Combat Communications question?

[Chuck Anumia]

OK Then

How will communications on the future battle field work?

We need
A) Command and control frequencies

B) Company Level Frequencies

C) Platoon Level Frequencies

D) Squad Level Frequencies

E) NCO Level Frequencies

F) Officer Channels

G) Emergency Override chips or some such.

H) Evac/ First aid Freq's

I) Other?

What will designate who can listen to wich?
What will it sound like when comands come down?
What happens when information needs to travel upwards?
[Edit for error proofing ]

 

[parmasson]

“What will designate3 who can listen to wich?
What will it sound like when comands come down?”

I had assumed that with computers in everything that your personal radio/computer would automatically be able to filter your communications because it is all just data.
Don’t forget the friend or foe stuff, telemetry from tanks, live intelligence, text orders and fleet communications for some orbital support.

“You’ve Got Orders!”
Some orders might just be transmitted as encrypted text.

What happens when information needs to travel upwards?
A computer can listen for phrases or draw conclusions from a combination of radio traffic and sensor data. Messages could have a priority assigned to them by officers or NCOs that allow the information to make it to commanders faster. Sgt York sees the hidden meson cannon and transmits,
“Priority 1 Message: Meson cannon found this location X:Y:Z, Sgt York#47564”

I am sure that some analog or backup setting would be available but I would expect under normal circumstances the little computer chips would handle most of it.
But hey this is just a guess.

 

[mike wightman]

Short answer:

have a look at pages 38 and 39 in the MegaTraveller Referee's Companion.

It answers these questions.

Longer answer to follow...

 

[Fritz_Brown]

I think a lot of burst comms would cut down on frequency congestion, and computers would handle what info you received. The only pessimistic bit for me is that I bet things like orders would still be received in US Message Text Format - supposedly parsable by machine, but almost unreadable to the human eye.

 

[Chuck Anumia]

Here is what is available today:

The VHF Transceiver R&S XV3088 is a high-performance pouch radio that can be instantly redeployed as a long-duration patrol backpack and has logistic, tactical and cost advantages.

The heart of the new integrated communication system is the high-performance lightweight VHF Transceiver R&S XV3088 that offers a solution to all aspects of tactical communication.

Up to 2320 channels (9 programmable), full data facility and an unparalleled simplicity of operation demonstrate state-of-the-art technology. Its multirole characteristics are further enhanced by a carefully designed range of ancillaries producing an exceedingly cost-effective and logistically desirable system.

Mobile operation
The R&S XV3088 is upgraded to a complete vehicle communication system by means of Vehicle Mounting Frame R&S KS3088 and Power Amplifier R&S VV3088M/R&S VV3088V with output power of 25 W or 50 W. The complete communication system is envisaged to be built into practically any military vehicle.

Secure transmission
The built-in voice scrambler provides digital voice encryption by sampling with 32-bit code, scrambling and transmission via the radio channel. The 10000 possible code combinations are entered by means
of a fill gun.

Selective calling of up to 99 subscribers
Selective dialling to desired subscriber and fast transmission of message by 3-digit numerical code

Three power stages
High, moderate and low (high only available with 25/50 W RF amplifier).

Two multifunction connectors
Providing both secure and fast data transmission with 2400 bit/s as well as remotecontrol capabilities and an audio interface, the transceivers can be extended with accessories, such as handset, headset etc.

Simplified operation
Clearly arranged keypad for point and shoot operation and clear override mode.

Whisper mode
Increased microphone sensivity for discreet operation in silent environment.

Compact size
One of the smallest and lightest manpack radios at a size of just 83 mm × 205 mm × 252 mm with battery pack attached. The rugged package is submersible and withstands harshest environmental and EMC conditions.

Antennas
The range of antennas available includes a low-profile antenna that allows discreet operation, a 1.5 m whip antenna to increase range as well as long-wire antennas and antennas for mobile use. In case of considerable mismatch, e.g. antenna damage, the TX LED signals the error by flashing in red.

 

[Todg]

A lot of communications will depend on the environment and what sort of relaying is available. VHF and above is basically line-of-site, discounting things like troposheric ducting. Long range HF communications relies on interaction with the ionosphere - a situation which might be unique to the earth for all we know.

Repeaters (whether ground based or satellite) can extend LOS radio over the horizon, but these will be juicy targets for OPFOR.

Future comm might be highly packeted, store and forward type sustems where every soldier is a potential node. Of course being an RF emitter will probably be a bad thing.

It not a simple problem, which accounts for the apparent failure of the JTRS, despite the large amount of money poured into it. It certainly looks like the trained RTO is not going anywhere soon.

Two-way radio is not analagous to the telephone or internet VOIP. Anytime you transmit through the air, particularly over extended distances, there are all kinds of things that can happen to the signal. Atmopheric fading alone is enough to torpedo most signals unless you have a human who can interpolte signals. Computers might get there some day, but they don't seem to have the necessary ability in Traveller.

Any SW listener or Ham knows exactly what I'm talking about.

BTW, antenna size plays a key role in long distance commo. Not only is antenna size linked to frequency used, each 3dB of antenna gain is equal to a doubling of radio power. You can talk across the whole world with 5 watts is you have a good antenna and the band conditions are right.