Channel-forming means of communication

Channel-forming communication means include radio stations, satellite communication stations, radio relay and tropospheric stations, frequency and time division equipment, communication cables (wire, fiber optic) (see Fig. 4.)

Radio equipment used in all branches of the Armed Forces and command levels. They are the main, and in many cases, the only means of direct communication with mobile objects (organs and control points, controlled objects) on the move, in hard-to-reach areas of terrain, behind enemy lines and in other difficult conditions.

Radio equipment has a number of advantages:

· the ability to establish radio communications with objects whose location is unknown;

· the ability to establish radio communications with objects through territory occupied by the enemy, through impassable areas of terrain, with objects in motion on the ground, in the air and at sea;

· the ability to transmit information and signals simultaneously to a large number of correspondents, i.e., conduct circular communication;

· quick establishment of radio communications with correspondents who have radio stations, including through several downstream authorities.

At the same time, radio equipment has a number of disadvantages that must be taken into account when organizing and providing radio communications. These include:

· the ability to determine by enemy radio intelligence the fact of radio transmission, the location of the radio station and interception of the content of negotiations;

· the ability to determine the location of control points (commanders, headquarters) by enemy radio reconnaissance based on the radiation of a group of radio stations, with their subsequent destruction or the creation of deliberate interference with radio communications;

· the possibility of destroying radio stations and control points (commanders, headquarters) using radio-homing weapons (missiles, bombs, shells);

· dependence of the quality of radio communications on the conditions of the passage of radio waves at different times of the day, seasons of the year, on the presence of intentional and unintentional interference (electromagnetic compatibility of radio-electronic equipment at control points);

· the impact on radio communications of high-altitude nuclear explosions, which is expressed in a sharp decrease in the range of radio communications in the ultra-short wave (VHF) wave range and the cessation of radio communications in the short-wave (HF) wave range;

· reduction of radio communication range by 40-50% when radio stations operate on the move.

Radio stations are classified: (Slide 10)

Rice. 5 Classification of radio stations.

1. by degree of mobility- mobile and stationary. The equipment of mobile radio stations is placed on cars, armored vehicles (armored personnel carriers, tractors, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, etc.). These radios are also called portable radios. In addition, mobile radio stations are equipped with the personnel of subunits and units. These radio stations are: portable (small in size and weight, can be placed in uniform pockets), wearable (weighing up to 15 kg, carried on the back, work in motion), portable (weighing more than 15 kg, carried by two or more radio operators, work only on site);

2. by wavelength- ultra-long wave (VLF, spectrum often 0.003 0.03 MHz, wavelength 100,000 - 10,000 m); long-wave (LW, 0.03 - 0.3 MHz, 10,000-1000 m); medium wave (SW, 0.3 - 3 MHz, 1000 100 m); shortwave (KB, 3-30 MHz, 100 10 m); ultrashort wave (VHF, 30 - 300,000 MHz, 10 -0.0001 m). Ultrashortwave radio stations, in turn, are divided into the following subgroups: meter (MB, frequency spectrum 30 - 300 MHz, wavelength 10 - 1m); decimeter (DCMV, 300-3000 MHz, 1-0.1 m); centimeter (SMV, 3000 - 30000 MHz, 0.1-0.001 m); decimmillimeter (DCMMV, 30,000-300,000 MHz, 0.001 - 0.0001 m);

3. by transmitter power- high power (up to 100 W); medium power (from 100W to 1 kW); powerful (from 1 kW to 10 kW); heavy-duty (over 10 kW);

4. by type of communication provided- telephone, telegraph, telephone-telegraph;

5. by number of channels- single-channel and multi-channel;

6. by operating modes- simplex, duplex, half-duplex.

Simplex radio communication is a two-way radio communication in which transmission and reception at each radio station are carried out alternately.

Duplex radio communication is a two-way radio communication in which transmission occurs simultaneously with radio reception.

Half duplex radio- this is a simplex radio communication with an automatic transition from transmission to reception and the possibility of asking the correspondent again.

Radio stations with different characteristics are used at different levels of control. The higher the control link and, therefore, the greater the communication distance between control points, the more powerful the radio station transmitters should be. To provide radio communications over long distances, powerful and ultra-powerful radio stations in the shortwave range are used. Radio stations in the ultra-long wave range are used to communicate with submarines underwater. At the tactical control level, VHF and HF radio stations of low and medium power are mainly used. Transportable low-power radios are installed one set at a time on combat vehicles (armored personnel carriers, tanks, tractors, etc.) or several at a time in command and staff vehicles (CSVs), combat control vehicles (MCVs), and headquarters vehicles (CHVs).

Each type of radio station is assigned a symbol consisting of a letter and a three-digit digital index. In the Ground Forces, radio stations are designated by the letter "R" and a digital index starting with "1", for example: R-105, R-130, R-134, R-171, R-163-1U, R-168-1U. The designations may use letters that clarify the purpose of the radio stations, for example: R-105M (modernized), R-168-5UN (VHF, portable). Radio stations intended for use on airplanes and helicopters of the Air Force and on ships of the Navy are designated similarly, but the digital index begins with the numbers “8” and “6”, respectively.

Satellite communication stations are designed to organize direct communication lines in the interests of command and control of troops of all branches of the Armed Forces using active repeaters on artificial Earth satellites located in stationary and elliptical orbits.

Military satellite communications stations operate in the frequency range from 3000 to 6000 MHz and provide direct communication at the required ranges.

Advantages satellite communications are :

· providing direct communication between control points over an almost unlimited range:

· high quality communication channels.

TO shortcomings satellite communications can be attributed to the limitation of the number of satellite communication lines by the number and technical capabilities of repeaters on satellites.

Satellite communication stations can be mobile, stationary, small-sized portable and portable. Mobile stations are placed on cars, armored personnel carriers, and tractors. They are designated similarly to radio stations, for example: R-440, R-438T, R-439B.

Radio relay stations provide high-quality multi-channel communication between two correspondents at line-of-sight distances.

Radio relay communication depends practically little on the time of year and day, weather conditions and atmospheric interference.

Radio relay communication has a number of advantages:

· multichannel - the formation of a large number of channels in one direction;

· high intelligence protection;

· high quality of communication channels, comparable to the quality of channels in cable systems. TO shortcomings radio relay communications should include:

· a sharp decrease in the quality of communication or its termination in conditions of rugged terrain;

· inability to operate radio relay stations while moving;

· bulkiness of antenna-mast devices and, accordingly, a long time for their deployment (bringing them into working condition);

· the possibility of radio detection and radio interception of transmitted messages by enemy radio reconnaissance.

Radio relay stations classified:

· by number of channels small-channel (up to 6 communication channels) and multi-channel (more than 6 communication channels);

· by wavelength meter (Mb, frequency spectrum 30-300 MHz, wavelength 10 - 1 m) and decimeter (DCMV, 300-3000 MHz, 1-0L m) ranges.

The equipment of radio relay stations is installed on cars and armored personnel carriers. One radio relay station usually has two transceivers. To ensure radio relay communication at the tactical control level, radio relay stations with a number of transceivers from three to five are used. Antenna mast devices occupy a significant place in the set of a radio relay station.

Radio relay stations are intended for the construction of single- and multi-interval communication lines, branching channels from radio relay, tropospheric and cable communication lines, organizing inserts into cable communication lines, and remote control of transmitters. The communication range on one interval of a radio relay communication line does not exceed 30-40 kilometers. Multi-interval radio relay communication lines can have from 2-3 to 20-22 intervals and a length from 80-120 to 1000 kilometers, respectively.

The symbol for radio relay stations includes the letter "P" and a three-digit digital index starting with the number "4", for example: R-405, R-409, G 115, R-414, R-419.

Tropospheric stations are intended for the construction of direct long-distance multi-channel communication lines. Tropospheric communication is based on the effect of long-range tropospheric scatter. The essence of this phenomenon is that at an altitude of 12-15 kilometers from the Earth’s surface there are atmospheric irregularities. When these inhomogeneities are irradiated by a radio transmitter, radio waves are scattered, including towards the correspondent. The communication range at one interval of the tropospheric line can be 120 - 250 kilometers. Tropospheric stations operate in the range above 4000 MHz.

