Jason S. Sherwin
This paper proposes a method for accomplishing computational situational awareness (SA). The specific case of the Iraq conflict after Saddam Hussein’s deposal is used as an example to demonstrate the computational version of a policy-maker’s SA in such a case. This computational SA is then compared to the reports of the United States Department of Defense in which a qualitative account of the actual policy-makers’ SA is given. From this comparison, it is seen that the implementation of the computing algorithms used here delivered valid results. Consequently, this study opens a new avenue of research in which computer-based calculation can aid policy-makers in making decisions on complex matters of international policy.
Peter Holliday
When evaluating Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) routing protocols it is crucial to use a mobility model that most closely matches the likely real-world scenario. This paper outlines an agent-based synthetic warfare mobility modelling tool (called SWarMM) and presents a performance evaluation of IETF MANET routing protocols (DYMO, OLSR and AODV) using a SWarMM generated mobility model with the NS2 network simulation tool.
Mark Rice, Tim Giles, Voon Wong, Ismail Shakeel, and Doug Mein
This paper provides discussion of key system design considerations and enabling technologies for ground mobile WGS Satcom for disadvantaged terminals. The modem/waveform performance is critical and technologies demonstrated at other frequency bands could be re-used in the Ka/X bands. The suitability of existing fixed terminal standards applicable to these bands and adaptation of waveforms specifically developed for mobile satcom-on-the-move are considered.
Johnson I. Agbinya, Nithya Selvaraj, Arthur Ollett, Stephane Ibos, Yasmin Ooi-Sanchez, Mark Brennan, and Zenon Chaczko
This paper introduces the concept of bubble factors for assessing the communication bubble created by a near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) communication system. First, the coupling coefficient as a function of distance between two magnetic transmitters is derived and used to show that the induced magnetic field reduces in proportion to the inverse sixth power of distance. This idea is used to define and analyse the communication bubble around the source. Three bubble factors are defined and shown to provide the best approach for quantifying the cone of silence around the transmitter and receiver. The decaying power based on the distance-bubble factor and receiver-load- bubble-factor shows that the transmitted power reduces by 60.25 dB/m. This provides the basis for receiver design and the distance at which interception of the NFMI communication is most secure.
Dennis Medlow
The increasing interest in Service-Orientated Architecture (SOA) has led to a considerable growth in the application of SOA in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems within the civilian and military domains. Whilst the provision of SOA based functionality in fixed or semi-static infrastructure is relatively straightforward, there are a number of complicating factors when trying to extend this approach into the deployable military environment. This paper considers the challenges and requirements and suggests some approaches to design for effective implementation of SOA in this environment.
Manoj Sharma
High-repetition-rate laser target designators (LTD) have proved their usefulness in warfare. The semi-active laser guidance technique has a LTD and precision laser guided bomb (LGB) working together with a unique pattern of laser pulses. This unique pattern or code of laser pulses is programmable through the LTD and is known to its counterpart weapon delivery system before an operation. A weapon’s sensors detect a coded laser spot, which is created by a LTD illuminating the target. The laser spot clearly marks the target to an aerial attacker or guided weapon. The programmable nature of laser pulse repetition rates makes these systems sophisticated, but these systems are also vulnerable to time-dependent instability, which in turn decreases the accuracy of the desired pattern or code. Hence, to assure high effectiveness of these systems, they must be regularly evaluated. This paper describes a system called a Laser Spot Detector (LSD), which evaluates the performance of a LTD by detecting the pulsed laser emitted by the LTD with a pulsed laser source either working in the near-IR or eye-safe range. The pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of a pulsed LTD is set to be its unique PRF code for ongoing missions and thus, an LSD can be effectively used in validating the codes emitted by LTD, thereby enhancing the efficacy of precision-guided munitions.
