WIN-T is the fundamental communications network developed for current/modular and Future Forces, providing the tactical and mobile enterprise network from theater through battalion and down to the Land Warrior squad. While existing networks support command posts on the halt, WIN-T will extend its services to all forces, while stationary and on the move. The system integrates satellite and line of sight waveforms providing capacity and efficiency over current transmission systems. General Dynamics, the prime contractor for WIN-T displayed various elements of the program.
WIN-T will provide the basis for the FCS LandWarNet, but also support current and modular forces. The network operations policies will enable users to maintain communications under difficult conditions, enable network planners to tailor the system to address evolving requirements and conditions. Utilizing distributed network agents (DNA) embedded within all subscribers, the network will be able to proactively configure itself to establish links to each unit and automatically maintain a dynamic network throughout the theater of operation without soldier’s intervention. When required, the commander can ask to “thicken” a particular region of the network, to ensure consistent coverage in a specific maneuver space. Network Operations also provides dynamic health monitoring for the system, predicting connectivity to mobile elements and recommending proactive action to maintain and improve such links. Services tested during recent experiments including the use of teleconferencing, cellular network services over WIN-T.
As users are relying on video and images, broadband connectivity becomes an essential service at all echelons. Providing wide-band connectivity to mobile and dismounted users still poses a technical challenge, requiring special terminals. Satellite On The Move (SOTM) capability requires a SATCOM terminal to maintain communications with the satellite, while on the move. This is achieved by stabilizing the antenna or utilizing electronic wave forming mechanism. Various antenna systems are being proposed for this application.
One such system is the TracVision family from KVH. It uses gyro stabilized pedestal to keep the antenna pointing to a satellite. Originally designed for commercial Direct Broadcast Services (DBS) Ku band television services the system is designed as a low-profile antenna and is used for receive only. The company’s TracPhone systems employing Inmarsat services, are providing up to 128 kbps in uplink and downlink.
General Dynamics C4ISR systems demonstrated the WIN-T POP Warfighter Information Network Terminal (WIN-T) Point of Presence (PoP) kit, an integrated set of systems enabling every command vehicle to hook up with the future WIN over Ku (commercial) or Ka (military) SATCOM links, at data rates of 64 to 512 Kb/s.
The U.S. Marine Corps are also evaluating On the Move / Over the Horizon (OTM/OTH) capabilities for deployable maneuver elements, providing command and control elements with efficient, broadband connectivity for voice and data communications. The M2C2 systems, designed by Raytheon is comprised of an integrated communications suite carried on a HMMWV, and transportable with a single UH-60 class helicopter.
