Atch_1_STC_NGHH_Specification_-_03_Oct_2014.docx

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION

UNITED STATES SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

(USSOCOM)

SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES (SOF) TACTICAL COMMUNICATIONS

(STC)

for the Next Generation Handheld Radio

(NGHH)

Prepared for:

Mr Arthur D. Coon

USSOCOM, SORDAC-PEO-C4-STC

7701 Tampa Point Boulevard MacDill AFB, FL 33621-5323 Submission Date: 02 October 2014

UNCLASSIFIED

H92222-14-R-0017 Attachment 1

UNCLASSIFIED

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Table of Contents

LIST OF TABLES

vi

This specification defines performance requirements for Special Operations Forces (SOF) Tactical Communications (STC) capability consisting of five software-programmable and hardware-configurable communications devices. The STC Next Generation Handheld (NGHH) radio (NGNGHH) is addressed herein. The NGHH can be configured in three basic SOF platforms, Ground, Airborne and Maritime. Two NGHH variants are required, Urban and Maritime, both of which shall be configurable as a component in all platform packages. The devices provide the flexibility and adaptability necessary to support the wide range of Special Operations Forces (SOF) unique mission requirements. A general description of the NGHH is provided in the following paragraphs.

1.2 Background

The STC NGHH system, as an element of SOF’s larger Command, Control Communications, Computers Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) architecture, must support a diverse set of operational conditions and concepts. However, there are common operating principles and requirements that are shared by all SOF forces.

Operations are principally characterized by small units operating in a highly decentralized fashion. SOF personnel operate in all environmental domains – ground, maritime, air. They operate in restricted propagation environments such as dense urban areas, underground structures and in maritime vessels. Alternatively, SOF can operate in isolated areas, distant from other friendly forces, and with no existing C4ISR infrastructure. Because SOF normally operates in small, strategically-placed teams, they must be capable of leveraging key national and defense C4ISR assets for both the information and intelligence they need for mission planning and/or execution.

1.2.1 Next Generation Handheld (NGHH) Radio

The concept of employment for the NGHH is the same as for the current SOF handheld radios, e.g., the AN/PRC- 148, AN/PRC-148B, AN/PRC-152 and AN/PRC-152A, both Urban and Maritime. However, the NGHH shall support simultaneous channel operation, one wideband channel (a Mobile Ad hoc Networking (MANET) waveform) and one narrowband channel as well as an ISR video receive capability either integrated into the radio or attached to it in the form of a mission module (MM). The NGHH shall support any two of these three capabilities simultaneously. All capabilities that are provided as a MM rather than integrated into the radio will be considered as ancillary devices and not part of the baseline radio. As an Objective (O), it will support advanced LPI/LPD/LPE waveforms that transmit and receive voice and data with the capability of computing an estimate of the probability of intercept of the selected LPD waveform. The probability of intercept will be computed by on-board analysis in real-time by considering the prevailing RF environment, the characteristics of the selected LPD waveform, and the characteristics of likely intercept threats. The NGHH device shall be optimized for use in a dismounted role, able to be carried and operated from a rucksack, attached to the operator's Load Bearing Equipment (LBE) with or without its organic holster. Its primary source of power is battery. The NGHH shall be designed to fit into mobility platforms, communications facilities, and transit cases (deployable packages) using installation kits, amplifiers, antenna systems and power supplies appropriate to the space/weight budgets of the particular configuration. When installed in a Fixed Mount System (FMS) the NGHH shall be designed with a "jerk and run" capability.

1.3 Threat

For detailed threat assessments refer to the following documents: The Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) System Threat Assessment Report (STAR) (U); NASIC-1574-0367-05, March 2005, The Capstone System Threat Assessment (STA) for Army Special Operations Communications and Information Systems (U), United States (U.S.) Army Special Operations Command, 01 November 2007; Information Operations Capstone Threat Assessment (U), Volume 1-10, DI-1577-33-06, January 2006; Land Capstone Threat Assessment (U), NGIC-1100-0359-08, November 2008; applicable National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) documents: and; Future Threat to U.S. Special Operations Ground Forces; NGIC-1137-0297-05, 23 Nov 2004.

2.1.1.1 Military Specifications

2.1.1.2 Federal Standards

2.1.1.3 Military Standards

2.3 Order of Precedence

In the event of a conflict between this Specification and the aforementioned Standards and References, this specification takes precedence.

