Effects of Vegetation and Battlefield Obscurants on Point-to-Point Transmission in the Lower Millimeter Wave Region (30-60GHz)
Abstract
This paper reports on recent studies on mm-wave transmission through vegetation and through battlefield obscurants such as smoke, dust and artillery shell detonation clouds. Experimental investigations supported by theoretical studies confirm that mm-wave links are capable of providing highly reliable communication in the battlefield environment. Specifically: (a) Millimeter wave transmission through a line of trees or placement of radios at moderate depths into woods (for camouflage purposes) will be possible, although at the price of a reduced transmission distance. The range reduction will depend on vegetation depth and density; (b) Millimeter wave attenuation by smoke and dust is minimal and not likely to noticeably affect link availability; and (c) Artillery shell detonations may temporarily interrupt signal transmission but only under unfavorable circumstances, i.e., if the explosion occurs below ground and the detonation cloud intercepts the line-of-sight. Even under these conditions, outage times will be less than 1 second. These results apply to voice, video as well as data transmission.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 18, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA117434
Entities
People
- Edmond J. Violette
- Felix K. Schwering
- Gerald M. Whitman
- Nikolaus Rokkos
- Robert A. Johnson
Organizations
- United States Army Communications-Electronics Command