PPM Systems specialises in products for government and military sectors, supplying fully customised RF systems designed to address customer-specific SIGINT and COMINT requirements including:

• RF over fibre optic solutions
• Antenna solutions up to 40 GHz
• RF filters and signal conditioning components up to 40 GHz with high power
• Signal capture and baseband processing hardware
• Complex RF signal analysis and simulation equipment.

PPM Systems recognises the frequent need to support tight timescales and offers a highly responsive service – from fast prototyping to advice on choosing the best technology. The company also has extensive experience in supporting applications requiring high levels of data security.

RF over Fibre Systems

The transmission of RF signals over optical fibre allows secure antenna links with significantly lower loss than co-axial, electrical, equivalents. They can be used in in defence, force protection and homeland security applications such as:

• VSAT / satellite communications wideband signal transfer
• Command and control / tracking and telemetry (TT&C) information distribution
• Surveillance & signal intelligence (SIGINT)
• Waveform agnostic tactical radio links (VLF, HF, VHF, UHF, SHF, GSM)
• IED detection and force protection antenna remoting or tethered solutions
• Secure network data centre timing and GPS/GNSS data distribution
• OEM military equipment.

Advantages of RF over Fibre

We frequently integrate our core fibre optic transmission and reception technology with third-party systems. Carrying RF signals over fibre has many advantages including:

• No signal loss or degradation
• Exceptionally wide bandwidth
• Frequency and modulation agnostic
• Providing a non-galvanic connection
• Path length up to hundreds of km
• EMC & EMP resilience
• Multiplexing/combining with no intermodulation issues
• Higher Instantaneous Bandwidth (IBW) compared to digital transport schemes.

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Advanced RF Signal Processing and Channel Emulators

PPM Systems is a value-added distributor of IZT products, including multi format GNSS signal generation equipment, full spectrum record and replay simulators and multichannel signal emulation. The products address existing and emerging markets such as:

• Multichannel LEO/MEO satellite constellation simulation
• Complex radio systems such as MANET and MESH MIMO
• RF simulation for testing Modems/COMINT/SIGINT systems
• RF spectrum analysis using recorded and simulated RF environments.

Software-Defined Radio Systems

Software-Defined Radio (SDR) is becoming the dominant technology in radio communications, with many advantages over more traditional radio systems, including:

• Wider operating ranges
• High instantaneous bandwidth
• Increased operating freedom
• Reduced total cost of ownership.

PPM Systems manufactures the Crossbow multi-role SDR scanning/decoding system, designed to provide special operations users with actionable, real-time, mission-critical data on the electromagnetic environment.

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Antennas

PPM Systems provides antennas for a range of defence applications, including communications, jamming, spoofing and threat-emissions. Antenna bandwidths range from 2 MHz to 40 GHz in static, vehicle and manpack configurations, including aviation rated antennas.

Complex antenna solutions for radar simulation applications can provide high power RF handling with multiple bands, in extremely demanding environmental conditions. PPM Systems can design and manufacture bespoke antennas to meet specific requirements.

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RF Filtering and Conditioning

PPM Systems offers bespoke filter solutions for satellite communication, military and other sectors using a range of filtering technologies. We can provide individual filters or a complete solution–system integration, as well as filter design, test, evaluation and manufacture.

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Antenna Remoting

FORAX (Fibre Optic Remote Antenna eXtension) radio communications equipment provides RF over fibre connectivity between radio equipment and its antennas. The products incorporate advanced RF over fibre systems and innovative RF technologies for military, civil and industrial markets.

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Electronic Warfare Manpack

Geolocation, Exploitation and Denial of Tactical Communications

The RESOLVE EW Manpack is a 100% UK state-of-the-art field proven Electronic Surveillance and Attack system. It benefits from having both the software and hardware developed in conjunction with Roke’s operational experts.

RESOLVE is designed for the intercept, geolocation, exploitation and denial of tactical communications in the HF to UHF frequency bands, including ‘modern waveforms’. A single RESOLVE EW Manpack can be used in isolation to provide both full spectrum surveillance and Direction Finding (DF) capabilities. When networked with other RESOLVE systems it is then possible to position fix targets using Angle of Arrival (AOA) techniques.

