Design integration resulted in equipment mounted in wing cavities meeting size and weight limitations.

Comm Relay Design

In response to tasking from PM-UAS, Bokler Systems Corporation (BSC) is developing a Communication Relay Package (CRP) to meet requirements of the Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operational Requirements Document (TUAV-ORD). The CRP is an in-band relay designed to integrate with the Shadow 200 and provide extended range voice and data communications to 125 kilometers via standard SINCGARS terminal equipment.

Designed to be “transparent” to the end user, the CRP supports plaintext and ciphertext (CT) modes of operation. Further, CT operation does not require key material be loaded in the CRP, therefore, avoids significant COMSEC risk. When deployed aboard the Shadow 200 UAV, the CRP will enable non-line-of-sight (NLOS) communication between Tactical Operation Centers, the Ground Control Station, and forward area units.

 

Performance requirements and objectives were defined and analyzed to enable non-line-of-sight communication between Tactical Operation Centers, the Ground Control Station, and various forward area units.

Design Requirements

The CRP requirements included a weight limit of 20 pounds and size compatible with the Shadow 200 airframe.

Longley-Rice Calculations

Testing employed the Longley-Rice model to calculate signal loss from transmitter to receiver along a particular terrain.

EMI Testing

Extensive EMI testing was conducted to identify and mitigate noise sources on the Shadow 200 that impact Comm Relay peformance.