Experimental License Application Amendment

0192-EX-CN-2018 Text Documents

The MITRE Corporation

2018-02-23ELS_205376

                         TECHNICAL EXHIBIT
      AMENDMENT TO PENDING FCC EXPERIMENTAL LICENSE APPLICATION
                         The MITRE Corporation

The MITRE Corporation seeks to acquire a FCC Experimental License to transmit data within
the High Frequency (HF) band between 2.505 MHz and 16 MHz in Bedford, Massachusetts, and
Stockbridge, New York. This is a follow-on of the previous STA, 1371-EX-ST-2017.
NLCC/NC3 is evaluating HF communications and have asked the MITRE to lead the testing and
evaluation of advanced beyond line of sight (BLOS) High Frequency (HF) communications.
Testing will be both periodic and on an as needed basis. As such, we will need transmit
authority for the time frame in these two locations.

This Exhibit describes the program of research and experimentation proposed, including:
description of equipment and theory of operation; the specific objectives sought to be
accomplished; and how the program of experimentation has a reasonable promise of contribution
to the development, extension, expansion or utilization of the radio art and/or is along lines not
already investigated.

Research and Experimentation Program Description

Assured beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) communications is a challenging problem yet essential for
our warfighters. Military and civilian systems rely on a combination of high data rate satellite
connectivity as well as low data rate HF Sky Wave communications. While satellite
communication provides high data rate connectivity, there are vulnerabilities that include
degradation and disruption of service. HF radio communication generally are limited to
narrower bandwidths and lower data rates than satellite communications. To ensure critical
communications are maintained, we are investigating the capability of commercial off-the shelf
equipment and their implementation of MIL-STD-188-110C (inclusive of Appendix D
Wideband waveforms), MIL-STD-188-141C, STANAG 4538 FLSU, STANAG 4285, and
STANAG 4415.

Long distance HF communication is accomplished via reflection of HF radio waves off the
ionosphere, a variable medium. This introduces challenges that must be overcome to make HF
communications more reliable. These include multipath propagation and polarization rotation;
both contribute to signal fades.

We will demonstrate reliable BLOS HF communications with both robust voice communications
and high data rates; characterize the ionosphere; and deterministically evaluate various frequency
selection protocols – VOACAP predictive models, sounding, 2G ALE, and 3G ALE.

Objectives

The goal is to communicate reliably in both the mid-latitudes; evaluating and the performance of
COTS equipment, and the impact of ionospheric channel conditions unique to their geographical


                                      The MITRE Corporation
                              202 Burlington Road, Bedford MA 01730


FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET)
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locations. Multiple waveforms will be tested; MIL-STD-188-110C (inclusive of Appendix D
Wideband waveforms), MIL-STD-188-141C, STANAG 4538 FLSU, STANAG 4285, and
STANAG 4415.

The research program is planned to include a series of over-the-air (OTA) demonstrations, each
testing new waveforms. We will attempt to test the capabilities, trade-offs, and performance of
these waveforms over varying channel conditions to evaluate the impact on the sponsor mission
space. We will also perform ionospheric sounding for channel characterization and waveform
calibration.

The requested frequencies and transmission operational parameters are those permitted under
Section 90.266 of the Commission’s Rules, Long Distance Communications on Frequencies
below 25 MHz and are identified specifically in the FCC’s Electronic Code of Federal
Regulations, Title 47 (Telecommunication), Volume 1, Chapter 1, Part 2.106 Table of Frequency
Allocations. These frequencies bands requested are designed to avoid the Restricted Bands of
Operation outlines in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47 (Telecommunication),
Part 15 (Radio Frequency Devices), Subpart C Intentional Radiators.

Listed in the following Table 1 are the requested proposed technical parameters for the
experimental research program.

Crossed Dipole (Signal) Transmit Antenna
              Transmitter Site Locations Transmitter Site #1
                                         Bedford, MA (MITRE Corp)
                                         42.50361111 N, 71.23638889 W
                                         Crossed Dipole Antenna Radiation Center: 5.9 m AGL
                                         Crossed Dipole (signal) Transmit Antenna Azimuth Orientation: omnidirectional
                                         Crossed Dipole (signal) Transmit Antenna Vertical Plane Orientation: 90 degrees (120 Deg
                                         beamwidth)
                                         Transmitter Site #2
                                         Stockbridge, NY (Peterboro Road)
                                         43.02972222 N, 75.65138889 W
                                         Antenna Configuration same as Transmitter Site # 1
                                         2505.0 - 4100.0, 4210.0 - 4650.0, 4700.0 - 4995.0, 5005.0 - 6210.0, 6400.0 - 8250.0, 8970.0 - 9995.0,
      Requested Frequency ranges (kHz) 10005.0 - 11275.0, 11400.0 - 12200.0, 13500.0 - 14990.0, 15010.0 - 16000.0
             Maximum Transmit Power 400 Watts (average varies between 20 and 400 Watts)
                             Transmitter Harris RF-7800H Wideband HF Manpack Radio
                  Transmitting Antenna MITRE-built Crossed-Dipole (see Figure 1)
                                         Broadband bow-tie shaped, inverted vee-dipoles with resistive loading
                                         Small Footprint (< 20 meter diameter)
                                         Dipoles are arranged orthogonally on mast to produce x-,y- polarizations
         Maximum Occupied Bandwidth 24 kHz


                                      Most of the experimention will be conducted during the daylight hours, some portion may run up to
Maximum Transmit Time Duration (Duty) 24 hours. Duty cycle will be up to 100% , but is expected to averaged < 10% per week.
            Table 1. Proposed Experimental Crossed-Dipole Transmission Parameters


FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET)
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The MITRE-developed Crossed-Dipole antenna configuration and dimensions are shown in
Figure 1 below.