TO merits Tropospheric communications include:

· providing multi-channel direct communication at distances of 150 - 250 km;

· relative speed in deploying tropospheric stations and establishing communications compared to radio relay stations.

Disadvantages tropospheric communications are:

· dependence of the quality of tropospheric communication on the state of the atmosphere at different times of the year;

· the need for a significant distance (up to 1.5 km) of tropospheric stations from control points to meet the requirements for biological protection of control point personnel from harmful radio emissions.

Tropospheric stations are divided into small-channel (up to 6 communication channels) and multi-channel (more than 6 communication channels). The symbols for tropospheric stations are similar to radio relay stations, for example: R-412A (on a car), R-412B (on an armored personnel carrier), R-423-2B.

Frequency and time division equipment. To solve the problem of simultaneously providing negotiations to a large number of subscribers, multi-channel transmission systems are used. Under multi-channel information transmission refers to the use of a cable pair, overhead circuit, or radio link operating on the same wavelength for the simultaneous transmission of several independent messages. The basis of multichannel systems is frequency and time division equipment. Together with this name, other names for this equipment are widely used: compaction equipment, channel-forming equipment, channel combining equipment, etc. Using this equipment, radio relay, tropospheric, satellite and cable (wire) multi-channel transmission systems are built.

Frequency and time division equipment classified:

by channel formation method frequency division equipment (FDM) and time division equipment (TDD). In frequency division, the spectra of channel signals are placed in non-overlapping frequency bands. With time division of channels, channel signals are transmitted along the linear path one by one (without overlapping in time);

by channel type- analog and digital. Currently, a typical analog communication channel is a voice-frequency channel with an effectively transmitted frequency band of 300 - 3400 Hz, and a typical digital communication channel is a basic digital channel with a bandwidth of 64 kbit/s.

Initially, channel aggregation equipment was created to operate over wired communication lines. Wired communication lines are divided into the following types: cable, overhead, fiber optic. To date, overhead communication lines have lost their importance due to low reliability, survivability, high cost, and strong susceptibility to atmospheric and climatic conditions. Modern multi-channel transmission systems operate mainly via communication cables.

Communication cables are classified:

Fig.6 Classification of communication cables (slide 11).

According to its purpose communication cables are divided into field and permanent. Field cables, in turn, are divided into long-distance communication cables, light field cables, input-connection and distribution (intra-node) communication cables. Permanent cables, depending on their area of ​​application, are divided into main network cables, zone network cables, local network cables, marine and station cables. Structurally, cables are divided into symmetrical and coaxial. For symmetrical cables, the circuit consists of identical insulated conductors. A coaxial cable circuit consists of two conductors, with one (solid) conductor located concentrically within the other (hollow) conductor. The equipment for combining channels and communication cables is called wired communication equipment.

Advantages wired communications are:

· high intelligence protection of wired communication lines and communication security when transmitting messages;

· high quality of communication;

· immunity from deliberate enemy interference.

However, there are significant flaws:

· considerable time for deployment of wired communication lines and high labor costs for operational maintenance;

· vulnerability of wired communication lines from enemy fire.

These shortcomings do not allow the use of wired communications in highly time-sensitive types of combat. These means are most widely used in concentration areas, in defense, and also to provide internal communications at control points.

Equipment for frequency and time division of channels is designated by the letter “P” and a three-digit digital index, for example: P-310, G1-330-6. Communication cables are designated by the letter “P” and a two-digit, three-digit digital index, for example: P-2, P-296, P-274M. Input-connection and distribution cables have their own designation system, for example: TTK 5X2, VSEK 5X2, ATGM.

Currently, military communication systems are widely used fiber optic communication cables and associated channel combining equipment. Along with saving non-ferrous metals, they have the following advantages:

· the ability to transmit a signal with a wide range of frequencies, which provides a large number of communication channels;

· small overall dimensions and weight in comparison with metal cables;

· low signal power losses and, consequently, long lengths of re-receiving sections;

· high protection from external electromagnetic influences.

Main disadvantage Field fiber optic cables have insufficient mechanical strength.

How can you hear? Welcome!

Signal troops have traveled a long and difficult path in their history. Today, signal troops are a modern branch of special troops capable of providing communications with stationary and mobile objects over an unlimited range. Even 89 years ago, the capabilities of the signal troops were much more modest: communications were provided exclusively by telephone and telegraph means via wire lines. Improving the forms and methods of armed struggle, equipping the armies of economically developed countries with the latest weapons and military equipment significantly increase the role of communications in modern warfare.

Field communications

According to leading Russian and foreign experts, the contribution of the communications system to increasing the efficiency of the use of troops (forces) and weapons is comparable to a significant increase in the number of combat assets or an increase in their combat capabilities. Therefore, the further development of the communications system and troops is one of the priority areas for increasing the combat potential of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

What are the signal troops today and what will happen to them in the foreseeable future? We are talking about this with the Chief of Communications of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation - Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Evgeniy MEICHIK.

Our meeting takes place on the eve of a professional holiday - Military Signalman's Day. Therefore, there is an informational reason to talk in detail about problems and achievements.

The history of the Signal Corps is rich in examples of outstanding courage and devotion to their homeland. Today we pay tribute to the memory of our predecessors, who created the signal troops and laid down glorious military traditions, and bow to the feat of military signalmen during the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945. and all subsequent years.

In the new operating conditions of the Armed Forces, there is a radical reassessment of the forms and methods of providing communications, or more precisely, the provision of communication services. The relevance of this topic was confirmed by the speech of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev at the operational-strategic exercise "Center-2008", held on the territory of the Volga-Ural Military District in September of this year.

Evgeniy Meichik

BUSINESS CARD

Meichik Evgeniy Robertovich born in 1950 in Moscow. Graduated from the Moscow Electrotechnical Institute of Communications, Gorky Higher Military Command School of Communications, Military Academy of Communications, Military Academy of the General Staff. He served in various military positions in the Moscow, Carpathian, and Baltic military districts, in the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany, and in the Office of the Chief of Communications of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. In September 2008, he was appointed Chief of Communications of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation - Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Awarded the orders “For Service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces”, III degree, “For Military Merit”.

• Firstly, increasing the efficiency of the Armed Forces command and control system, which includes command and control bodies, weapons (communications and automated command and control) and specialists (military signalmen). The weakness of any component leads to a significant decrease in the efficiency of the system as a whole. Today, the management system in the state, its technical component, is developing at a faster pace than the management system of the Armed Forces. And we see our task in overcoming this backlog.
• Secondly, and this follows from the first, improving personnel training.
• Thirdly, equipping the Armed Forces with modern weapons (communications and automation). Fourth, improving the organizational structure and troop basing system. And finally, solving social problems.

Military communications is one of the most important components of the Armed Forces control system. How would you characterize the condition of this component? Does its level meet modern requirements?

As is known, the communications system and automation systems are the main means and technical basis for managing the Armed Forces. Today, the armies of the main countries of the world are rapidly switching to the use of the latest means of communication and navigation. Achieving superiority in this matter is seen as a significant increase in the combat potential of the troops. After all, a high level of information support for combat operations of troops (forces) in modern conditions is becoming a determining factor in achieving strategic and operational-technical superiority over the enemy.

According to our estimates, the basis of such an information support system is a global network created on the basis of existing and future communication and data networks using modern telecommunication technologies. In combination with the provision of large-scale automation of troop control at all levels of command and control, if appropriate means are available, this will make it possible to transfer information from the battlefield to the commander’s workplace in the form of a complex of data and video information for the rapid development and decision-making on the use of weapons.

Taking into account Russia's place as one of the leading states in the world, we are building the Armed Forces corresponding to it. It is no coincidence that the President of the Russian Federation is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Dmitry Medvedev One of the priority tasks for the development of the Armed Forces was to increase the efficiency of the command and control system.

The most important feature of the development of the control system of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is the global automation of the activities of military command and control bodies in real time.

It is no secret that in previous years, for a number of reasons, many advanced projects remained unrealized, and promising models of communications equipment and automated command and control did not enter mass production and service. But in recent years, when funding has noticeably improved, the first steps in terms of modernizing the signal troops have already been taken, but much more remains to be done in the near future.

