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APPENDIX E SUBMARINE FORCE COMMUNICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

COMMUNICATIONS CONNECTIVITY REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMARINES

HIGH DATA RATE SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMARINES

2300
Ser 00/5872
29 Nov 94
From: Commander, Submarine Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet
To: Commander in Chief, U. S. Atlantic Fleet
Subj: HIGH DATA RATE SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMARINES
Ref: (a) CNO ltr ORD 2050 Ser N81/4S642826 of 25 Feb 94
(b) N63 Commercial Satellite Communications ORD (Draft)
(c) USCINCSOC 1612222 Sep 94
(d) CNO message 191715Z Oct 94
Encl: (1) High Data Rate Requirements
(2) Consolidate Submarine H DR Communications Requirements
(3) High Data Rate Mission Drivers

1. Reference (a) specifies High Data Rate (HDR) communications requirements for Tomahawk capable ships. Reference (b) discusses emerging High Data Rate Satellite communications needs for CVBG support ships. Reference (c) specifies HDR communications requirements for SOF support submarines. Reference (d) requested Fleet input on HDR requirements fro submarines.

2. Enclosures (1) through (3) provide the HDR communications requirements to meet the current and anticipated submarine force needs from present to the year 2006. I consider HDR connectivity to be absolutely essential in order to properly carry out the submarine forces assigned missions. Battle groups are passing mission essential data and critical information via SHF circuits which have no direct data path to the submarine. The commanding officer of the submarine must be able, for example, to pick up his STU-III and access the Joint Task Force Commander. Additionally, the submarine must be capable of receiving data transmitted via HDR links. The current plan to put SHF on Tomahawk-capable platforms needs to include SSNs if the are to remain a viable strike warfare platform. Submarines are essential components of BG/TG commands and need to be able to communicate with the BG/TG commander on both tactical and non-tactical circuits including communications paths identified in reference (b).

3. The transfer of imagery data highlights the problem with current submarine communications systems. for a submarine to obtain a black and white 64 gray shade image (at a relatively low 640 x 480 pixel resolution) with its current data rate capability of 2.4 kbps requires the antenna to remain completely dry for nearly half an hour. This is not tactically reasonable . Higher data rates are needed to ensure images are successfully transferred and to free the submarine to proceed with mission tasking.

4. The HDR communications requirements identified in enclosures (1) through (3) represent the current and future needs of the submarine force. Enclosures (2) and (3) were a result of a joint effort by COMSUBPAC and COMSUBLANT.

5. COMSUBLANT point of contact is CDR D. L. Olberding, (804) 445-6633, DSN 564-6633.

/S/
GEORGE W. EMERY
Copy to:
CNO (N87)
COMSPAWARSYSCOM (PMW 173)
COMSUBPAC

HIGH DATA RATE REQUIREMENTS

1. COMSPAWARSYSCOM (PMW-173) and COMSUBDEVRON Twelve hosted a submarine high data rate requirements working group in August 1994. Results of this working group are graphically displayed in enclosures (2) and (3). Additional information requested in reference (d) is enclosed below.

2. Deployers requiring simultaneous support . Baseline planning requires that a minimum of nine submarines deploy within COMSUBLANT area of responsibility simultaneously.

a. JTG/BG support - minimum of four submarines are deployed to support JTG/BG's (3 Med/1 Caribbean).

b. SPECWAR - a minimum of one submarine is deployed in support of SPECWAR (Med).

c. Surveillance - a minimum of four submarines are deployed in support of surveillance operations (various locations).

3. Potential operating areas . Mission requirements continually place submarines in all oceans of the world, thus dictating the necessity for full time on-demand worldwide coverage in all geographic AORs. Additionally, the submarine fleet has requirements for polar satellite coverage.

- The EHF (MILSTAR) constellation is not to be complete until well into the next century and will comprise only 6 satellites, with no polar adjunct capability. This will leave no EHF converge beyond 65 degrees North and no UHF coverage after AFSATCOM is discontinued in 1998. Additionally, the reduced constellation provides no backup in the event of catastrophic failure of any one satellite.

4. Connectivity . Interoperable connectivity is required among fleet units, Joint forces, Allied forces, Navy C4I Commands and theater shore communication activities.

5. Information requirements . Enclosures (2) and (3) graphically display minimum data rate requirements and mission areas.

6. System responsiveness . Minimum data rates established were based on the submarine maintaining its stealth posture by minimizing mast exposure while at periscope depth. The system must be structured that mast exposure is limited to between one and five minutes.

7. Protection . The high data rate system should have a low probability of intercept (LPI)/low probability of detection (LPD) and should be jam resistant. Spread spectrum waveforms may meet the requirement for LPI/LPD. Jam resistant throughput should meet the minimum data rate requirements as described in enclosure (2).

SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES (SOF) APPENDIX TO CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS (CNO) SUBMARINE COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM SUMMARY

3120
Ser N6/0640
8 May 95
From: Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command
To: Commander in Chief, U.S. Special Operations Comm and (SOJ6-I)
Subj: SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES (SOF) APPENDIX TO
CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS (CNO) SUBMARINE
COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM SUMMARY
Ref: (a) COMSPAWARSYSCOM C4I mtg. of 8 and 9 Mar 95
(b) CNO Submarine Communications Program Summary Document
Encl: (1) SOF communications Appendix to CNO Submarine Communications Program Summary (Draft)

1. Reference (a) requested SOF communications requirements for inclusion into reference (b) by 25 May 1995. Enclosure (1) is a draft of SOF communications requirements.

2. Upon USCINCSOC approval of enclosure (1) COMNAVSPECWARCOM will forward requirements to COMSPAWARSYSCOM (PMW-173) for inclusion into reference (b).

3. COMNAVSPECWARCOM point of contact is LT. Long, DSN 577-2237 or commercial (619) 437-2237.

/S/
A. J. RONACHER
By direction
Copy to:
COMNAVSPECWARGRU ONE (N6)
COMNAVSPECWARGRU TWO (N6)

COMMUNICATIONS CONNECTIVITY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES (SOF)

E1. INTRODUCTION

The current unstable world environment has created a greater need for highly trained, and superbly equipped Special Operations Forces (SOF). The multiple threat scenario now emerging poses an increasing requirement for timely, accurate information to support the varied, diverse roles and missions assigned to United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Given the draw-down of forces and reduced Department of Defense (DOD) budget, SOF must rely on commercial development to maintain state-of-the-art command, control, communications computers, and intelligence (C4I) capabilities and to satisfy operational and intelligence information requirements.

SOF are surgically precise, penetration-and-strike forces capable of responding to limited, specialized contingencies across the full range of military operations with stealth, speed, and audacity. The traditional roles of SOF include performing as warrior-diplomats who influence, advise, and train foreign indigenous forces. Becoming more and more the force of choice SOF must be equipped and trained to perform a wide variety of diverse special operations missions.

To carry out these missions, SOF are drawn from the following USSOCOM components:

- U.S. Army Special Operations Command

- Naval Special Warfare Command

- U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command - Joint Special Operations Command

G2. PURPOSE

The primary purpose of the USSOCOM C4I strategy is to provide the finest support possible to the warfighter. To ensure the required C4I support is available, USSOCOM performed a detailed bottom-up review of requirements resulting in a comprehensive C4I strategy.

This strategy is designed to yield direct benefits by giving SOF state-of-the-are technology through improvements to existing inventory. New developments will be pursued only when necessary Direct operational support is the product of this strategy Access to the infosphere will be transparent to the user allowing operational elements to deploy anywhere in the world with command and control connectivity assured from garrison or deployed locations. The intent is to enable exploitation of the infosphere at the lowest possible tactical level. As stated in the C4I for the Warrior paradigm: “The infosphere contains the total combination of information sources, fusion centers, and distribution systems that represent the C4I resources a warfighter needs to pursue his operational objective. “The desktop or tactical computer, in the hands of the special operator, will become a gateway into the infosphere.

The USSOCOM C4I strategy is composed of C4I doctrinal principles, a new open and flexible C4I architecture, and a redesigned investment strategy.

G3. SOF C4I DOCTRINE

Special operations C4I fundamental principles are: Global, Secure, Mission Tailored, Value Added, and Joint. These five principles ensure successful C4I support to special operation. Global. C4I systems support special operators worldwide across the full range of military operations.

Secure. Humans are more important that hardware. C4I must never compromise a live team on the ground or contribute to mission failure. Additionally, all submarine operations involving SOF must be conceptualized and executed in such a way that protects the most vulnerable component of the mission, namely the special operations forces. Hostile, or potentially hostile, systems which pose no threat to the submarine may pose a significant threat to special operations. Operational doctrine must ensure that new systems do not alert a potential enemy to impending actions by SOF.

Mission Tailored. SOF cannot be mass produced. C4I systems must deploy in relation to the projected operational environment. Value Added. Quality is better that quantity. SOF must push new C4I technologies, equipment, and techniques to maintain the competitive edge.

Joint. Competent SOF cannot be created after emergencies. Special operation C4I is joint and supports joint, combined and coalition operations.

G4. SOF C4I ARCHITECTURE

The special operations C4I architecture is seamless, robust, automated, standards compliant, and utilizes the full spectrum. The architecture allows access to the infosphere to be pushed down to the lowest possible level. It also interlaces national and commercial C4I architectures with current special operation functional architectures. With proper security measures, use of commercial and host nation telecommunications structures are encouraged. The C4I structure uses National Security Agency (NSA) approved technology, procedures, and safeguards to ensure operational elements are not compromised or exploited by an enemy. To be effective, the special operations C4I architecture must be relevant to today’s conditions and adaptable to those anticipated into the 21st Century.

