(WGS) satellite constellation. The pro- cess for characterizing antenna systems is critical before fielding in order to define antenna parameters and to ensure that no unexpected performance limitations arise on the battlefield.
For comprehensive support of on-the-move testing, the lab uses diverse methods, includ- ing both vehicle testing and more accurate, repeatable laboratory testing. Formalizing this testing in a state-of-the-art facility was part of the vision for the SATCOM OTM Laboratory from the beginning, said Joe Shields, Chief of the CERDEC Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate’s SATCOM Systems Division.
Part of that vision is a motion simula- tor used to implement active satellite testing, as well as to simulate operations over satellites at high elevation angles in a laboratory environment. This testing will use a movable setup to allow a variety of elevation angles, for more complete track- ing performance characterization.
“Testing over a full range of elevation angles is important because antenna sys- tem performance can be vastly different at high elevation angles. As the antenna has to point higher into the sky, it is more and more difficult to track,” said Herald Beljour, the lab’s Lead Technical Designer.
The importance of early and complete tech- nical performance characterization cannot be overstated. Finding performance prob- lems early in the development cycle will avoid costly changes after a system is fielded and will avoid situations in which the equipment does not perform as expected in combat situations.
The lab is already paying dividends as the venue for CERDEC’s development of the next-generation SATCOM OTM sys- tem, which enables multi-band operation
TESTING ANTENNA SYSTEMS Tactical ground vehicles are instrumented and driven across rugged terrain while operating over active satellites. Vehicle testing has been successfully demonstrated on a number of SATCOM OTM antenna system solutions, to include OTM operation over the Wideband Global SATCOM satellite constellation.
without requiring any equipment change- out. Military users will be able to connect over military satellites owned by DoD, as well as commercial satellites that operate in different frequency ranges. Two of the bands currently targeted, X and Ka, are available on the WGS satellite.
In addition to supporting development, the SATCOM OTM Laboratory will be used to conduct government certification testing for OTM antenna systems. This is in support of U.S. Army Strategic Com- mand, which is responsible for operation of the WGS satellite payload.
When the laboratory reaches its full capa- bility in late 2012, it will be the first DoD
facility that can do full SATCOM OTM characterization. It will accommodate any type of SATCOM OTM system, includ- ing exotic designs, over a full range of elevation angles, advancing the reliability of on-the-move satellite communications for years to come.
RICH HOFFMANN is Lead Electronics Engineer, Developmental Systems CERDEC Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate (S&TCD), SATCOM Systems Division. He has more than 20 years of military communications experience with CERDEC’s S&TCD. Hoffmann received his B.S. and M.S. in electrical engineering from Rutgers University.
ASC.ARMY.MIL 27
ACQUISITION
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