Marine Corps Tactical Radio Systems

Abstract

(U) Tactical Communications Modernization (TCM): TCM was established to procure interim radio systems to bridge the gap between legacy systems and forecasted deliveries from the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) program. The program schedule and budget profile for TCM procures leading edge radio systems to support the primary operational voice and data communications requirements for mounted and dismounted forces. TCM procurements enable an initial joint networking capability and support National Security Agency (NSA) Communications Security (COMSEC) Modernization requirements. Funding provides engineering and test support for both the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) requirement, AN/MRC-145B service life extension program. (U) Networking on the Move (NOTM): NOTM provides a robust command and control (C2) capability by integrating tactical data systems with on the move satellite communications (SATCOM) for beyond line-of-sight ability that allows battlefield commanders to have uninterrupted two-way access to digital data, anywhere on the battlefield. NOTM provides MAGTF commanders and staffs with full Common Operational Picture (COP) access, virtually unlimited situational awareness and a powerful ability to issue digital orders (fires, maneuver, planning) to GCE, ACE and LCE units at all echelons while on-the-move or at-the-halt. NOTM also provides Marine units the capability to link with and extend Defense Information System Network (DISN) services; SIPRNet, NIPRNet, and Defense Switched Networks (DSN). Integrated full motion video (receipt and retransmission), tactical voice communications plus three options for secure wireless local area network (LAN) connectivity between staff members makes this amphibious capability a crucial asset to all elements of the MAGTF. NOTM achieved initial operational capability at I MEF in March 2013 and will continue fielding a total of 56 systems at I MEF, II MEF, III MEF and the support establishment through August 2014. (U) Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT): Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) is an integrated Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) satellite communications terminal with a modular architecture that supports drop and insert architecture through scalable and flexible applications. VSAT uses commercial Ku and military Ka frequency bands to provide beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) connectivity to support intra-MAGTF communications (NIPRNET, SIPRNET, and telephony) down to the battalion/squadron level. The primary variant of VSAT is the Support Wide Area Network Terminal Version D (SWAN-D), which itself comes in three modular variants, dependent on MAGTF-size and mission. (U) Lightweight Multiband Satellite Terminal (LMST)/PHOENIX are quad-band Super High Frequency (SHF) satellite terminals mounted in transit cases and High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) and can be used as either the hub or spoke terminal in a SATCOM network. LMST/PHOENIX provide SHF SATCOM transmissions to any size MAGTF and can be deployed as a "first in" communications source across the entire spectrum of conflict via various deployment configurations. With the signing of the SATCOM Collapse (20 May 2011), the Marine Corps will consolidate three programs: Lightweight Multiband Satellite Terminal (LMST), Phoenix Tactical SHF Satellite Terminal (TSST), and the Very Small Aperture Terminal Large (VSAT-L) into one requirement defined as the Universal Satellite Access Tactical Terminal (USATT). RDT&E funding will be utilized to research/integrate VSAT X-Band development during the SATCOM Collapse transition process. (U) Secure Mobile Anti-Jam Reliable Tactical-Terminal (SMART-T): SMART-T provides tactical users with protected data and voice via Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite communications. The SMART-T system is transported on High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs), providing MAGTF Commanders a secure, survivable, long-haul, low/medium data rate communications link not subject to terrain masking and horizon limitations. The SMART-T is also capable of operation when removed from the HMMWV. SMART-T is currently undergoing an upgrade to be interoperable with the new Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) constellation and will require certification testing and a Multi-service Operational Test and Evaluation (MOT&E). (U) Terrestrial Wideband Transmission Systems (TWTS) is a capabilities portfolio of terrestrial based wideband transmission systems (formerly known as an TRC-170). Portfolio includes Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) system (AN/TRC-170) and Line Of Sight (LOS) systems (AN/MRC-142 (FOS), Troposcatter Support Radio (TSSR), and Wireless Point-to-Point-Link version D (WPPL-D)). The AN/TRC-170 is a transportable BLOS, terrestrial, self-enclosed troposcatter terminal (multichannel) capable of transmitting and receiving digital data over varying distances up to 100 miles. AN/MRC-142 FoS consists of the AN/MRC-142B (ship to shore) and C variants to provide LOS, two-way, secure voice and data communications up to 35 miles. TSSR is a multi-channel LOS wireless cable replacement communication system. The TSSR is commonly used in place of fiber optic or coaxial cable at expeditionary airfields. WPPL-D is an integrated communications system consisting of Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) radios, antennas, and IP networking equipment that provides NIPR/SIPRNet data connectivity, voice and video services. TEAMS is a 34-meter telescopic mast system, extending support to various organic LOS systems (AN/MRC-142 and TSSR) by increasing operational reach by overcoming obstacles to communications.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2015
• Source ID: 2275_0206313M_7_1319_PB_2015

Tags

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Space
• Space - Satellites