With our Partner CRFS, we help our customers to Monitor, Manage, and Analyze their complex wireless spectrum environments through a range of deployable solutions
Directional Finder DF & Geolocation
Knowing that a transmission exists is important, but knowing the location of that transmission can deliver vital intelligence in both military and civilian applications.
UAS (drone) detectionLocating RF interference sourcesBorder securityAircraft trackingGeolocating the enemy by their transmissions
The CRFS solutions are able to detect, classify and locate signals of interest over a wide area.
Spectrum monitoring and management
CRFS provides intelligent systems for real-time monitoring and management of the RF spectrum. CRFS systems can be deployed indoors or outdoors to autonomously and continuously monitor spectrum, sending data in real time over IP to a remote operator. The intelligence of our RFeye spectrum monitoring systems allows tasks to be scheduled and key insights to be highlighted, removing the need for operators to observe spectrum 24/7. CRFS systems can be deployed in several configurations:
Fixed outdoorFixe indoor (including discreet ceiling tile mounting) Vehicle-portableMan-portable
CRFS spectrum monitoring hardware also comes with built-in geolocation capability, so there’s no need for two separate systems.
Electronic Warfare Support and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)
Achieving information superiority is vital for military decision making. The increasingly complex electromagnetic spectrum is a key source of information for both strategic and tactical intelligence. SIGINT, either from communications systems (communications intelligence – COMINT) or from electronic signals from non-communications signals (electronic intelligence – ELINT), has developed at a rapid pace over the last few years.
But it is more than demodulating and decoding radio conversations. Today’s challenges also include how to effectively extract, classify and locate transmissions within the signal spectrum. CRFS works with militaries and systems integrators to provide key components of SIGINT solutions. The high-performance, durable and reliable RFeye Nodes and Arrays can pick up a wide range of signal types from many kilometers away, even low-powered, pulsed signals. Using our Artificial Intelligence system, these signals can be classified as friend or foe and by type of equipment, then geolocated to gain intelligence on who, what and where the signal came from.
Strategic use
By monitoring the utilization of emitters, commanders can make strategic decisions on opposing force intent. For example, by analyzing the usage and locations of radar and communication systems, enemy troop movements and capabilities (e.g. the weapons systems associated with a radar system) can be calculated and used to develop any future offensive or defensive operations.
Tactical use
With real-time spectrum intelligence, troops on the ground can be instantly aware of any potential threat. CRFS systems can monitor and alert friendly forces to the presence and location of enemy forces in their immediate vicinity. By being forewarned, they are then better able to prioritize and respond to potential threats in real time. For example, radio transmissions located in an upcoming valley could indicate a possible enemy ambush site.
Analyzing enemy radars
As well as detecting the presence of a radar, the RFeye systems can be used to gain intelligence on equipment type and characteristics. By recording and analyzing an enemy radar signal – the type of radiation, its modulation, its pulse rate/duration, pulse shape, radio frequency, etc. – the radar can be identified and compared with known signal types. This can then be used to determine its range, use, capability and vulnerability to countermeasures.
Deployment
RFeye Nodes and Arrays can be deployed in both fixed and mobile configurations for standalone operation or as part of a spectrum-monitoring network. With optimal SWaP considerations integrated into the design, they form a rugged, reliable source of spectrum intelligence.
If you would like to have an informal discussion or see a demonstration of the CRFS capabilities.
RF situational awareness on the battlefield
Electromagnetic emissions are everywhere on the battlefield, from HQ and individual communications systems to radars and jammers. This equipment provides an important role in delivering battlefield intelligence and security. However, the electromagnetic emissions from these same “essential” bits of equipment can make it possible for the enemy to detect, identify and locate friendly forces. This spectrum information can enable the enemy to deploy the most appropriate jamming techniques to optimally degrade/deny equipment or launch an attack on the location.
In addition, electromagnetic emissions can also cause interference with other friendly forces. Knowing what your digital battlefield signature looks like can safeguard locations and troop movements from compromise and prevent inadvertent interference with friendly force equipment.
How spectrum monitoring can help
Portable CRFS receiver mounted within a Storm Case.
CRFS solutions can help deliver a clearer battlefield picture to ensure you know exactly what item of friendly force equipment is emitting RF transmissions and how you would appear to any potential enemy. A network of CRFS intelligent receivers (either fixed or man portable) can pick up RF transmissions over a wide bandwidth and from many kilometers away. This information can then be displayed and classified to give signal type and location on a map. So, when EMCON is in force, you can be sure your team is 100% dark.
Accidental interference
As well as delivering information on your own RF transmissions, the CRFS systems can help detect sources of jamming or interference. When forces from different units or countries work together, often their equipment can negatively impact other friendly forces. This inadvertent jamming may arise from electromagnetic compatibility issues or multiple users on the same section of radio spectrum.
Effective spectrum monitoring and management can help, but, when interference does occur, it is essential that the source of the interference is located as quickly as possible. CRFS systems can quickly and accurately detect and geolocate the source of interference.
Deliberate jamming
In the case of non-accidental interference, i.e. a deliberate attack to degrade or deny communication and navigation systems, you can use the same CRFS system to give you the who, what and where intelligence needed to avoid continued disruption. Once you have this information, you can then take steps to neutralize the source or change your procedures.
RFeye Mission for test ranges and bases
Monitoring the RF spectrum is a massive undertaking. As well as dealing with the vast quantity of RF signals present, a spectrum manager needs to know what signals should be there, what shouldn’t, when the signals occurred and the signal transmitter location.
