Innovation in integration: making multifunction RF systems a reality

摘要

Topside integration on board a modem warship brings significant challenges to both the naval architecture and combat system engineering communities. Masts and superstructures are typically crowded with a large number of federated radio frequency (RF) apertures to serve separate electronic warfare (EW), information operations (IO), communications, and radar functions. This crowded and congested upper deck environment reflects the fact that each individual RF system will typically have its own antenna aperture; furthermore, the integration of so many 'stand-alone' systems brings additional overheads with regard to below-decks electronics, operator training, and logistics/maintenance chains.