Thus, new types of equipment began to enter service, in no way inferior in their technical characteristics to foreign analogues: modern radio stations, satellite communication stations and automation equipment.

Scientific and technical thought has not stood still all this time. Over the past decade, the world has seen a quantum leap in the field of information management and exchange tools. It is due to the development of information and telecommunications technologies, the improvement of means of processing, storing, distributing and transmitting information. The general line of building and improving the communication system, as an integral part of the command and control infrastructure of the RF Armed Forces, was the transition to a new, more advanced form of organizing communication networks through digitalization and integration into the unified information and communication system of the Armed Forces.

It turns out that everything is more or less good with us. And problems are solved as they arise...

The problems are complex and multifaceted. They cannot be solved overnight. The tasks facing the signal troops are large-scale. You cannot master them in a short period of time. Unfortunately, not all systems, complexes and means of communication fully meet the requirements and challenges of the time that the latest means of armed warfare of the 21st century impose on the control system. The reasons for this are hidden both in the organizational sphere and in the technological sphere.

• Firstly, there are significant delays between the issuance of technical specifications and the adoption of communications equipment for service. By the time this or that means appears, it is already obsolete. It is necessary to significantly reduce the time spent on research and development work.
• Secondly, planning arms purchases for one year also did not allow us to resolve the issues of providing troops (forces) with communications and automation equipment in the required quantity. Now the state defense order is formed for three years.
• Thirdly, the best examples of technology are not always developed within the walls of serious research organizations or industrial concerns; sometimes small, in comparison, enterprises are able to offer modern, reliable and cheap products, which, however, are very difficult to break into the market. The conditions must be the same for everyone.
• And finally, the last thing. All these problems must be solved comprehensively. At the same time, I want to note that not everything is so bad. Changes for the better, albeit slowly, are happening. Thus, the gap in a number of individual means and complexes for monitoring communication security and information security, complexes for protecting against information leakage through technical channels, and protecting information from unauthorized access to it has decreased somewhat.

Mobile and stationary satellite communication stations of the new generation are currently being widely introduced into the communications troops, unified digital channel-forming equipment is being supplied, and fiber-optic communication lines are being deployed; digital satellite communication stations, radio relay and tropospheric stations, field communication and control complexes are in varying degrees of readiness; advanced radio equipment is being developed and much more.

Positive trends are also observed in the development of production capacities of the element base for modern communication complexes.

On the battlefield

While we are creating the element base, time will be lost. And it is necessary to equip troops with modern means of communication and special equipment now. Wouldn't it be easier to purchase modern communications equipment abroad to fill the technological vacuum?

It is impossible in principle to fill this, as you put it, technological vacuum with modern foreign-made analogues for a number of reasons.

• First. Our enterprises have developed communication means that are at least as good as foreign analogues, and in a number of characteristics are superior to them. And foreign countries are not trying to sell us their latest developments and technologies. Why buy obviously inferior products? By the way, together with the Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications (Ministry of Communications of Russia), we monitored everything developed in this direction by Russian industry, even available in the form of layouts and models. I must say that promising models fully satisfy the needs of the Armed Forces, even for the future, and allow us to look into the future with optimism. We plan to show all this in November on one site, and in the future to hold such shows annually at the beginning of the year.

An analysis of the current situation also showed that one of the shortcomings in the modernization of communications technology is the conduct of parallel developments and the lack of cooperation between industrial enterprises. Joint work in this direction with the Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications of Russia will allow many samples of communication and automation equipment to be created under a dual-use program. The industry received from us Unified requirements for communication facilities and systems.

• The second reason. This could lead to technological dependence on foreign partners: limited capabilities for maintenance, repair, purchase of components and training of specialists. And where there is technological dependence, there is also informational dependence, i.e. It is even possible to assume unauthorized access to information transmitted via such means of communication.

Therefore, it is necessary to develop domestic high-tech production. On its basis, create promising models of communications equipment, purchase them and accept them for supply in quantities that could fully satisfy the needs of the Armed Forces.

I cannot help but ask a question regarding recent events in the Caucasus. How did our military communications systems prove themselves during the fighting in South Ossetia and Abkhazia?

I will not hide: the recent armed conflict in the Caucasus revealed many problems in equipping our troops with the latest models of communications equipment. Moreover, if at the highest levels of management the range of communication equipment and its condition are quite satisfactory, then at the tactical level of management, communication equipment does not always meet the requirements for mobility, noise immunity, and degree of automation. Many of them are outdated and do not provide the necessary communication services. This just means that the study and analysis of the experience of combat operations of coalition forces in Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and the conduct of operations of Russian troops in Chechnya, South Ossetia and Abkhazia should be taken into account when building a modern system and signal forces.

What conclusions have been drawn from the current situation?

Events in South Ossetia confirmed the relevance of the priorities we have set in matters of developing communications. It is necessary in the near future to complete the creation of a tactical level command and control communication system, digital complexes and communications equipment, including channel formation, and to pay serious attention to the introduction of new generation classified communications equipment, including the tactical control level.

Take, for example, communication centers of field mobile control posts. By today's standards, they are bulky and not mobile enough. These nodes do not fully meet the needs of the control system to ensure timely, secure information exchange during combat operations. And this, in turn, negatively affects the efficiency and quality of command and control. The solution is to build a unified communications system for all branches and branches of the Armed Forces, which would meet the requirements set today: countering reconnaissance and electronic suppression means, providing the necessary list of services, mobility, and the involved communications and automation equipment would be small in size and weight.

We went a little deeper into the problems. But, probably, there are also positive aspects in the field of rearmament of units and subunits. What new types of equipment are already entering the troops? What do you expect in the foreseeable future?

As I said, the troops are now receiving modern equipment and systems that will ensure high-speed transmission of all types of communications and video information in real time, which is very important.

Small-sized satellite communication stations are capable of providing communication from short stops and on the move. They are equipped with units and communications units of the tactical control level.

For the operational and operational-strategic command and control levels, satellite communication stations have been developed and are being supplied to the troops, which, unlike their earlier analogues, can provide high-speed information exchange on trunk communication lines. The troops are also receiving low- and medium-power radio stations. And in the future, we plan to adopt a new set of unified radio communications.

There is a foundation for the future. In the daily activities of troops in order to fulfill the tasks of social development of the RF Armed Forces, the implementation of the GIS “Internet” is being widely developed.

By the way, about the Internet. This network is known to be not controlled by anyone. Aren't you afraid that secret information may end up on the World Wide Web?

There are risks, of course. But we understand the serious consequences that unauthorized access of third parties (special services of other states, hackers, etc.) to the information systems of the Ministry of Defense can lead to. And, of course, we take certain protective measures.

Analysis of the use of the Internet in other countries allows us to trace a trend towards limiting the use of the Internet in government and the military field. There decisions are made on the deployment of communication networks of government authorities, isolated from the Internet.

Nevertheless, you should not avoid the Internet. Its reasonable use in the military field can help achieve the development goals of the Armed Forces defined by the President of the Russian Federation, for example, in the implementation of the Social Development Strategy of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for the period until 2020.

Another example of the use of the Internet in the Armed Forces is the deployment of subscriber points in research organizations, military educational institutions, educational units, and the opening of Internet classes for military personnel.

New technology

There is a lot of talk now about the development of promising systems and complexes based on the use of nanotechnology. What role does this direction play in the development of signal troops?

The use of nanotechnology in military radio electronics will provide a profound breakthrough in the development of communications technology due to the development of higher frequency ranges, the implementation of new principles of signal processing, reducing energy costs, increasing reliability, reducing weight and dimensions, etc. As a result, digital data transmission will occur at ultra-high speeds .

In the interests of the country's Armed Forces and signal troops, in particular, domestic industry is implementing the Comprehensive Target Program “Nanoelectronics-2010”. Among the promising areas under this program are molecular transistors, transistors based on wave interference, and carbon nanotube transistors.

