Digital video transmission from the P-3C to beyond line-of-sight destinations

Abstract

The goal of this thesis is to provide a feasibility analysis concerning the transmission of real time, full motion digital video from a P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft to both line of sight and beyond line of sight destinations. The ability to receive live video on the ground or onboard ship will aid the warfighter in making more timely and correct tactical decisions due to the increased intelligence capabilities. Currently, the capability exists to transmit still frame images over a UHF satellite link to shore installations using specially modified P-3C aircraft. Full motion video can also be transmitted using a hybrid system borrowed from the Pioneer UAV program; however, it is limited to line-of-sight transmission only. Both of these current capabilities utilize an analog format and analog quality resolution. The U.S. Navy has a standing Mission Need Statement for airborne C31. More specifically, there exists a need for improved electro-optical capabilities as well as rapid exchange of command, surveillance, and targeting data with both ships at sea and shore installations. This thesis traces the flow of data from the video source to the ultimate destinations and identifies possible solutions for the design of the transmission link. The fundamental technologies exist now to provide digital full motion video from an aircraft via a high capacity satellite data link. To ensure capability with other DOD communication systems, compliance with Common Data Link (CDL) was incorporated in the proposed system. This thesis proves the proposed video transmission system is technically feasible.