Introduction to TOTM

Spectra Group, a specialist provider of secure voice, data, and satellite communications systems, has developed in partnership with BATS Wireless antennas a new capability enhancement for Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (Comtech) Troposcatter 10-Watt Compact Over-the-Horizon Mobile Expeditionary Terminals (COMET) called Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM).

The Partnership Between Spectra Group, Comtech, and BATS Wireless

Since 2024, Spectra Group has global distribution rights for Comtech’s Troposcatter Family of Systems (less the USA, Canada, and Mexico which Comtech retains). They have been working in partnership with Comtech and BATS Wireless antennas throughout 2024 to develop the TOTM concept, for which, as the systems integrator, Spectra Group has full distribution rights.

Revolutionary Features of TOTM

The use of the troposphere for communications is not new, but in the past, it was constrained by large dishes and significant power that was not suitable for modern manoeuvre warfare. Comtech’s COMET system revolutionised this capability making it small, lightweight, and portable.

The Significance of Troposcatter Technology

Historical Constraints and Innovations

Comtech’s COMET system is ideal for providing a secure big data network for deployed headquarters from divisional down to company level or below because it is small, lightweight and due to its low power and directional nature it is also extremely difficult to detect and deny.

COMET System Enhancements

Critically, it is also satellite independent, can work in a GPS/GNSS denied environment, and is proven in the polar regions making it ideal for use during global peer-on-peer conflict and when multi-domain integration is required. However, in the past it did need to be static.

Operational Benefits of TOTM

Mobility and Maneuverability in Littoral and Denied Environments

Comtech and Spectra Group recognised the need for increased manoeuvre and large network data on the move, and so, working together with BATS wireless proved the concept of TOTM.

Applications and Use Cases for TOTM

Extensive sea trials successfully tested and validated TOTM scenarios by simulating island hopping in the Florida Keys, Florida Panhandle, and off the coast of California. The tests involved ship to shore and ship to ship scenarios proving the concept of TOTM by demonstrating systems tracking and communicating with other nodes while on the move using GPS, but also showcasing the potential for advanced mobile connectivity in challenging environments without reliance on GPS.

Extensive Testing and Validation

Simulated Scenarios and Outcomes

TOTM enhances the utility and operational effectiveness of COMET in a littoral manoeuvre context, especially in contested, GPS or satellite denied environments. Its mobility and capacity delivers bandwidths of up to 210 Mbps and ranges in excess of 100 Km.

Real-World Impact and Future Prospects

The TOTM solution can also be utilized with land vehicles for efficient “at the pause” applications, enabling users to quickly establish Troposcatter communications without having to set up and align antennas, allowing rapid data transmission from positions of opportunity.

Closing Remarks by Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group

Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group said: “We pride ourselves at Spectra Group on being able to work in partnership with industry leaders to push the boundaries of what can be achieved using the latest technology to meet the demands of regular and specialist forces in the ever-evolving battlespace. Our trials have successfully proved the Troposcatter on the Move capability which is a significant enhancement to the existing Troposcatter COMETs utility, especially in the littoral manoeuvre space, and superbly complements the Troposcatter Family of Systems and our award-winning SlingShot™ radio and new GENSS platform which also enables BLOS and COTM for troops deployed in austere locations globally.”