                           Figure 1. Model Crossed Dipole Antenna (< 20m diameter)


The system supports two orthogonal polarizations: two inverted vee-dipoles (x-, y-polarized).
The antenna elements are well matched over 2.505-16 MHz to 50 ohms and offset to avoid
mutual coupling effects. The antennas exhibit omnidirectional antenna patterns with an antenna
gain of 2 dBi between 2.505 and 16 MHz. The system is simple, low-cost and MITRE-
fabricated, -assembled, and –setup.

Crossed Dipole (Signal) Transmit Antenna
              Transmitter Site Locations Transmitter Site #1
                                         Bedford, MA (MITRE Corp)
                                         Crossed Dipole Antenna Radiation Center: 5.5 m AGL
                                         Crossed Dipole (signal) Transmit Antenna Azimuth Orientation: omnidirectional
                                         Crossed Dipole (signal) Transmit Antenna Vertical Plane Orientation: 90 degrees (132 Deg
                                         beamwidth)
                                         42.50361111 N, 71.23638889 W
                                         Antenna Configuration same as Transmitter Site # 1
                                         Transmitter Site #2
                                         Stockbridge, NY (Peterboro Road)
                                         43.02972222 N, 75.65138889 W
                                         Antenna Configuration same as Transmitter Site # 1
                                         2505.0 - 4100.0, 4210.0 - 4650.0, 4700.0 - 4995.0, 5005.0 - 6210.0, 6400.0 - 8250.0, 8970.0 - 9995.0,
      Requested Frequency ranges (kHz) 10005.0 - 11275.0, 11400.0 - 12200.0, 13500.0 - 14990.0, 15010.0 - 16000.0
             Maximum Transmit Power 400 Watts (average varies between 20 and 400 Watts)
                             Transmitter Harris RF-7800H Wideband HF Manpack Radio
                  Transmitting Antenna Wideband HF Antenna(see Figure 1)
         Maximum Occupied Bandwidth 24 kHz

                                      Most of the experimention will be conducted during the daylight hours, some portion may run up to
Maximum Transmit Time Duration (Duty) 24 hours. Duty cycle will be up to 100% , but is expected to averaged < 10% per week.
  Table 2. White Wolf Systems Crossed-Dipole Transmission Parameters Version 1 (5.5m
                                       height)


FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET)
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Crossed Dipole (Signal) Transmit Antenna
              Transmitter Site Locations Transmitter Site #1
                                         Bedford, MA (MITRE Corp)
                                         Crossed Dipole Antenna Radiation Center: 18 m AGL
                                         Crossed Dipole (signal) Transmit Antenna Azimuth Orientation: omnidirectional
                                         Crossed Dipole (signal) Transmit Antenna Vertical Plane Orientation: 90 degrees (132 Deg
                                         beamwidth)
                                         42.50361111 N, 71.23638889 W
                                         Antenna Configuration same as Transmitter Site # 1
                                         Transmitter Site #2
                                         Stockbridge, NY (Peterboro Road)
                                         43.02972222 N, 75.65138889 W
                                         Antenna Configuration same as Transmitter Site # 1
                                         2505.0 - 4100.0, 4210.0 - 4650.0, 4700.0 - 4995.0, 5005.0 - 6210.0, 6400.0 - 8250.0, 8970.0 - 9995.0,
      Requested Frequency ranges (kHz) 10005.0 - 11275.0, 11400.0 - 12200.0, 13500.0 - 14990.0, 15010.0 - 16000.0
             Maximum Transmit Power 400 Watts (average varies between 20 and 400 Watts)
                             Transmitter Harris RF-7800H Wideband HF Manpack Radio
                  Transmitting Antenna Wideband HF Antenna(see Figure 1)
         Maximum Occupied Bandwidth 24 kHz

                                      Most of the experimention will be conducted during the daylight hours, some portion may run up to
Maximum Transmit Time Duration (Duty) 24 hours. Duty cycle will be up to 100% , but is expected to averaged < 10% per week.
  Table 3. White Wolf Systems Crossed-Dipole Transmission Parameters Version 2 (18m
                                       height)




                             Figure 2. White Wolf Systems Antenna Overhead View


FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET)
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Some of the equipment was purchased from commercial vendors. Table 2 shows a list of the
commercially purchased equipment that will be used during the experiment(s).


                  Table 2. Commercially purchased transmission equipment list.




Research and Experimentation Contribution to the Development of the Radio Art

Assured beyond line-of-sight communications is a challenging problem yet essential for certain
types of communication. Fortunately, HF technology is uniquely suited to address this problem,
applying new techniques and understanding of the ionosphere. With HF, BLOS communications
is achievable without the use of satellites or pseudo-lites. The traditionally low data rates can be
improved upon as well. In today's economic climate, HF is very affordable, with a well-
established commercial market.

MITRE's work will demonstrate the performance of multiple waveforms, record ionospheric
conditions

If there are any technical questions with the proposed application, please contact one of the
undersigned.




                                              Stephen Yablonski

                                              The MITRE Corporation
                                              202 Burlington Road
                                              Bedford MA 01730


FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET)
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                                        June 12, 2017




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Document Created: 2018-02-23 09:38:42
Document Modified: 2018-02-23 09:38:42

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