Extended MAGTF operations - tactical chat

Abstract

The relatively new MV-22 Osprey has significantly extended the range Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) forces can deploy under the cover of a single period of darkness. Unfortunately, this extended range has strained the effectiveness and reliability of the MAGTF's communications capabilities. The purpose of this thesis is to provide a proof of concept for an economical, easily manufactured, reliable, low bandwidth, communications system capable of passing data over hundreds of kilometers through vertical terrain. In the course of this study, a successful communications system is created, utilizing COTS radios and hardware to circumvent vertical obstructions. Digital text messages are successfully transmitted through an analog radio signal over a distance of 170 miles. The transmissions pass through a relay radio attached to a high-altitude balloon. The system proves sufficiently speedy and reliable despite utilizing disparate end-point radios. This thesis successfully demonstrates the potential this system has to extend United States Marine Corps communications. Further research should focus on the system's capability over a larger range and the effects of system configuration settings on transmission speed and reliability.