The concept of operation for an automatic radio control system

The NATO HF Communications Systems Group (HFCSG) is responsible for generating NATO standards (STANAGs) for military HF users and as such is addressing the new technology issues. A top priority for the group is the production of a STANAG to meet the requirement for an automatic communications management system. Collaborative activities between HF research groups in a number of countries is leading towards this goal which will be achieved through the design and specification of an automatic radio control system (ARCS). Such a system will offer considerable benefits to military and non-military users alike. This paper discusses the currently perceived concept of operation for ARCS through reference to key features which have now been identified. Detailed specification of these features is being undertaken by the HFCSG