The goal of this program is to develop an advanced in-flight interceptor communications system (IFICS) to support advanced seekers. Effective utilization of advanced multi-mode sensor technology to provide enhanced detection, discrimination, and guidance capabilities may involve increased information transfer between kill vehicles and ground segments or a reduced timeline for data transfer. This, in turn, will place additional stress on the data link between interceptor and ground terminal. The IFICS will therefore need to be upgraded to accommodate new requirements with adequate reliability in an operational environment. Amplitude fading and phase scintillation arising from signal propagation disturbances in the tactical environment impose a significant design challenge for this system. Consequently, emphasis in Phase I of this program will be placed on developing an advanced waveform for IFICS that will provide reliable communications in the presence of signal scintillation fading and vehicle dynamics. This will be accomplished using a combination of advanced modulation techniques and state-of-the-art error-correction coding technology. During Phase I, computer simulations will be used to evaluate design trade-offs and demonstrate the capability of advanced link designs. A prototype modem will be developed and tested in Phase II.
