ROAM Slutrapport. Robusta kommunikationer för internationella operationer

This report describes the project ROAM (Robust Radio Communications for Maritime International Operations) and the activities carried out during the time period 2011- 2013. The project aims to study communications solutions that provide high robustness against the dynamics that characterize the naval platforms in an international environment. Robustness is intended as resilience to, for example, electromagnetic interference, elimination of the infrastructure or changes of the availability of telecommunications, and changes of the radio wave propagations. Methods for effective utilization of the available radio spectrum, especially at HF, to achieve the highest possible robustness in every situation, have been of major concern in the project. The project focuses in maintaining the balance between scientific quality and relevance. This means that both scientific publications as well as a continuous cooperation with customer representatives have been prioritized. The research in the project has mainly been focused on the gain of considering the local interference environment, in order to make the best possible choice of frequency for an HF communication system. It is stated that if the local interference environment is considered, the data rate can be increased and the time delay can be reduced. For cases with large interference problems on board, a significant gain can be made. Two assessments have been performed within the project; the effect of satcom loss at an international mission in the gulf of Aden, and the use of STANAG 4691 - MARLIN with HF communications. The aim has been to assess these communication solutions and analyze how robust they are both at a deep technical level as well as at a higher leadership level. As a way to continuously ensure the relevance of the project results as well as to provide direct benefits to the Swedish armed forces, three expert support tasks with respect to the robustness of radio communication systems on naval platforms have been performed. One expert support task has been performed during each year of the project; measurements of VHF/UHF antennas on board HMS Carlskrona, introduction of an HF radio in Hkp 15, and a popular scientific writing about the possibilities and limitations of satellite and HF communications. During each of the three years, a two days' workshop has been held in Karlskrona, with 50-80 participants each time. The goal of the workshops has been to create an annual forum for knowledge transfer and exchange of experience between the research activities and specific naval operational requirements for wireless communication solutions.