DARPA ATO – FCS Communications Program

Defense Advanced Research Project Agency Advanced Technology Office (ATO) — Future Combat Systems (FCS) Communications Program

Project Overview: The Future Combat Systems Communications Program tackled the challenge of mobile, ad-hoc networking on the battlefield with high-data-rate, real-time traffic that still retained a low probability of detection and a resistance to jamming in an effort to expand the tactical capabilities of U.S. forces.

The DARPA FCS Communications program developed a dual physical layer (high band and low band) communications system in a real-time mobile, wireless, ad-hoc network environment. Specific components developed and demonstrated include: high band component technology for exploiting microwave-wave and higher frequencies; low band (20 MHz to 3 GHz) subsystem technology; RF information assurance; and Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) technology utilizing directional antennas.

• CenGen was the exclusive lead in the development and test director role for all FCS-C testing efforts. The site surveys, data collection, reduction, and test report creation was designed and implemented, with support, by CenGen.
• CenGen system engineered solutions to develop baseline testing and/or baseline demonstration efforts to develop criteria against which DARPA contractor (TRW and Raytheon) efforts can be evaluated.
• CenGen provided expert assistance in testing of systems via integration of high-level components (e.g. radios, modems, antenna systems, routers, switches, ground/airborne assets etc.) so they would function together and fulfill a DoD LAN/WAN requirement.
• CenGen provided highly qualified expertise in the fields of RF, Microwave, fiber optic and satellite communications, advanced networking techniques and coding techniques including:                                                                                                                                                          —LAN/WAN design, installation and implementation                                                                                                                                                     —Detailed design, hardware and software requirements definition, cost estimation                                                                                       —Technical writing                                                                                                                                                                                                         —Project management