Tactical Use of WiMAX-based networks for anti-aircraft artillery units

WiMAX since its early design stages has been a promising technology for tactical applications requiring low delays and high real-time throughput. One of these applications is the interconnection of the systems of a deployable anti-aircraft artillery unit, where the data from the detection and tracking radar must be presented and used in real-time in the SAMOC (Surface-to-Air Missile Operations Centre); at the same time communications between the SAMOC and firing control management positions of the different missile batteries must be accomplished with the lowest possible delay. In this paper we describe the field test experience carried out between the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia and the 81st AAA Regiment of the Spanish Army in May 2010, in which a tactical WiMAX base station was deployed providing connectivity between the detection and tracking radar; the SAMOC; several firing management positions and the logistic center of the unit. Services developed over the WiMAX network were: radar trace transmission; target assignment to the fire management positions; video transmission from the optoelectronic sensors for target tracking; VoIP between positions and FFT (Friendly Force Tracking) from SAMOC of the different vehicles and weapon systems, providing interoperability with the higher hierarchical echelon (brigade or tactical group). One of the key elements for successful WiMAX technology deployment in tactical applications is the system configuration and usability simplicity, especially in highly dynamic deployable units. Configuration capability of equipment, users and services during a mission or operation are main requirements for a tactical system based in WiMAX. The Universidad Politecnica de Valencia research group has developed a software for the management of WiMAX communication systems for tactical applications, WIMTAC©, was evaluated and validated during the described experience.