The Major Components that shall be part of the device kit:

· One Receiver/Transmitter (Maritime or Urban version)

· Two Rechargeable Battery Packs

· Two Non-rechargeable Battery Cassettes that attach to the radio like the rechargeable battery packs

· One Receiver/Transmitter Holster that is adjustable to support the radio with battery and/or mission module

· One Accessory Pack/Carrying Case

· One set of Line-of-Sight (LOS) antennas composed of one antenna for each of the following bands: one 30-88 Megahertz (MHz)), one 136-174 MHz one 225-400 MHz and one 403-470 MHz and one 30-512 MHz. The gain of the aforementioned antennas should be as close to 0 dBi, or better, as possible. Reducing the number of antennas by combining two or more into a single antenna is preferred provided the combined antenna(s) deliver the same performance.

· Applicable antennas for APCO 25 (136-174, 403-470, and 746-869 MHz.), SRW (225-400 MHz and 1350-2500 MHz) and Netted Iridium (1616 - 1626.5 MHz). Netted Iridium antenna gain shall be no less than 0.5 dBi. Other wideband antennas for operating from 225 MHz to 2.5 GHz.

· I/O device capable of monitoring and transmitting voice over both channels independently and simultaneously.

· External GPS Antenna Cable, 3 meters in length.

· USB Interface Cable to connect to laptop, tablet, etc.

· One Operator Manual, Operator Card, and Inter-Active CD

3.1.2 Accessories

· STC Power Adapter Interface (PAI) and Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC) Input Cables

· PC Programming Software with PC to NGHH USB Cable

· Retransmission Cable

· Cloning Cable

· Fixed Mount System (FMS) Installation Kit, Mounting Brackets, Power Supply, Amplifiers, Cables, and Antennas

· Single Station AC Battery Charger

· Six-Station AC/DC Battery Charger

· Six-Station AC Only Battery Charger

· Special Purpose Antenna Array for single-node Angle of Arrival (AOA) determination.

The NGHH shall be compliant with the applicable Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) SCA specification(s). It is desired that Mission Modules be compliant as well.

3.2.2 Hardware Architecture

3.2.2.1 The NGHH shall employ a hardware Open Systems Architecture (OSA) using common open interfaces to all Line Replaceable Units (LRU) and designed to allow for technology insertions, both hardware, firmware and software.

3.2.2.2 The NGHH design approach shall implement industry open systems standards and interfaces and at a minimum comply with the Department of Defense (DOD) Information Technology Standards Registry (DISR).

3.2.2.3 The FMS configuration will be designed such that when the NGHH is installed, the FMS can support any one of the mission modules. If the FMS does not accept the NGHH with a MM attached then the FMS will be designed to accept a MM providing power and system control from the NGHH to the MM.

3.2.3 End User Device (EUD)

The NGHH shall be able to interface with a EUD. The EUD shall require interfaces providing IP, serial, USB/USB "On the Go", or other protocols as determined to meet the STC threshold functionality requirements. The NGHH shall be controlled from the EUD however, the user shall also have the ability to configure and control the STC device via front panel screen and keypad. Users shall have the ability to power off, or temporarily suspend, any of the capabilities not needed based on the mission in order to conserve battery power, lower Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum presence, etc. The intent is for the end users to be able to select their own preference of EUD in addition to a "packaged solution" (i.e. users have the option to include vendor-provided EUD device or utilize Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) EUDs and installing vendor-provided applications as required).

3.3.2.1 The NGHH shall be able to receive and transmit on the international distress frequencies in both unencrypted beacon and voice modes.

3.3.2.2 Guard Mode Operations. The NGHH shall have a Guard mode of operation with the following characteristics:

a. The guard channel shall be selectable by front panel controls or via the remote control port.

b. The NGHH shall alternately monitor the guard channel when selected and operational communications channel/frequencies.

c. The NGHH shall monitor the main channel and the guard channel for a time duration sufficient to detect a signal on either channel but not to exceed 0.50 seconds when not in transmit or un-squelched receive.

d. The guard mode shall automatically tune the transmitter and the main receiver to the guard channel and disable the guard scan mode when receiving.

e. Scanning of the Guard channels shall stop when a signal is detected on the main channel or guard channel, or when the NGHH is transmitting.

f. Monitoring of the Guard channels shall resume within two to five seconds after the last reception or transmission.

