Enhanced Position Location Reporting System: An Ineffective Radio On Today's Modern Battlefield

摘要

The current and future battlefield has become heavily reliant on tactical data communications equipment to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information on the battlefield. Additionally, new tactical equipment such as the expeditionary fighting vehicle (EFV) has greatly enhanced the speed and distances units can travel on the modern battlefield. Satellite communication has exponentially increased the range and flexibility of communications on the modern battlefield, but only at the Marine Division and above via ground mobile force (GMF) or in limited quantities via tactical satellite communications with the AN/PSC-5 and the AN/PRC-117F. The principal communications equipment used for passing tactical data communications at the infantry battalion and below is the Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS). The introduction of newer computers capable of handling higher data rates and the speed and ability to project combat power forward, as was shown in Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Iraqi Freedom-1 (OIF-1), has changed the requirement of tactical data communications on the modern battlefield. Due to a lack of mobility, limited bandwidth and connectivity problems, the EPLRS radio system is not an effective tactical data communications option, and must be replaced by a more capable system.