PPT Slide
Aerial Communications Relay (ACR)
- Allows beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) range extension of remote sensor and battlefield communications.
- RFPI ACTD Aerial Comm Relay for Integrated Acoustic System (IAS)
- DBC ATD and Range Extension STO initiated investigation of aerial communications relays
- Universal Transactions ATD will investigate battlefield information transport, including use of aerial communications relays
Operational Concepts
- Remote sensor operation
- Communications augmentation for specific purposes/periods- moving TOC, Helicopter NOE range extension, overcome terrain blockages
- Multipurpose communications relay
- Cost: TBD - depends on payload
- Developmental payloads - near-mid term
- Successfully integrated and tested several radios with C-12 communications testbed aircraft
- Successfully tested RFPI IAS with C-12 testbed
- Existing radios can be used (e.g., SINCGARS, EPLRS, RT-460 for UHF communications Relay)
- Developmental payloads (e.g., MUBLCOM, JTR, wideband relay, paging, PCS) can provide new/enhanced communications services.