Meteor burst communications. I - MBC advances assist C3 objectives

Recent advances in Meteor Burst Communications (MBC) systems are assessed from the viewpoint of the trans- and post-attack phases of nuclear warfare. The burst mode nature of the MBC channel dictates the consideration of system parameters unique to digital burst mode communications. New methods have been developed in the areas of burst synchronization and on-line encryption, in an effort to increase MBC performance. MBC offers a simple, reliable and cost-effective means of communication at a time when conventional systems have become inoperative, as well as a medium for such delayed communications tasks as full duplex, half duplex, and simplex conveyance of administrative data, electronic mail, and automatic facsimile transmission. Distances may range from a few hundred to 1200 miles, and may be further extended by recourse to relaying.