This task takes on an even more critical importance when dealing with RF signals on military test ranges. RFeye Mission has been designed to help Spectrum Managers with planning, live monitoring, and post-event analysis of everything happening on the range. Its intuitive interface means that experts and non-experts are able to quickly obtain actionable intelligence from the RF spectrum. With automation at its core, RFeye Mission helps optimize spectrum operations.
Continuously monitor what is happening anywhere on the range
RFeye Mission’s network of remote, and extremely rugged, RF sensors enable you to continuously monitor the spectrum from a centralized control point. There is no need to transport monitoring equipment to remote parts of the range as the autonomous sensors can cover the range 24/7.
Using the simple browser based interface, you will be able to view the range/base spectrum schedules to see what should be happening when and where. RFeye Mission clearly displays authorized transmitters, operating zones and shows geolocations, incidents, and alarms as they happen.
Save time by automating
Spectrum monitoring of a test can be quickly and remotely set-up. When a test is due to take place RFeye Mission automatically starts monitoring the spectrum, providing you with information on the frequency, power, time up/time down and location. Reports on the specific test or more general spectrum usage can be automatically generated, ensuring the correct data is always collected and reported.
Reports include:
Signal Power reports – Looks at changes in transmitter powerSignal Occupancy reports – Looks at the percentage occupancy of a portion of spectrumSweep data – Shows if signals are being transmitted within a spectrum range
Prevent system interference
Deconfliction
When multiple missions are taking place on the same range, or even nearby ranges, deconflicting any possible interference can be a time consuming and painstaking task. RFeye Mission lets you quickly import deconfliction schedules, such as Integrated Frequency Deconfliction System (IFDS) files, to automatically create spectrum monitoring tasks and highlight any potential schedule conflicts.
Unexpected interference
When a test takes place, you’ll need to know instantly if a known or unknown transmitter is operating outside of scope, in the wrong area, or at the wrong time (and potentially causing interference). RFeye Mission can automatically raise alerts for these unexpected events, letting you know who, what, where and when an issue occurs. Via the RFeye Mission Integrator API, these alerts can also be pushed to 3rd party systems.
Monitor your airspace
Air Defense Package (3D TDOA and ballistics)
With the optional Airborne Defense Package airborne targets emitting RF can be individually identified, and flight characteristics determined (including heading, speed, flight path, and altitude). This data can further be used to determine flight envelope characteristics such as climb and turn rates, acceleration rates, etc.
Signal of Interest (SOI) Detector Package
With this optional detector package, you can target single channel or multi-channel signals, including pulse signals such as Link 16, TACAN and ADS-B. Geolocations derived from this data can then be displayed in RFeye Mission.
AirDefense
Passive long-range 3D geolocation and tracking of aircraft, UAS & missiles
RFeye AirDefense is a wide-area 3D geolocation and intelligence system that can identify and track aircraft while remaining invisible to electronic detection. Its covert nature makes the system ideal for border monitoring, radar augmentation, target acquisition, spoofing detection and more. RFeye AirDefense solution uses 3D TDOA to achieve highly accurate tracking of RF emissions from objects such as enemy aircraft without emitting any electromagnetic signature that may give away your presence.
See without being seen
Most aircraft will emit some sort of RF signal, whether they know about it or not. From commercial ADS-B and Airband radio transmissions to military data links (TACAN, Link 16 etc.) and on-board radar. RFeye AirDefense is able to detect and geolocate these transmissions to individually identify airborne targets and determine their flight characteristics (including current location, heading, speed, flight path, and altitude). This data can further be used to establish flight envelope characteristics such as climb and turn rates, acceleration rates, etc.
While you can monitor the aircraft from their RF transmissions, they won’t be able to see you. RFeye AirDefense is completely passive and doesn’t emit signals that could compromise your position.
RFeye AirDefense is an essential addition to situational awareness in both testing and battlespace environments.
Augment your existing radar systems
RFeye AirDefense can operate as a standalone tracking solution, or it can be used to complement existing air monitoring solutions such as radar.
Radar is an extremely effective solution for pinpointing aircraft locations, but it is not free of limitations. Tracking hostile aircraft using a radar when they are too far away to get a precise location, or too far away for effective deployment of surface-to-air missiles, can enable opposing forces to geolocate the radar station and, either change their flight path in order to avoid being detected or, in a combat situation, destroy the radar with a radar seeking missile.
RFeye AirDefense can be used to passively detect the hostile aircraft without them being aware they are being tracked. This can provide essential covert intelligence on enemy activity and also augment a friendly missile defense system by tracking emitted RF signals until the aircraft is in the range, at which point radar can be safely activated with a short-range pulse to pinpoint and engage the incoming threat.
Detect unauthorized drones
The availability and popularity of commercial drones is a growing nuisance and credible threat to military bases and airfields. This could be the relatively low-level threat of a drone enthusiast carrying out video surveillance of the local military test range or an insurgent group using drone-mounted explosives to carry out attacks on forces during active operations.
Control links for navigation and video links for reporting back surveillance streams both emit an RF signature which can be detected and tracked in three dimensions.
System
Using a state-of-the-art network of RFeye Receivers alongside our advanced software, 3D geolocations can be performed in conjunction with all of your other spectrum monitoring, management and geolocation requirements.
Results can be displayed in any number of user definable ways. Display results using color codes to represent distance, signal strength, signal type etc. Identify specific transmission types and have geolocations fade over time to build the perfect intelligence picture for your application.
The ultra-low noise figures achieved by our RFeye Node platform mean we see further, and with more clarity. In practice, this means RFeye AirDefense can track aircraft many hundreds of kilometers away from the ground sensors. Our own test deployments track aircraft across a 900Km airspace.
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