Testing and integration of the COMWIN antenna system

Future warrior-carried communications systems have at least two needs that must be met if current plans are implemented. The first is the ability to transmit or receive voice, video, and data over an extremely wide frequency range. The hand-held version of the joint tactical radio (JTR), scheduled for production in 2006, is designed to meet part of this need. The second is the ability to hide the identity of the radio operator from snipers. Integrating the antenna into the uniform provides both ultra broadband transceiving capability and the ability to make the radio operator indistinguishable from any other soldier or marine. The combat wear integration (COMWIN) antenna system in conjunction with the hand-held JTR fulfills both needs. The COMWIN system consists of a vest antenna able to transceive at any frequency from 30 MHz to 500 MHz, a helmet antenna able to transceive at any frequency from 500 MHz to 2400 MHz, a whole body antenna (in flak jacket, pants, and shoes) able to receive at any frequency from 2 MHz to 30 MHz, and a distribution system that routes the signal between the radio and the appropriate antenna. Only a small microphone near the operator's mouth is visible. The paper describes the characteristics of the antenna system. Tests have been conducted with a pair of military radios to demonstrate the effectiveness of the COMWIN system as a transceiver and the results are presented.