In addition, the use of nanotechnology will make it possible to create electrical trunk cables based on carbon nanotubes. They will be characterized by high electrical conductivity and at the same time weigh an order of magnitude less than copper ones. Costs will also be reduced significantly. So the application of nanotechnology in military communications will revolutionize the military field as a whole.

Evgeniy Robertovich, you spoke about the need to improve the training of military personnel for the signal troops. What is the role of the military education system in the modernization of the signal system and troops?

Modernization of the communications system of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation cannot but affect the training system for communications specialists and, first of all, officer personnel.

The activities of a communications specialist, which includes supporting the most complex military equipment, require special methods for developing his intellect - primarily in terms of meaningful thinking, improving skills in mental activity. In other words, military specialists must respond even faster to changes in the information, technological and operational realities of today. They must always be aware of the latest technical developments, be able to quickly master new equipment, its operation and repair, and improve in terms of tactical, technical, tactical-special and other types of training.

Let's return to the modernization of the signal troops that you talked about. All this is, of course, impressive. Only the developed countries of the world are still ahead of us in the military field and in the field of military communications. And I have a sneaking suspicion that this lag will continue for a long time...

The measures we are taking within the framework of the State Armament Program and annual state defense orders will make it possible to equip the communications troops with modern systems, means and complexes by 2015. At the same time, we intend to build our activities taking into account the rapidly developing information and communication sector of the economy. Only this approach will make it possible to ensure that the troops (forces) receive truly modern, highly effective means of communication and control automation.

Concluding our conversation, on the eve of the professional holiday, I congratulate all officers, warrant officers, sergeants, soldiers, veterans of the Armed Forces, scientists, designers, and working personnel of military communications enterprises on the Day of Military Signalmen. I wish everyone good health, happiness, success in military work.

Well, quite a standard, “ceremonial” performance on the eve of a professional holiday. It is gratifying to hear that even under such conditions, there was a place for our beloved nanotechnologies in this speech. So, for example, we learned that in the interests of the country’s Armed Forces and signal troops, in particular, domestic industry is implementing the Comprehensive Target Program “Nanoelectronics-2010”. Among the promising areas under this program are molecular transistors, transistors based on wave interference, and transistors based on carbon nanotubes. In addition, the use of nanotechnology will make it possible to create electrical trunk cables based on carbon nanotubes. They will be characterized by high electrical conductivity and at the same time weigh an order of magnitude less than copper ones. Costs will also be reduced significantly. So the application of nanotechnology in military communications will revolutionize the military field as a whole. And this is wonderful!.. Our congratulations!..

Last Sunday, signalmen of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation celebrated the 94th anniversary of the creation of signal troops as independent special forces. It was on this day in 1919 that the order of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic was issued, which marked the beginning of the centralized leadership of the signal troops. In accordance with Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of May 31, 2006 No. 549, the day of formation of the signal troops was declared a professional holiday - Military Signalman Day. The acting head of the Main Communications Directorate of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Major General Khalil ARSLANOV, told Krasnaya Zvezda about the tasks being solved by the communications troops today.

Khalil Abdukhalimovich, what factors influence the modern development of the communications system of the Armed Forces?

- In its development, military communications have traveled a long and complex path, inextricably linked with the creation of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, changes in the forms and methods of their use, and the improvement of military art.

The experience of local wars and armed conflicts involving the United States and NATO has shown that the priority task for the next 20 years is to achieve information superiority over the enemy as part of the implementation of the “Network-centric warfare” concept.

During operations in Iraq, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Libya, coalition troops focused their main efforts not on defeating enemy personnel, but on destroying the countries’ most important military-economic facilities and communications infrastructure for both civilian and military purposes.

Currently, based on the capabilities of modern forms and methods of conducting military operations, the control of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation imposes strict requirements on the communication system for stability, survivability, noise immunity and reliability of operation under conditions of influence on the control and communication system of various types of dangerous factors of a man-made and natural nature, all types of interference. In addition, the communication system must ensure the provision of modern telecommunications services to management bodies and officials of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defense for the exchange of information, including on a global scale using the channels of a unified satellite communication system and radio communication system.

What will the future communications system of the Russian Armed Forces be like?

In the near future, it will be based on the unified automated digital communication system of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (OADCSS RF Armed Forces), which will include space, air, ground (field and stationary) and sea echelons, an automated control system and an information security system.

The space echelon will include groups of spacecraft that ensure the deployment of a space-based communications network operating on the principle of the Internet and providing all types of services (speech, data, video) to stationary and mobile subscribers of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

The air echelon will include air-based communication systems and means, including repeaters for various purposes, located on aircraft and air-lifting equipment.

The maritime echelon will consist of sea-based complexes and communications equipment, and the ground echelon will consist of stationary and field complexes and land-based communications equipment.

The automated communications control system will include a unified set of network services for interspecific, intergeneric, interdepartmental and coalition information services, identification, addressing, synchronization and switching systems.

The information security system is designed to ensure the security, reliability and integrity of information at all stages of its transmission, storage and processing.

This principle of building a communication system will create conditions for the rapid deployment of an information-driven network with high throughput, stability, accessibility and intelligence security.

The communication system will be able to transform taking into account the operational tasks being solved while maintaining the quality of the provided communication services and continuity of management through the use of its individual elements depending on the current situation.

What work has been completed by the Russian Ministry of Defense to comprehensively equip control centers of the Armed Forces with modern equipment?

Since 2009, the Ministry of Defense has been conducting a large-scale project to comprehensively equip communication centers of control centers of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation with modern digital telecommunications and computing equipment. Its feature is its complexity and standard solution for equipping it with various equipment (channel-forming equipment, network facilities and subscriber devices). This ensures that the services required by the user are provided. This includes high-quality open and closed telephone communications, access to automated management systems and an electronic correspondence exchange system, as well as additional capabilities: audio and video conferencing, access to global information resources (Internet access). In addition, disparate control points are logically combined into a single departmental multi-service network.

Currently, 989 facilities are equipped with digital telecommunications equipment. This year, 192 objects were included in the existing network, of which 33 objects were moved to new locations.

In total, by 2020, it is planned to equip more than 2,000 Ministry of Defense facilities with digital telecommunications equipment.

What changes will happen in the near future in the technical equipment of the field component of the communications troops and the development of satellite communications?

Until 2008, the field communications system of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation was built on analog hardware. The principles of its construction were based on system-technical solutions and approaches to the construction and operation of a control system developed in the 70s of the last century.

The main option for the further development of field communication nodes is the modular construction option. In this case, the communication node can be represented as a set of modules connected and organized in a certain way. This, in turn, should not only simplify access for officials to communication resources, but also improve intelligence protection, survivability and mobility of communication centers and control points in general.

In 2009, state tests were carried out of the basic complex of communication hardware and communication control hardware of the integrated field communication system OSZU and RAM, intended for the creation of field mobile modular control points and a transport network of the integrated field communication system, developed as part of the development work "Redut-2US" "

The testing of technical solutions implemented in the R&D was carried out in 2009–2012 during operational-strategic exercises, and a positive result was obtained, which confirmed the correctness of the chosen solutions for building a field digital communication system of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Since 2011, Redut-2US hardware has been supplied to the communications troops.

Since 2008, serial deliveries of digital radio relay stations R-419MP (L1) with a capacity of up to 2.048 kbit/s (30 FC channels) have been carried out, and since 2011 - digital radio relay stations R-431AM from the Redut-2US complex, which have throughput up to 155 Mbit/s (1,920 PM channels).

Further development of radio relay stations is planned taking into account the possibility of ensuring operation in communication networks with packet switching, increasing the throughput to 310 Mbit/s (3,460 PM channels) and using noise-resistant modes in operation.

In 2012, the Ministry of Defense began creating the Unified Satellite Communication System of the third stage (ESSC-3), based on modern principles of high-speed information transmission and unified software and hardware equipment with the organization of inter-satellite communications.

ESSS-3 should ensure communication between the top military leadership of the state and the Ministry of Defense with the required level of noise immunity, the exchange of information in the paths of military-technical systems and automated control systems for troops and weapons, the organization of satellite communication channels to provide modern communication services when managing interspecific, heterogeneous and coalition groups troops (forces) and as part of the implementation of social programs for military personnel.

