Test for Success: Next Generation Aircraft Identification System RF Simulation

Abstract

Advancements in Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems are generating a variety of signals operating with a common purpose and often over common radio frequency (RF) spectrum. This paper will describe the top level characteristics of each of the following IFF/Surveillance systems and the plans and challenges of modeling these systems in ViaSat's RF stimulator systems. (1.) Mark XIIA, Mode S (2.) Mark XIIA, Mode 5 (3.) Automatic Dependent Surveillance -Broadcast (ADS-B) (4.) Department of Defense (DOD) Blue Force Tracking (BFT) Mode S is deployed and provides a directed interrogation and transpond response from airborne platforms. Mode 5 is planned for deployment and provides an anti-spoof encrypted transpond response. ADS-B is also planned for deployment in the commercial National Airspace System (NAS) and will use two separate systems for providing situational awareness transpond responses: Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) and Mode S 1090 Extended Squitter (ES). DOD BFT will use an advanced satellite network to receive platform state-vector transmissions and re-broadcast a theater level image of IFF data via digital video broadcast, satellite, second generation (DVB-S2). Each system presents unique challenges in modeling, but each are readily accommodated by ViaSat's Communication, Navigation, and Identification (CNI) RF function stimulator architecture. ViaSat will use our programmable arbitrary waveform generators to provide the RF waveforms. The scenario generation processors can then provide the geographic and RF propagation models to allow high density signal environments. These characteristics enable developmental testing for system improvements as well as verification testing for compliance with system level requirements. Use of an RF stimulator to generate a real-world RF environment is invaluable in testing systems to reduce risk and improve the probability of successfully deploying these next generation IFF systems.