The strategic defense initiative (SDI) research efforts are directed at a number of system architecture options involving space, airborne and terrestrial platforms. A major consideration in the system architecture is the resolution of the battle management concept. To resolve the many complicated issues the space defense initiative organization (SDIO) has recognized the need for a real-time test facility. A common requirement in all of the architectures is the need for communication, command, and control data links between the various platforms. The link or communication channel conditions are relatively benign during peacetime surveillance: however, in the pre-, trans- and post-attack periods the channel condition may degrade rapidly causing severe link disruptions. The approaches to battle management, as they are tailored to the various architecture options being considered, will depend heavily upon the communication link integrity. For these reasons, this project proposes to specify and design hardware/ software real-time stressed channel simulators for inclusion in the battle management test facility. The spatial and temporal extent of signal blackout and severe scintillation as they relate to specific link types involving satellite, airborne, and terrestrial platforms will be characterized. Both radio frequency systems, ranging from UHF to EHF, and optical frequency systems will be considered.