Khalil Abdukhalimovich, is it planned to supply portable radio communication equipment at the “soldier - squad” link?

Yes, for this purpose, the Ministry of Defense is developing a complex of multifunctional software and hardware radio tools to provide automated reconnaissance and noise-proof classified radio communications at the tactical control level (TCU).

As a result of the development work, portable, wearable and basic transportable radio stations of the 6th generation will be developed. According to the stated characteristics, the complex of these radio equipment is not inferior to foreign analogues, and in some respects it surpasses them. It will ensure the transition from communication networks organized in accordance with existing control loops to self-organizing and adaptive networks, as well as the expansion of the frequency range, its more efficient use and the introduction of new operating modes.

Are there any plans to equip all units of the Russian Armed Forces with means of access to the global Internet? How might this affect the level of secrecy?

Work to equip Russian Ministry of Defense facilities with computer technology (CT) connected to Internet service providers is already underway, with special attention being paid to compliance with information security requirements. For example, SVTs that process limited-distribution information do not connect to Internet service providers.

At the same time, we should not forget that today it is difficult to find military personnel, including conscripts, who do not have a personal mobile phone. At least 80 percent of them use phones that can connect to the Internet.

To ensure the safety of state secrets, a set of organizational and technical measures are being carried out in the troops. First of all, this is explanatory work among military personnel. Secondly, access to restricted areas with mobile phones is prohibited - they are handed over at the entrance. Thirdly, if necessary, technical means are used that block the basic functions of mobile devices. Other organizational and technical measures are also being carried out aimed at maintaining the secrecy and security of communications at Defense Ministry facilities. It all depends on the status of a military facility or sensitive territory, on the information that is processed there, and on other factors.
- How does the military department now deliver classified information to recipients?

Along with traditional methods of transmitting documentary media containing state secrets, the Ministry of Defense has created and uses: an interspecific system for the exchange of electronic correspondence, which makes it possible to transmit information in classified form by e-mail up to and including unification; a closed segment of the data network, which allows you to transmit information in classified form via e-mail to a connection and a separate military unit; secure high-definition video conferencing, allowing the exchange of video and audio information between officials of the military command and control bodies of the Russian Ministry of Defense, as well as other law enforcement ministries and departments.

What means of communication are provided in modern military equipment?

As part of the work to create a Unified Troop Control System at the tactical level, a unified wearable set of military personnel has been developed, designed to solve combat control tasks at the “company - platoon - squad - serviceman” level. It provides the soldier with navigation, orientation, target designation, fire control, and also increases his combat capabilities, increasing survivability and mobility during combat.

The kit includes new generation radio communications, as well as an electronic tablet for military purposes (also known as a tactical terminal), designed to automate control processes, solve applied calculation problems, as well as navigation and terrain orientation tasks using a digital magnetic compass and a GLONASS receiver/ GPS.

Today, a large number of Russian Navy ships perform missions in various parts of the World Ocean. How is communication with military sailors ensured and is it possible to organize video conferences with them?

Indeed, 2013 is characterized by the intensive use of Navy ships, the expansion of the range of tasks they solve, and the complication of conditions for ensuring communications with ships in remote areas.

Along with traditional short-wave radio communications, satellite communications are widely used, which in some areas is the main, and sometimes the only effective type of communication, ensuring high-quality and covert exchange of information with naval forces, and allows the country's leadership and the Ministry of Defense to assess the situation in real time and quickly deliver task (down to a single ship).

Thus, in the summer of this year, video conferencing was provided with the flagship ship of the operational formation "Admiral Panteleev", with the guards missile cruiser "Moscow" and the large anti-submarine ship "Vice Admiral Kulakov" throughout the entire voyage of a detachment of Russian Navy ships on a friendly visit to the Republic of Venezuela, with the heavy nuclear cruiser "Peter the Great" during the fulfillment of tasks for the passage of the Northern Sea Route.

A BASIC SET OF HARDWARE INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS “REDOUT-2US”

05.12.2016


In 2016, a high-speed communications network was built to control the troops of the Eastern Military District.
Military signalmen of the formations and military units of the Eastern Military District have deployed more than 15 reference communication centers, about 25 modern hardware complexes of the Redut-2US complex, and more than 60 radio relay stations are involved.
Organized provision of stable and continuous communications between the command and the district troops during the implementation of combat training tasks and daily activities, including in the island and Arctic zones.
In addition, this year the signal troops of the Eastern Military District conducted more than 100 major combat training events, in which over 7.5 thousand military personnel of the district signal troops and more than 1.5 thousand units of modern communications equipment were involved.

EASTERN MILITARY DISTRICT

27.09.2017


A large-scale field deployment of communications units has been completed in the Southern Military District (SMD). Planned tactical training took place at 21 training grounds located in the Southern and North Caucasus Federal Districts, as well as at Russian military bases in Armenia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
More than 3.5 thousand military personnel were involved in the training, and about 700 units of military equipment were involved.
During the 20-day training, specialists worked on the issues of deploying field mobile control posts and ensuring stable and continuous communications in various natural and climatic conditions. The signalmen fulfilled the standards for special, fire, reconnaissance and physical training, as well as for driving combat vehicles.
During the comprehensive training, special attention was paid to the military personnel’s mastery of new digital communications, in particular, the Redut-2US autonomous telecommunications complex. With the help of this complex, a single powerful local network is created in a very short time. This mobile complex includes various types of communications from wired to radio relay and is capable of replacing a stationary communications center.
The duration of the training day during the field trip was about 10 hours. At least 50% of the total time of field training was spent at night.
At the final stage, representatives of the communications department of the headquarters of the Southern Military District checked the coherence and professionalism of the military personnel acting as part of the crew of the equipment room and communications station.
The field trip of the communications units of the Southern Military District was a planned combat training event and was aimed at improving the skills of working with new equipment entering the troops.
Press service of the Southern Military District

RUSSIAN MILITARY EXERCISES

18.11.2017


The missile formation of the Eastern Military District (EMD), stationed in the Jewish Autonomous Region, received the latest telecommunications mobile communications complex “Redut-2US”.
The complex is designed for quickly building a closed wireless digital communication network in any area within a limited time frame. It provides reliable secure communications in any climatic and weather conditions in the Far East.
"Redoubt" allows you to combine various means of communication into a single radio network. Built on a modular principle, the complex makes it possible to use modern command and control technologies while simultaneously interacting with other communication systems.
The received communications complex will increase the combat effectiveness of one of the advanced missile formations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, which was one of the first to receive the Iskander-M OTRK.
Press service of the Eastern Military District

12.12.2017
In the Eastern Military District (EMD), military personnel of a missile formation stationed in the Jewish Autonomous Region began mastering the latest telecommunications mobile communications complex “Redut-2US”.
The use of a new communications complex, which arrived less than a month ago, has increased the possibilities of using the Iskander OTRK in field conditions. The Redut-2US complex integrated the connection with the unified automated communication system of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
One vehicle of the Redut-2US communications complex replaced 4-5 communications vehicles of an earlier generation. As a result, the mobility of Iskander OTRK units has increased and its visibility to reconnaissance equipment of a mock enemy has decreased.
The Redut-2US complex is designed for quickly building a closed wireless digital communication network in any area within a limited time frame. It provides reliable secure communications in any climatic and weather conditions in eastern Russia.
Press service of the Eastern Military District

OPERATIONAL-TACTICAL MISSILE SYSTEM "ISKANDER-M" ("ISKANDER-E")

BASIC HARDWARE COMPLEX OF THE INTEGRATED COMMUNICATION SYSTEM “REDUT-2US”

The basic complex of communication hardware and communication control hardware of the integrated digital field communication system OSZU and RAM “Redut-2US” was created at the Moscow NIISSU.
The basic complex of hardware R&D "Redut-2US" provides:
- creation of communication nodes for field mobile control points of a modular type and a transport network of an integrated digital field communication system based on the complex communication hardware being developed, ensuring the formation of digital channels and paths with transmission speeds of 1.2 - 9.6, 16, 32, 48, 64, 480, 2048, 34348 and 155520 Kbps;
- provision of a range of infocommunication services based on the integration of promising telecommunications systems and complexes, the creation of a unified transport environment, the unification of technical solutions and the use of modern technologies;
- interaction with legacy combat control systems: strategic reconnaissance, data exchange system ESU TK;
- automated operational-technical and technological control of a field communication center in the process of planning, deployment (collapse), operation and restoration (reconfiguration);

Automated management of the communication security and information protection system at the ICPSS automated workstation.

