Demonstration of an X/Ku band multi-link antenna system for CDL communications

This paper presents the multiple link antenna system (MLAS) test and demonstration results. The demonstration was conducted on 4 December 2002 at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Potomac river test range (PRTR), Dahlgren, VA. Four simultaneous communication links were realized utilizing a single multiple beam wideband phased array known as MLAS thus verifying the utility of such a system. The fixed MLAS ground terminal operated in support of a simulated army tactical operations center (TOC) and communicated with a commercial helicopter and two navy river boats to simulate air and surface combat platforms, and a fixed common data link (CDL) /tactical common data link (TCDL) ground terminal communicating from a road inspection point. While operating in concert, the platforms followed a scenario representative of a situation in which the MLAS significantly contributes to situational awareness and real time data exchanges to optimize military actions.