Use of the AN/WSC-3 External Modem Interface for High-Data-Rate UHF Digital Communication. Experimental Results.

Abstract : This report describes two separate High Data Rate (HDR), UltraHigh Frequency (UHF), Line of Sight (LOS) digital radio communication experiments and demonstrations conducted during FY 95. The communication instruments used to perform these demonstrations were the AN/WSC-3 external modem interface and existing shipboard antenna couplers. RF cabling, and omnidirectional antennas. Experiments on board the USS Rentz were critical to the integration of the HDR UHF LOS digital communication system into the shipboard environment. The USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Princeton, and USS John Paul Jones demonstrated intership digital communication at 256 kpbs and 576 kbps during a 6-month deployment. Also during this deployment, the USS Princeton and the USS John Paul Jones demonstrated an extension of the Satellite Communications (SATCOM) assets on board the USS Abraham Lincoln through the HDR UHF LOS digital communication system. A 384-kbps ship to shore data link was demonstrated with the USS Peleliu during the Kernel Blitz 1995 exercise. The results and lessons learned from these experiments and demonstrations are detailed in this report, as well as recommendations for concentrating research and development efforts on identified issues before future deployments of the HDR UHF LOS digital communication system.