Within the framework of the Redut-2US R&D center, a mobile communication complex MIK-MKS was created. It was accepted for supply to the Russian Defense Ministry in 2011. The Mikran Research and Production Company has launched serial production of MIK-MKS mobile communication systems.

The accumulated knowledge and experience in the field of communications were used in the development of mobile communication systems of the MIK-MKS family. MIC-MKS are designed for rapid deployment of communication lines. They consistently provide high-quality communications in difficult climatic conditions and interference environments. Since 2011, Mikran began mass production of complexes.
In 2014, it is planned to expand the model range of mobile complexes: it is planned to release a “light” version of the MIK-MKS on a 3-axle chassis with a mast of 24 meters and a payload of 200 kg and a light version of the MIK-MKS on a Tiger chassis with a mast of 12-14 meters and payload 60 kg.

OKR results:
– in November 2010, the work of the interdepartmental commission on the acceptance of the prototype was completed and assigned the letter O1.
Within the framework of the State Defense Order 2011, the delivery of an installation batch of the basic complex consisting of 4 units is provided.
The basic communication hardware complex, consisting of prototypes and the installation batch manufactured in 2011, passed all types of tests, including during a number of military exercises.
During the OSU “Center 2011” (Ashuluk training ground), three field communication nodes were deployed using a complex of equipment rooms: KP OSK, KP 2A and KP for the exercise management.
When conducting a military-technical experiment at the Kapustin Yar training ground (September 2011), the complex deployed 3 field communication nodes, a transport network with a length of 65 km, a binding node with access to a closed segment of the data transmission network, through which information was received from the stationary component to field launchers. .
The use of the hardware of the basic complex was highly appreciated by the leadership of the exercises. Based on the results of all exercises, appropriate protocols and acts were drawn up.

The special pride of the military personnel of the control brigade (Stavropol) of the 49th combined arms army of the Southern Military District is the completely autonomous digital telecommunications complex “Redut-2US”, which allows the integration of various communication systems. Simply put, Redoubt makes it possible to use modern technologies and at the same time interact with old combat control systems. With the help of this complex, a single powerful local network is created in a very short time. "Redut-2US" includes various types of communications - from wired to radio relay - and, in fact, replaces a traditional communication center.
The functionality of the complex and the effectiveness of its use were tested during several large tests and exercises. Servicemen from the Stavropol command and control brigade also took part in them. In particular, during the strategic command and staff exercise “Caucasus-2012”.
In July 2013, as part of the 2013 state defense order, the communications troops of the Eastern Military District (VVO) received 10 of the latest digital telecommunication systems “Redut-2US” based on the KamAZ vehicle. These mobile complexes make it possible to combine various means of communication into a single radio network. "Redoubt" makes it possible to use modern technologies and at the same time interact with old combat control systems.
The district's signalmen were able to evaluate the effectiveness of the new complex during a recent surprise inspection of the combat readiness of the district's troops. The “Redoubts” made a 250-kilometer march to the Tsugol training ground (Trans-Baikal Territory), where they provided closed high-speed communication between command posts and the organization of video conferences in the field.
In addition, to ensure high-speed communications, new digital radio relay stations and satellite communications stations were used, which were also received by the Eastern Military District communications troops in July of this year.
By the end of 2015, the combined arms formations of the Western Military District (WMD) will receive more than 6 thousand units of modern ground communications equipment. Among them are the latest digital telecommunication complexes "Redut-2US" and command and staff vehicles R-149 AKSh. The arrival of new communication complexes and systems will make it possible in the field to quickly deploy digital radio relay communication lines and broadband wireless access networks capable of functioning both in normal conditions and in complex interference environments and providing reliable and high-quality communications to government officials at various levels.

The military leadership of countries attaches great importance to improving the means and methods of controlling military operations of troops. The basis of any control system in modern conditions is the connection between commanders and subordinate units, as well as between units of both the same and different branches of the armed forces and branches of the armed forces. According to foreign experts, improvement of troop command and control can only be achieved with comprehensive consideration of the tactical and technical capabilities of communications equipment. To ensure continuous command and control of troops in modern fast-moving and maneuverable combat, light and small-sized communications equipment is required.

Military experts from NATO countries believe that managing the combat operations of troops in a rapidly changing environment is possible only with the integrated use of various types of communications equipment. Therefore, at present, the military communications equipment of the NATO armed forces includes VHF and HF radio stations, tropospheric stations, conventional radio relay and satellite tactical communications, as well as wire and cable communications.

The level of development of military communications in different NATO countries is not the same. Communications facilities based on the latest achievements of science and technology are widely used, and the armed forces of other NATO countries are equipped with American equipment developed during the 50s, which has already been withdrawn from service in the United States and, according to military experts in these countries, does not fully meet modern requirements for conducting combat operations. Some countries of the North Atlantic Alliance purchase more modern communications equipment of the so-called second generation from the United States, for example stations AN/PRC-25, -77, AN/GRC-106, AN/VRC-12 and others. In addition, in recent years, a number of European NATO countries have developed and adopted new radio and radio relay communication equipment. In the UK, the Netherlands and Denmark, special attention is paid to developing their own communications equipment for their armed forces.

The foreign press notes that the current stage of development of military communications in NATO countries is characterized by the following features:

• creation of HF and VHF radio communication equipment with improved tactical and technical characteristics;
• development of complex communication equipment that provides solutions to a wide range of problems;
• creation of unified and universal means of communication with a wide range of frequencies, intended for simultaneous use in various branches of the armed forces and branches of the armed forces;
• widespread use of mobile stations of tropospheric and conventional radio relay communications for tactical purposes;
• introduction of digital methods of information transmission and electronic switching in the military communications network.

Improvement of HF and VHF radio communication equipment. In the US Army, radio communications are used at all levels of command. In their development, American HF and VHF radio communications went through two stages. The stations created at the first stage (in the 50s) include radio stations AN/PRC-6, -8, -9, -10, AN/GRC-19, -26 and others. They have largely been withdrawn from service in the United States, but are still quite widely used in the armed forces of other NATO countries.

Foreign experts point out that these radio stations are bulky, heavy, made using vacuum tubes, and are characterized by low operational reliability. In addition, the radio stations used in tank, artillery and infantry units (AN/PRC-8, -9, -10) operate in different frequency ranges, which makes it difficult to organize communications and interaction between them.

At the second stage (in the 60s), radio stations were created in the United States, which are currently in service. These stations operate with frequency modulation, are highly reliable, small in size and weight, and have an increased range (compared to similar samples of first-generation stations, second-generation radio stations have twice the range). They can be carried or installed on ground vehicles. The design scheme ensures that low-skilled operators can work on them. MTBF is on average 500 hours. Repair of stations is carried out mainly by replacing standard functional blocks.

Modern HF and VHF communications equipment has almost no vacuum tubes, with the exception of the output stages of the transmitters of some stations. Integrated circuits, semiconductor devices, miniature parts and printed circuits are widely used in the development of stations. What these tools have in common is a reduction in deployment and communications time, a reduction in power consumption and a common frequency range for all types of troops.

In order to increase reliability, improve operational characteristics (including maintainability), as well as reduce the size and weight of tactical radio stations, small-sized electronic tuning devices are created for them, which have sufficient mechanical strength, are easy to use and have universal characteristics. Thus, the dimensions of the six-circuit filter, tunable in the range from 3 to 3.9 MHz, are only 12.7 X 17.5 X 32.9 mm. Its volume is approximately one order of magnitude smaller than the volume of a similar filter with mechanical adjustment.

In tactical radios, electronic tuning finds use mainly in preselectors and high-frequency amplifiers, as well as frequency synthesizers. Its use makes it easier to assemble radio stations, since the tuning unit can be placed anywhere in the body.