3.3.3 Channel Scanning

3.3.3.1 The NGHH shall be able to establish a scan plan to monitor selected voice channels of interest (hostile or friendly).

3.3.3.2 The Scan characteristics of the NGHH shall have the following characteristics:

a. The NGHH shall monitor from 2 to 10 preset scan channels for a time not to exceed 0.50 seconds before moving to the next channel. Scanning will cease when the device is transmitting or receiving. The NGHH shall also be capable of general scan. In general scan, the frequency search criteria will consist of a collection of frequency intervals, where the intervals are of a bandwidth that may be significantly larger

b. If the transmit preset has not been entered for the channels being scanned then the operator cannot transmit on any channel being scanned and communications will be limited to the scan channels only

c. If a transmit preset has been entered for the channels being scanned then the operator can transmit on the scan channel in response to received signal.

d. If the NGHH is in Cipher Text (CT), and locks on a scanned channel that is in PT the scan function allows the operator to PTT on a PT channel even if the home channel is CT.

e. Channel scanning shall be stopped when a signal is detected on one of the scan channels or when the device is transmitting or receiving on the primary communications channel. Channel scanning shall resume within two to five seconds after the last activity on the primary communications channel.

f. The NGHH shall use the default Transmission Encryption Keys (TEK) and encryption type if one has not been entered as part of the selected preset for scan operations in CT mode (friendly channels).

3.4 Multifunctional Capabilities:

The NGHH shall support multifunctional operations providing SA and Force Protection (FP). The NGHH shall be capable of providing/exchanging voice, video and data between one another. Compatibility and interoperability with other systems/devices such as tactical sensors shall provide rudimentary intelligence capabilities not found in current radios. The NGHH shall be capable of receiving friendly/hostile signals and determining Line of Bearing (LOB) to the signal of interest.

· Provide detection and location of Signals of Interest (SOI) at significantly relevant stand-off distances

· Simple & Efficient user interface includes audible alert & visual indicators on the display or a separate tethered/connected display unit (laptop, tablet, etc.)

· Relay relevant data via communications network for informational reporting or enhanced processing. The STC NGHH will support single-node Angle of Arrival (AOA).

· Improved Force Protection with enhanced situational awareness (early identification of potential threats)

· Flexible mission planning with updates via keypad or PC download

3.4.1.2 The NGHH shall be able to receive Full Motion Video (FMV) from Predator, Reaper, Gray Eagle, Shadow Tactical and other select Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platforms, Apache and other select manned aircraft, as well as targeting pods (Sniper and Litening) in Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD). This capability will be comparable to and fully interoperable with the Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) and the Video Oriented Transceiver for Exchange of Information (VORTEX).

3.4.1.3 The NGHH shall be capable of presenting a SA picture on an external display such as a handheld or laptop computing device. As an Objective (O) the NGHH shall have a display that can project the same picture. This includes PLI and SA from the MUOS and Netted Iridium networks.

3.4.1.4 As an Objective (O) NGHH will be able to receive and re-transmit information to and from select threat warning systems/sensors. The ability to receive information from such systems is limited to the tuning/frequency range of the NGHH.

3.4.1.5 The NGHH shall be capable of receiving, relaying and/or processing sensor collected information from sensors on pre-arranged frequencies/channels. The information shall be displayed in text and/or visual format using an EUD.

3.4.2 Signals Based Threat Warning / Situational Awareness (SBTW/SA)

3.4.2.1 The NGHH shall be able to; scan, detect, intercept and recognize SOI transmitting on frequencies from 30 to 2,500 MHz. Limited processing/evaluation of such signals shall be done locally on a handheld or laptop computing device connected to the NGHH. The NGHH shall also be able to transfer and relay these signals for further evaluation to a remote processing center. Ideally, limited processing of such signals may be done within the radio itself or in a Mission Module and displayed without being connected to an external device. As an objective, the STC NGHH will include programmable on-board generic classifiers. For digital modulations these will include the modulation type (e.g. M-ary PSK, M-ary QAM, M-ary FSK, and so on), symbol rate, known signal (e.g. pre/mid/post ambles), and periodicity, at a minimum. Common analog modulations will also be included (e.g. AM/ FM), including the ability to automatically tune.

3.4.2.2 The NGHH when receiving a SOI shall provide both an audio and visual alarm to the operator. The NGHH shall also be capable of receiving, relaying threat information received from friendly threat warning systems and display the information (text or image) on a handheld or laptop computing device.

