Frequency Hopped Spread Spectrum waveform implementation.

STATUS | Completed
STATUS DATE | 07/01/2020
ACTIVITY CODE | 6A.047

Objectives

The objective of the project is the provision  of:

  • a commercially-available, exportable, secure, anti-jam waveform that provides a satellite communications capability which is resilient to accidental and deliberate interference.
  • a waveform whose signalling and control is encrypted and so immune to exploitation.
  • a capability that is ease-to-use, flexible and efficient.

 The waveform type will be a Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) and it will be implemented upon the Airbus Defence and Space, Software Defined Modem platform.

Challenges

The key challenges of the programme were:

  • Provision of great waveform flexibility;
  • Ease-of-use;
  • Implementing very wideband Frequency Hopping capability;
  • Implementing the highly secure control and signalling;
  • Support for high-speed comms-on-the-move capabilities;
  • Obtaining the desired level of exportability and market availability.

System Architecture

The system will be a hub-spoke, star network. All Management Functions (DAMA, ACM functions) will be managed at the Hub. The Modem Hardware will be the off-the-shelf Airbus DS Proteus Software Define Radios. The network can consist of up 127 Modems. The systems ability to support IP routing, allow it would seamlessly with DVB-RCS2 and DVB-2X based systems taking over traffic when traffic routing has sensed that non-resilient communications systems has been successfully attacked.

Plan

T0+6 Months – Demonstrate Waveform Acquisition and Tracking
T0+12 moths – Demonstrate overall capability of Waveform
T0+17 Months – Test Readiness Review of Waveform
T0+21 Months – Final acceptance of all deliverables

Current Status

The project is complete