New radio stations developed and adopted for service in European NATO countries include stations DA/PRC-2061 (), SEM-25 (Germany). The main tactical and technical characteristics of the most common radio stations are given in table. 1.

Table 1

The AN/PRC-88, -25, -77, AN/GRC-106 and AN/VRC-12 stations are widely used in the armed forces of NATO countries.

The AN/PRC-88 radio station (Fig. 1) is used in the squad-platoon link; it replaced the AN/PRC-6 radio station. It consists of an AN./PRT-4 transmitter and an AN/PRR-9 receiver. The station's receiver is mounted on the helmet, and the transmitter is in the pocket (it is held in the hand during operation). The transmitter can operate in two modes: with an output power of 0.5 and 0.3 W. In the first mode, a communication range of 1.6 km is provided, and in the second - 0.5 km; the latter mode is usually used to communicate with the platoon commander. squad commanders, as well as with individuals performing special functions. The radio receiver is assembled on seven integrated circuits of five different types.

Rice. 1. Radio station AN/PRC-88 (USA)

The AN/PRC-25 radio station is used in all branches of the military.

According to foreign experts, it is an example of successful standardization of communication equipment, is easy to operate and is highly reliable. The station has a vacuum tube only in the output stage of the transmitter. An additional power amplifier can be used with the station, and its range increases to 25 km. The AN/PRC-25 radio with a power amplifier installed on a vehicle is called AN/GRC-125, and that installed on a tank is called AN/VRC-53. When working in a parking lot, AN/GRA-39 equipment can be used to remotely control the transmitter from a distance of up to 3.5 km.

The AN/PRC-77 radio station (Fig. 2), which is a modernized version of the AN/PRC-25 radio station, entered service in 1970. This radio can be used with message-secreting equipment and has a high-power output amplifier to increase the communication range. The station is made in the form of one block, the dimensions of which are 28 X 28 X 10.2 cm.

Rice. 2. Radio station AN/PRC-77 (USA).

The AN/VRC-12 radio station and its variants AN/VRC-43, -44, -45, -46, -47, -48, -49 (they have basically the same tactical and technical data and differ in the quantitative composition of the equipment) are intended for organizing communications in the units "division - brigade", "brigade - battalion" and "battalion - company". They provide duplex telephone communication at ranges of up to 35 km when stationary and up to 24 km while on the move.

The AN/GRC-106 radio station is intended for communication in command radio networks of units and is the most common medium-range HF radio station (replaces the AN/GRC-19 HF radio station). It is usually installed on a 1/4-ton vehicle, but can also be mounted on an armored personnel carrier. The station operates on one sideband frequency with a suppressed carrier and allows communication at a distance of several hundred kilometers.

The radio station DA/PRC-2061 (Denmark) is available in a portable version, and is also adapted for installation on combat vehicles and aircraft. The station is sealed, assembled entirely on semiconductor devices, and has a modular design with a frequency synthesizer. It operates with frequency modulation at one of ten frequencies (preliminary tuning is required).

The SEM-25 radio station (Fig. 3), which is in service with the German Army, is intended for communications in tank units, in self-propelled anti-tank artillery units, as well as in reconnaissance and airborne units. The station includes two transceivers, an auxiliary receiver, a whip antenna, intercoms, a remote control unit and a headset. The radio station operates with frequency modulation, has 10 preset frequencies and provides communication at a range of up to 80 km. The transceiver is one unit. The electrical part of the transceiver is made of transistors and printed circuits.

Rice. 3. Radio station SEM-25 (Germany).

The Belgian HF radio station operates with amplitude modulation on one sideband. The frequency synthesizer included in its composition allows you to quickly tune to one of 10 thousand fixed frequencies. The radio station has a modular design, is assembled entirely on semiconductor devices and provides communication at a range of up to 30 km while moving (when working with a whip antenna) and several hundred kilometers when stationary (when using a wire antenna). According to representatives of the development company, in terms of its tactical and technical characteristics, this radio station fully meets the requirements of the NATO armed forces.

Dutch VHF radios (manufactured by Philips) are being introduced into the armed forces of a number of European NATO countries. One of these radios, like the American AN/PRC-88 radio, consists of a pocket radio transmitter with quartz frequency stabilization and a helmet-mounted receiver. The 0.9 kg transmitter and 0.38 kg receiver have six and two preset frequencies, respectively. Another Dutch radio station is made in the form of a microtelephone handset and in appearance resembles the American radio station AN/PRC-6. The radio station of the third type is portable, designed in the form of a single unit, mounted behind the operator’s back, operates in the range of 26-70 MHz and has four frequencies with pre-tuning.

According to American experts, the standard army radio communications equipment currently in service are fit for purpose, but they do not fully meet the requirements of the future. In this regard, work is underway in the United States to create third-generation HF and VHF radio stations. Thus, at the end of 1971, the development of a new highly reliable radio station began, which would replace at least five radio stations currently in service (ground-based AN/PRC-25, AN/PRC-77, AN/VRC-12, aircraft- AN/ARC-114 and AN/ARC-131). If the new station is put into service, then, as expected, approximately 200 thousand of its sets will be ordered.

Creation of military communications systems

A fundamentally new approach to updating military communications equipment in the main NATO countries is the development of equipment complexes based on one project, which, according to foreign experts, allows for a wider use of general design principles, standard modules and components. All this simplifies personnel training and equipment operation, and also reduces the range of spare parts.

This principle was used in the USA when creating a complex of field digital communication system stations under the Aacoms project, and in the UK when creating an integrated radio communication system for a combat zone under the Clansman project.

The Clansman system includes seven radio stations, three of which (UK/PRC-320, UK/VRC-321, -322) operate in shortwave, and four (UK/PRC-350, -351, -352 and UK/ VRC-353) - in the ultrashort wave range. Their development has been carried out since 1965, field tests were completed at the end of 1971. They will replace a large number of radio stations that were still in service (A.13, A.14, A.40, B.47, S. 13, etc.).

The tactical and technical characteristics of the radio stations of the Clansman system are given in table. 2, and the appearance of some of them is shown in Fig. 4.

Rice. 4. Radio stations of the “Klansman” system (): 1 - UK/PRC-350; 2 - UK/PRC-351; 3 - B-20.

According to British experts, the new radio stations are more efficient in operation, easier to operate, and have smaller dimensions and weight. The design uses a modular method, which increases reliability and facilitates repairs. Each station has a frequency synthesizer.

Radio stations UK/PRC-350, -351, -352 are portable, backpack type. Structurally, each of them consists of two components (receiver-transmitter and power supply), placed on one frame. The UK/PRC-351 radio station also has a power amplifier, which is mounted on the same frame. In all cascades of radio stations, printed circuits, integrated (thin-film) circuits and microminiature parts are widely used. Reliable operation and ease of maintenance are ensured by keeping moving parts to a minimum. Switching is carried out wherever possible using semiconductor electronic circuits. Receivers have increased sensitivity due to the use of field-effect transistors with high input impedance and low noise levels. It is possible to reduce the power of the receiver output signal by 10 times and increase the sensitivity of the microphone by the same amount. This mode “is only used in cases of urgent camouflage.

table 2
Tactical and technical characteristics of the radio station of the Clansman system (Great Britain)

The UK/PRC-320 radio can be used as a portable radio or installed in combat vehicles. The transceiver includes a frequency synthesizer that provides 280 thousand fixed frequencies with a spacing of 100 Hz. The synthesizer occupies a volume of 164 cubic meters. m and consumes power 2 watts.

Radio stations UK/VPC-321, -322, UK/VRC-353 are suitable for installation on armored and conventional combat vehicles. They operate in telephone and typography mode (transmission speed is 75 and 750 baud). The UK/VRC-321 radio station includes a transceiver, a power supply, an antenna tuning unit, and a direct-printing machine. The UK/VRC-322 station uses the same transceiver with an additional output amplifier, which increases the radiation power from 40 to 300 watts.

When operating the UK/VRC-353 radio, it is possible to select one of four transmitter output powers. The station operates in telephone and typing mode. It can be used in the same network with radio stations AN/VRC-12, SEM-25 and C.42 N2 (UK), although it is half the size of the latter. As reported in the foreign press, the UK/VRC-353 radio station meets NATO requirements for a military radio station with a range of 30 km.

