sensors simultaneously or offline.’ but it’s the customers that decide. We are less ‘Predator is different to other known UAVs,’ It will also have a ‘smart archive’ that will concerned with lessons learned. We are more he explained. ‘It has a pilot that operates it like categorise the data according to location and concerned with looking forward to unknown a combat pilot. For that reason, the operation time, providing accurate information on the challenges, and this is the reason why we are of Reccelite on the Predator would be done by EO data feed. trying to create the most flexibility for the the pilot, not by a guy in the ground station as ‘This is one thing that we know – if we system, and the result is that we can adapt the
with other UAVs, which makes it even simpler want to be operational in NATO then we system to any challenges that are coming.’ db
DIGITAL BATTLESPACE | March/April 2013 | Volume 5 Number 2 www.digital-battlespace.com
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