3.4.2.3 The NGHH shall, without external assistance, be able to provide radio Direction Finding (DF) of signals of interest by combining LOB information and display it to the operator on the EUD. It should take no more than three NGHH devices arranged in an appropriate pattern and receiving the same signal (out to a radial distance of at least 5 kilometers) to provide location of the signal within 50 meters accuracy. The range and bearing information shall be shared among the NGHH devices with the location information presented on EDU (T) or the NGHH display (O).

3.4.2.4 The location of the receiving NGHH devices, LOB to the intercepted signal and its location shall be collected, processed, and displayed on an external mobile device along with the frequency and mode of the intercepted signal. The sharing of this data shall be accomplished on a prearranged common channel/frequency. The ability to intercept signals of interest will be limited by the tuning range of the NGHH.

3.4.3 ISR Video Receive Capability / Interoperability

The NGHH ISR capability (either integrated into the NGHH or as a Mission Module) shall be able to receive the waveforms and provide the performance as specified in Table 1 supporting KGV-135A encryption , NSA approved Suite B encryption and commercial encryption (FIPS 140-2).

Table 1 – ISR Video Receiver

3.4.4 Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR)

3.4.4.1 SOF users require the ability to receive ISR feeds, providing both Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) still motion imagery and FMV directly from National and SOF-unique ISR assets both in the unencrypted, US Type 1 (KGV-135A) and commercial AES encrypted formats. The NGHH shall be able to receive the ISR data and simultaneously distribute the imagery utilizing the NGHH MANET capability. This may be accomplished by having the ISR capability integrated into the NGHH or provided as an attachable mission module.

3.4.5 Simultaneous Channel Operation

The NGHH will support three functions; legacy narrowband, MANET, and ISR data receive. Any combination of two of the three capabilities shall be supported simultaneously. The NGHH shall be able to crossband the ISR data onto the MANET and crossband the narrowband and wideband channels. As an Objective (O), the NGHH will be able to support all three capabilities simultaneously. Moreover, the NGHH shall be capable of dual-net audio where the operator shall be able to receive audio on two voice nets simultaneously, e.g., legacy narrowband and MANET voice. The operator shall have the ability to selectively transmit on either net or both nets simultaneously.

3.5.3.1. The NGHH shall have a minimum transmit/receive range of 5 km for the Land Mobile Radio (LMR), SINCGARS, Have Quick, and the SRW waveforms. The Objective (O) is 15 km. When the NGHH is installed in a platform with a HPA/LNA and higher gain antenna(s) it shall have a minimum transmit/receive range of 32 km for all channels. As an Objective (O) a 60 km range is preferred.

3.5.3.2. The NGHH shall have a minimum transmit/receive LOS range of 16 km air to ground (Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band) with the aircraft at a height of 3,000 feet for all the legacy narrowband and networking waveforms. The Objective (O) is 30 km at 5,000 feet.

3.5.3.3 The NGHH when configured for UHF Satellite Communications (SATCOM) with applicable HPA/LNA and antenna(s) shall provide the necessary Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) to meet link margin requirements contained in MIL-STD-188-181C/182B/183B).

The NGHH shall be interoperable with commercial LMR and be compatible in the 136-174MHz, 403-470 MHz frequency range (T) and746-869 MHz (O) with the full range of sub-audible tones, Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System (CTCSS), required for interoperability with LMR commercial repeaters. A Trunked Radio capability is desired (O).

The NGHH shall be capable of integrating / porting commercial and/or proprietary networking waveforms as such technologies evolve. Only MANET waveforms that can support multiple video streams, voice and data will be considered. The MANET solution shall be incorporated into the NGHH and be available to the user simultaneously, or selectively at the users discretion, with the legacy narrowband capability. Users shall have the ability to connect to a mobile device capable of receiving unicast and multicast IP traffic in order to display SA will simultaneously communicating via legacy narrowband waveforms. The MANET shall be able to support a minimum of 100 nodes (no maximum number of nodes) with two video streams (either in High or Standard Definition), voice and SA over the MANET network supporting a minimum of eight hops. Performance in restricted propagation environments and high multipath environments shall be implemented in the MANET solution.