Creation of unified and universal means of communication. In NATO countries, unified communications are created for use simultaneously in various types of armed forces and branches of the military.

In the USA, a unified multi-purpose VHF radio station AN/URC-78 is being developed, which in the future should gradually replace a number of existing portable, portable and on-board aircraft stations. Its dimensions should be three times, and its weight should be approximately half that of the AN/PRC-25 radio station. The new radio station will be made entirely on semiconductor devices using conventional, large-scale integrated circuits and film hybrid circuits. MTBF must reach 10,000 hours. In the frequency range from 30 to 80 MHz it will have 2000 fixed frequencies.

Universal devices are created to operate simultaneously in the HF and VHF frequency ranges. at the end of 1971, we entered into a contract with Avko for the development of a universal portable radio station AN/PRC-70, which should perform the functions currently provided by two stations, one of which operates in HF and the other in VHF bands. A station for this purpose was created in 1965 simultaneously by Avko and General Dynamics, but the US ground forces did not accept it for service, since the weight exceeded the specified value by 4 kg. In the new version, the station should have 74 thousand fixed frequencies in the range of 2-76 MHz (its dimensions are 30.5x29x9 cm; weight is 9.1 kg). The transceiver, made entirely on semiconductor devices, will include a frequency synthesizer and provide operation with the following types of modulation: conventional amplitude, amplitude on one sideband (in the range of 2-30 MHz) and frequency (in the range of 30-76 MHz).

Military stations of tropospheric and conventional radio relay communications

Currently, the commands of the armies of the main NATO countries consider radio relay communications to be one of the most reliable types of communications for the operational control of troops in battle, therefore they pay great attention to the creation and implementation of light mobile radio relay stations in the troops.

The area communications system of the US Army uses conventional radio relay stations AN/MRC-54, -69 and -73. In addition, tropospheric radio relay stations AN/TRC-90, -129 and -132 are used in tactical communication networks. In European NATO countries, stations developed in recent years have become widespread: S-50 (Great Britain) and FM-200 (Germany). The tactical and technical characteristics of the above stations are given in table. 3. The stations have modern compression equipment, ensuring simultaneous operation of 4, 12, 24, 48 or 60 telephone channels.

Table 3

Stations AN/MRC-54, -69 and -73 operate in the following modes: telephone, telegraph and letterpress. They are mounted on trucks. For example, the AN/MRC-69 station is installed on a 2.5 vehicle and requires about 45 minutes to deploy. The American press emphasizes that due to insufficient mobility and the relative complexity of maintenance, this station does not fully meet modern requirements. To replace it, new stations are being developed (AN/TRC-107 and AN/VRC-59), which are more reliable in operation and easier to maintain.

Tropospheric communication stations AN/TRC-90, -129 and -132 have modified versions that differ in the composition of the equipment, the size and design of the antennas, the number of fixed communication frequencies, the radiation power and the number of telephone channels.

The S-50 station is located on a truck, operates with frequency modulation and can be used both as a conventional radio relay station and as a tropospheric scatter station. Provides operation at one of six frequencies with pre-tuning. Operating frequencies are set using a set of quartz. In addition, recently the station equipment began to include a frequency synthesizer of the PG-341 type, which provides flexibility in choosing the frequency. The synthesizer is made entirely on semiconductor devices and has one reference quartz crystal. The output power of the station, depending on the operating mode, varies from 250 to 10 watts.

Station FM-200 (Fig. 5) operates in the frequency range 225-400 and 610-960 MHz with frequency modulation. Its characteristic features are a wider frequency range in contrast to other types of radio relay stations in service with European NATO countries, relatively low weight and dimensions, as well as increased reliability and structural strength. The station's equipment is made of semiconductor devices (two vacuum tubes are only available in the output stages). The station antenna is installed on a telescopic mast. Depending on the frequency range used, the station uses two types of antennas - with corner and flat reflectors.

Introduction of digital transmission methods and electronic switching into military communications. A very important trend in the development of military communications is the introduction of digital information transmission equipment. 5. Radio station FM-200 (Germany), in full form. In the USA, under the Aacoms project, a complex of tropospheric and conventional radio relay communication stations has been developed, operating with pulse-code modulation and time division of channels. Radio relay communication stations are built on the basis of radio relay stations AN/GRC-103, AN/GRC-50 and AN/GRC-144, use AN/TCC-62, -65, -72, -73 compaction equipment and operate simultaneously on 6, 12 , 24, 48 or 96 telephone channels.

The introduction of such equipment instead of equipment with frequency division multiplexing, according to American experts, will increase the reliability and survivability of military communications systems, simplify the classification of messages and maintenance of the communication system.

New radio relay stations created under the Aacoms project, in particular the AN/TRC-151 and -152 stations, will be used at the headquarters of brigades, divisions, corps and the field army of the ground forces.

Mobile multichannel radio stations for tropospheric communications, developed on the basis of the AN/GRC-143 station, will provide communications over a distance of up to 160 km (without relay) and will be used at the headquarters of armies, corps and divisions. According to the US Army command, their use will significantly expand the capabilities of maneuvering communications equipment at headquarters and will help improve command and control of troops.

In the USA, a special research work “Takom-70” was carried out to determine promising principles for constructing tactical communication systems. Based on its results, it was concluded that for a field army consisting of two corps or eight divisions, the most effective would be a communication system consisting of 16 communication nodes interconnected by communication lines with a capacity of 48 and 96 telephone lines. channels. The system should be organized as a “grid”, and communications should be maintained with individual command posts in directions with low bandwidth.

The introduction of digital transmission methods into communication technology requires a transition to automatic methods of electronic switching of communication channels. The main advantage of using electronic switching is the high switching speed, thanks to which a central computer-based control device can control the switching of a very large number of communication lines. In addition, electronic switching makes it possible to implement measures that increase the survivability and quality of communications. Thus, it becomes possible to provide bypass communication routes in the event of a malfunction or overload of the main channels, as well as to carry out communication taking into account priority. But when communication lines are heavily loaded and manual switching is used, significant delays arise in establishing communication between individual subscribers.

Selected samples of electronic switching equipment are already being supplied to the US Army. In particular, American troops stationed in Western Europe use equipment of the AN/TCC-30 type, which is designed to switch 50 communication lines. The equipment is placed in a special cabin. The weight of the cabin is 4350 kg, and the weight of electronic switching equipment is 2540 kg. The AN/TTC-30 equipment is transported by an M35 tractor or a C-130 aircraft.

Electronic switching equipment sets such as AN/TTC-19 for 188 lines and AN/TTC-20 for 388 communication lines have been developed, which are highly efficient due to the fact that they provide for programmed design of bypass routes and the possibility of priority when transmitting information.

In the USA, prototypes of two types of tactical electronic switches have also been created - AN/TTC-25 and AN/TTC-31. Based on them, it is planned to develop the AN/TTC-38 switch for the ground forces, which will not allow switching digital messages, but can facilitate the transition to analog-to-digital switching technology. It should apply until 1974-1975.

Due to the refusal of the US Congress to fund further work on the creation of the Mallard automated field communications system, the Department of Defense decided to create a tactical radio communications system for three types of armed forces by 1980 under the Three-Tac project. It is planned to develop automated switching centers that will be used in conjunction with communications equipment created under the Aacoms project and already used in the US armed forces. Currently, the possibility of using tactical electronic switches AN/TTC-25, -30 and -31 within the framework of the Three-Tak project is being considered.

Foreign military experts note that in NATO countries, and primarily in the USA and Great Britain, work is being carried out on a wide front to create equipment with improved tactical and technical characteristics, and in a number of cases, the development is not of individual samples of equipment, but of an entire complex. Universal means of communication are being created, digital transmission methods and electronic switching tools are being introduced into tactical communication systems. In addition to the above features of the current stage of development of military communications, the foreign press provides information about work on the creation of communications equipment that ensures the interaction of strategic and tactical communications systems (for example, the American ground center for tropospheric and conventional radio relay communications AN/MRC-113), and the introduction of means satellite communications to tactical control levels.