fm 44-100 us army air and missile defense operations

FM 44-100
Though overlapping coverage mitigates the effect in the higher latitudes,
coverage of the Polar Regions is poor.
SPACE SYSTEMS
C-11. The space systems discussed are divided into five major functional
areas as follows:
• communications
• intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)
• weather, terrain and environmental monitoring (WTEM)
• position and navigation
• missile warning
COMMUNICATIONS
C-12. Communications satellites receive signals from user terminals and
retransmit them to other ground, shipboard, or airborne stations. They
provide direct line-of-sight communications and eliminate the need for miles
of cables or numerous ground relay stations. The Army uses military and
commercial communications satellites to provide a significant capability.
Satellite communications carry a large portion of intercontinental, intertheater,
and a significant portion of intra-theater traffic at division level and
above. Some tactical intra-theater users are also supported. Deploying forces
can quickly establish communications within the theater of operations and
back to their deployment base, even in areas where there is no established
communications infrastructure. During a crisis, demand for satellite
communications does, however, exceed current capabilities. Communications
satellites operate in a variety of radio frequency bands. The most common are
UHF, SHF, EHF, and commercial C-band and Ku-bands.
Fleet Satellite Communications
C-13. The Fleet Satellite Communications (FLTSATCOM) system provides
worldwide communications for DOD mobile forces, including fleet broadcast
services and command and control to surface ships, aircraft, and submarines.
FLTSATCOM operates in the UHF band. The FLTSATCOM system consists
of a mix of FLTSAT and dedicated, leased satellites. The FLTSATs are being
replaced by the UHF follow on (UFO) satellites. All are positioned in
geosynchronous orbits over the equator, spaced around the world at an
altitude of 35,800 kilometers (22,250 miles). Each satellite can be
repositioned to support specific mission requirements. Each FLTSATCOM
satellite can relay 11 separate channels. FLTSATCOM satellites are
controlled by the Naval Space Command. Channel capacity and access are
allocated to the unified and specified CINCs by the JCS. The Navy has
dedicated use of the ten 25-kilohertz channels on FLTSAT. Army users may
request access; however, it is usually difficult to obtain. The CINCs apportion
their assigned channels among their assigned forces.
Defense Satellite Communications System
C-14. The Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) provides highcapacity,
wideband, jam-resistant super-high frequency for worldwide long-
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