Table 2 – MANET Performance

PTT Voice over the Network desired features Up to 16 independent digital voice channels (AMR 5.9 is the Objective) All units with same Traffic Encryption Key (TEK) will receive voice G.711 Codec for Radio-over-IP (RoIP) interoperability Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)

IP Data over the Network Connects to external PC applications via Ethernet or USB like a wireless network card Multicast any IP data – ideal for file transfer or streaming media Share data with anyone in your network Provide layer 2 network connectivity

802.11 a/b/g/n/ac AP compatible Integrated serial-to-Ethernet capability Cursor-on-Target (CoT) Dynamic Link Exchange Protocol (DLEP) Certified Integrated DHCP server Advanced multicast algorithm Remote Driver Interface Specification (RNDIS)

Selecting Frequencies Configurable to operate anywhere within 224-450 MHz and 1300-2600 MHz Occupied bandwidth configurable from 1 to 40 MHz

· AES Encryption AES-CTR-256 with SHA-512 HMAC or other secure modes as approved by NSA Over the air zero (OTAZ) Over the air rekey (OTAR) COMSEC keys automatically zero if battery removed for longer than 90 seconds.

Set distinct AES-256 encryption keys on each channel Integrated hardware cryptographic accelerator FIPS 140-2 (Level 2) Utilizes Suite B algorithms

Security Features Tamper detection Unit has certificates-based secure web services access (HTTPS)

Node Tactical Networking Configuration Self-Configuring: Nodes automatically establish links on the move Self-forming: Units automatically join into a network Self-healing: adapt to network topology change without impact to active network traffic such as real time video (urban terrain, ship, caves, bunkers, mountain, desert, open ocean and jungle propagation challenged environments)

Tones and Alerts (Activated use with external headset only) PTT Voice in/out - Beep when pressing and releasing PTT Voice Channel Occupied - Continuous Beep when pressing PTT Crypto keys not compatible – No audio Voice prompts alert an operator of system and network status

Global Positioning System (GPS) Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) or LAT/LONG/ALT coordinate output Embedded SAASM receiver available through the NGHH or external receiver Real Time network PLI tracking

MANET Mission Configuration Browser-based application supported on all operating systems Used for configuring frequency, power level, security settings, & applying new software updates Secure web management interface Network wide management and configuration functionality Graphically displayed network monitoring

The MANET capability shall be able to function in various mobile environments including foot, ground, maritime and airborne (fixed and rotary wing). Subscribers shall be able to move/roam from group to group without loss of communications.

The NGHH shall support all of the mandatory SRW implementation requirements and be provided in a Mission Module that will be used on a case by case basis when working with conventional, partner, or coalition forces.

3.7.7 Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW)

As an Objective the NGHH will support all the mandatory requirements for implementing WNW as required for both dismounted and vehicle mounted platforms. WNW will be provided in a Mission Module that will be used on a case by case basis when working with conventional, partner, or coalition forces.

Table 3 – STC Waveforms

BOWMAN VHF

X

Second-Generation Anti-Jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN)

X

VHF ATC Data Link Next Generation Air/Ground Communications (NEXCOM)

X

Land Mobile Radio (APCO-25 Phase 2) 2

X

Netted Iridium3

X

Commercial Broadcast Downlinks Via XM (No Modulation) Radio Channels

X

Link 16 / TADIL-J3

X

Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW) 1/3

X

4G/LTE

X

MUOS-CAI3

X

1 Only certain modes and capabilities of the WNW will be implemented in the NGHH.

2 APCO-25 defines a standard for migrating from the current bandwidth of 25 kHz to a reduced bandwidth of 12.5 kHz using FDMA digital technology in Phase 1 and TDMA in Phase 2.

3 These waveforms likely mission module candidates.

3.8.2 Retransmission, Routing and Cross-banding

3.8.2.1 The NGHH shall have a retransmit capability and shall provide the physical and electrical interfaces to support narrowband retransmission/relay operations with another like device. As an objective the NGHH will support wideband retransmission/relay operations

3.8.2.2 The NGHH shall be able to crossband the ISR data over to the MANET channel and be able to crossband the narrowband and wideband channels (radio over IP).

3.8.2.3 As an Objective (O) the NGHH will be capable of operating as a non-CCI repeater.

3.8.3 Waveform Storage

3.8.3.1 All waveforms configured in a NGHH shall be down-loadable, locally or over the air, and stored in non-volatile memory.

3.8.3.2 The NGHH shall have safeguards to reduce the possibility of unintentional reprogramming, preclude the possibility of software storage errors, and provide the minimum controls (software, hardware, or both) that allows or prohibits over the air waveform…