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INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: L-3 Communications
MIT 2010 Volume: 14 Issue: 2 (March)
Elissa Seidenglanz
Vice President of Business Development
L-3 Communications
Linkabit Division
A: There are several ongoing programs where Linkabit is working with the Army to provide a SATCOM capability. However, our most significant contribution is in developing the Network-Centric Waveform (NCW) and the SATCOM IP modem for the WIN-T program. PM WIN-T chose the NCW because it is a secure, highlyefficient multifrequency time domain multiple access (MF-TDMA) waveform that provides the specialized wideband Internet Protocol SATCOM necessary to keep mobile and dispersed troops connected, even when in an immature theatre where no communication infrastructure exists.
Q: There are several waveforms and modems currently available. Why should a user choose NCW and the MPM-1000?
A: There are several key features that caused the Army to choose our NCW and MPM-1000 as their IP SATCOM waveform standard that would benefit other users as well. From a military user perspective, NCW was designed to support forward and remote deployments, and also affordably provide the Internet IP model down to the lower echelons. This is possible because no special hub hardware is required. Any single terminal can act as a net controller and support a deployed network. The networks can also comprise multiple sizes of antennas, from small on-the-move antennas (16 to 20 inch apertures) up to fixed antennas that can have as large as 30 foot apertures, all in a single network. This is important as it allows a lot of flexibility to configure networks of varied users in a tactical environment. With dynamic link power control, powerful FEC and modulation, and data rate control on a burst by burst basis, the network members can communicate in the most efficient manner and at the highest data rate possible. In other words, NCW is flexible enough that despite having multiple size terminal apertures in a single network, the network does not degrade to the lowest common denominator of the smallest aperture terminal. All of this means that the IP model extended from HQ down to the company level so that information can be shared with commanders in a more timely manner.
It is important to note that, unlike other modems, the MPM-1000 dynamic spreads signals on a hop-by-hop basis. Again, the benefit is that the network can operate in the most efficient manner possible by only spreading the amount necessary for any given terminal. In addition, there is FIPS140-2 certified Advanced Encryption Standard cover on all data and signaling, meaning data such as IP addresses are not transmitted in the clear, which is highly undesirable in a tactical environment.
Q: On which satellites can you operate? Are there plans to use your modem with the WGS at Ka-band?
A: The MPM-1000 will operate with any transponded satellite in the SHF band. The satellite on which we can operate is really a function of the antenna and RF electronics. We have taken our MPM-1000 modem and coupled it with an L-3 Datron FSS-4000 Series OTM antenna and the appropriate baseband equipment to provide other Army users with a total terminal solution, the TRM-1000. This system is currently operationally deployed. We have also taken the modem and integrated it with an L-3 GCS 1.2 m transportable antenna system to provide our customer with an NCW enabled at-the-halt capability.
Both of these systems operate with commercial Ku-band satellites. As these satellites are very closely spaced on the orbital arch, our hop-by-hop signal spreading becomes so critical to maintaining efficient use of the satellite bandwidth and still meeting the FCC and ITU requirements for power spectral density.
Regarding WGS, the Army and L-3 are currently testing the MPM-1000 on WGS at Ka-band, and L-3 is also in the process of certifying all of our terminals.
Q: What is the current status of the MPM-1000 development?
A: The WIN-T organization conducted a successful limited user test of the WIN-T systems with our modems late 2009. We are expecting a low rate initial production (LRIP) contract in the first quarter of 2010. We will be delivering our third generation “ruggedized” MPM-1000 for the LRIP this summer.
Q: Are there significant benefits to the ruggedized version?
A: Yes. The first and foremost is that our ruggedized modem will have a forced air conduction cooled chassis with environmentally sealed connectors and switches. It will meet MIL-STD 810F and MILSTD- 461 EMI/EMC requirements. New modulation schemes will allow us to provide from 32Kps-4096Kps data rates per Tx/Rx channel, or an aggregate of 16384Kps of data throughput. There is an upgraded processor and a growth capability to add up to four Tx channels. A GPS has been added to better manage time delays associated with terminal locations. The modem will also have a new wideband L-band IF from 950MHz to 2150MHz, making it fully compatible with the WGS architecture. All said, we really have a great partnership with WIN-T to enhance the product to meet emerging user needs. ♦