G5. SOF/SUBMARINE INTERFACE

G6. SOF/SUBMARINE COMMUNICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

1. HF Requirements (2-50 MHz)

a. Special Mission Radio (SMRS). The principle SMRS components are the AN/PRC-137 long-range manpack radio (MPR), its associated Digital Messages Entry Device (DMED), and the AN/TRQ-43 transportable base station (TBS). The SMRS components will be enhanced with new features and capabilities, including the implementation of the Interlocking Base Station (IBS) network. SMRS is optimized for the special reconnaissance mission but may be employed on any special operations missions requiring long-range, low-observable, or highly reliable data communication. The SMRS communications system will supplement and interoperate with other SOF C4I systems. For SOF/SUB application the MPR and DMED may be used.

b. All other HF radio applications will use Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) or straight HF, data, voice LPI/D.

2. VHF Requirement

a. Low Band (30-88 MHz). LOS communications used primarily with OF ashore and air assets. This requirement may be employed with or without SINCGARS, data, voice, LPI/D.

b. High Band (116-149 MHz). LOS communications used primarily with SOF ashore and air assets. This requirement may be employed with or without SINCGARS, data, voice, LPI/D.

c. Inter Team Radio (136-174 MHz). LOS communications to include LPI/D used between SOF Commander onboard and teams ashore. This concept employs a base station (FASCINATOR COMSEC equipment) onboard the submarine . 3. UHF Requirement

a. LOS. LOS communications used primarily with SOF ashore and air assets. This requirement may be employed with or without HAVEQUICK . b. Inter Team Radio (403-430 MHz). LOS communications to include LPI/D used between SOF commander onboard and teams ashore. This concept employs a base station (FASCINATOR COMSEC equipment) onboard the submarine.

c. SATCOM (225-499 MHz). Will be used in the 5 kHz (NB) and 25 kHz (WB) mode. DAMA and non-DAMA will be used.

4. SHF Requirement

a. Interoperability with national/DOD databases and intelligence systems. The Joint Deployable Intelligence Support System (JDISS) access could be provided though a shared use of submarine assets or though an ADP terminal brought onboard by SOF operators.

b. Increased Data Rate to support imagery and video to and from SOF forces onboard.

c. TRI-Band. Interoperability between Ku, X, and C band required at the JSOTF and TG and TU level.

5. EHF REQUIREMENT. Interoperability with JSOTF afloat or shore.

6. IMAGERY and INFORMATION TRANSFER REQUIREMENT

a. Connectivity to an imagery and information exchange system is required. JDISS is the DOD Intelligence Information System (DODIIS) standard for accessing national and DOD intelligence databases. A laptop JDISS terminal could satisfy this requirement for the SOF operator. Additionally, connectivity to digital camera imagery transmissions is a requirement for the SOF operator to receive near real time operational updates.

b. Currently, the Naval Special Warfare Information Exchange System (NSWIXS) prototype provides the capability to transfer information to/from SEAL operators. This data stream could be a candidate to satisfy imagery and information transfer requirements. Operating in a personal computer environment, the NSWIXS provides the SOF operator the ability to push and pull information as necessary. NSWIXS can operate over all frequency mediums. Radiant TIN compression utilized with NSWIXS makes it very effective for passing imagery. NSWIXS and Radiant TIN are currently in the prototype stage.

c. Provide a state of the art digital imaging system. The system must be capable of imagery collection and dissemination in a digital format which can be interfaces and integrated with other SOF system applications. Currently available is the Digital Video Imaging Terminal (DVITS) which has an RS232 port capable of transmitting or receiving up to 32kpbs.

7. HDR REQUIREMENTS.

These requirements include voice, VTC, PERVIZ, Photo nics, UAV, file transfer, JDISS, ATO, broadcast, IXS, naval message, OP notes. Video is the largest HDR driver with bandwidths of 128 kbps to T1 connectivity. 8. Remote SOF C2. This concept would allow simultaneous utilization of the submarine’s antenna assets by submarine and SOF operators.

G7. SOF/SUBMARINE CONFIGURATION

1. A two phased approac h needs to be considered. Short term and long term options are provided below. a. Short Term. Current DDS/SDV configured submarines that are not scheduled for SCSS upgrade require installation of SOF equipment. Current configuration consists of PRC-104 (HF Non-ALE), PSC-7 (UHF SATCOM Non-DAMA) KY-57, KY99, ADC (data packet switching device), stand alone PC, and AM-7175 (power supply). This set up is installed on the USS KAMEHAMEHA. It is desired to make this permanent alteration for both east and west coast DDS/SDV submarines.

b. Long Term. For future requirements SCSS should include SOF communications capabilities. these capabilities include HF ALE, VHF SINCGARS, UHF HAVEQUICK , UHF SATCOM 5/25KHZ DAMA, and ADC. If these capabilities exist inherent to the SCSS then SOF would utilize submarine equipment on a not to interfere basis. However, if the SCSS cannot accommodate these capabilities then space, weight, and power would have to be available for a carry on SOF C4I capability.

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