The potential to provide wide band data links to US Submarine Forces via DSCS SHF MILCOMSAT

The missions for US Submarine Forces in the 1990s are evolving to encompass new and expanded roles never envisioned for the sub force or for the communication services available to them. These new missions and new ways to use the sub´s tactical advantage necessitate communicating large volumes of data to and from the sub at sea. MILSATCOM is the best way to accomplish this mission owing to the worldwide coverage available and almost direct access to CONUS from large regions of the world. Satellite Communications assets available to the submarine community at UHF and EHF only provide low data rate service (<2400 Bps). Commercial SATCOM or the SHF Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) can provide high data rate service to DOD users on a world wide basis. The author looks at some of the issues involved in the sub forces´ ability to use the DSCS to achieve significant improvements in data rates. He addresses: the technical factors of DSCS III SHF SATCOM links; the operational constraints imposed by the multiuser DSCS system; operational concepts for the sub forces to use the SHF SATCOM; and the considerations for large (>2 ft) sub mounted SHF antennas. It is shown that the DSCS can provide a significant improvement in communications to subs especially if 2 to 4 ft antennas can be used when surfaced. Some techniques for providing this size antenna on a sub are discussed. In addition, changes in the DSCS Phase III satellite design and system operation are looked at to identify those that can enhance the ability of the submarine forces to use the DSCS