Military Networking and Data Fusion

With fully integrated wireless network connectivity, the RESOLVE EW Manpack enables target data-fusion across the deployed baseline. This provides rapid target resolution, correlation and geolocation, through the use of the dedicated Management Information System (MIS) and Geospatial Information System.

(GIS) Applications

The RESOLVE EW Manpack can be deployed in a number of configurations including:

• On-the-March / Short Halt
• On-the-Move
• Static

Electronic Geolocation Position Fix Overwatch

Static configuration Understanding an adversary’s intent coupled with accurate geolocation information can only be achieved by network enabled sensors providing position fix solutions. In the Static configuration the RESOLVE EW Manpack is used to provide networked EW capability at forward operating positions.

Networking with other deployed RESOLVE systems provides enhanced EW capability such as automatic geolocation of signals of interest. In this configuration the full-suite of software applications can be utilised from the ruggedised laptop enabling rapid interpretation of hostile activity that provides threat warning, targeting and terminal guidance.

The Static configuration can be deployed such that the operator is co-located with the sensor element or remotely up to 50 metres from the antenna for covert operations.

Features

• Networking and target data fusion across the RESOLVE deployed baseline
• Rapid target resolution, correlation, and geolocation
• Manpack for deployment in complex terrain, covert operations, and early entry
• Intimate support to the tactical war fighter
• Offline analysis and playback facility
• Backhaul enabled – delivers accurate operational picture to decision makers

Immediate Threat Warning for the Dismounted Soldier

On-the-march EW Manpack Configuration

The on-the-march configuration provides the dismounted operator with an unrivalled threat warning and direction fi nding capability. RESOLVE EW Manpack in this confi guration is unique in that it operates while on the march, stationary or prone. Key to this is the QuadTac antenna which can be operated with the array elements extended for maximum sensitivity, or closed to reduce the visual signature. A ruggedised PDA allows the operator to view the DF plot, waterfall or spectral displays and input additional target information while maintaining tactical awareness.

The antenna and other components are all contained in a lightweight purpose made backpack to allow ease of carriage and operation. It has been designed to afford the operator immediate access, at a short halt, to the ruggedised laptop for full system functionality.

EW Manpack Features

• Lightweight
• Real-time Full Spectrum Surveillance and Direction Finding
• Ruggedised PDA with user selected displays
• Low Visual Signature
• Custom backpack
• High probability of intercept

Single Sensor Geolocation

On-the-move configuration

The on-the-move configuration uses the same RESOLVE EW Manpack to provide a threat warning and running fix capability on vehicles of opportunity. Utilising the RESOLVE Universal Adaptor the QuadTac antenna element can be quickly mounted onto any vehicle. Operators then have the choice of using the PDA or ruggedised laptop which gives access to the full suite of EW functions.

Features

• Running Fix - while on the move multiple lines of bearing can be aggregated to establish a position fix.
• Extended Operations - RESOLVE EW Manpack is able to harvest power from the vehicle of opportunity.

Converting Collection to Intelligence

The Graphical User Interface (GUI) provides operators with intercept data in real-time. The RESOLVE EW Manpack is controlled using the ruggedised laptop running a suite of intuitive, integrated applications which enables the operator to execute complex tasks. The Mission Information System provides a dynamic and immediate operating picture presenting the intelligence in a format that is easily interpreted.

Features

• Intuitive interface
• Powerful MIS
• Wide and narrow band survey
• Recording for offline analysis and playback
• Networked Ops (chat, file transfer, event sharing)
• Position fix of intercepted signals
• Running fix
• Civil waveform capable

Non Kinetic Strike - Electronic Attack Manpack Sub-system

The Electronic Attack manpack sub-system provides a software integrated, hostile communications denial capability. Using powerful software applications the operator is able to balance exploitation and denial ensuring that disruption to hostile C2 is optimised. This optional capability is based around SELEX commercial off the shelf EA equipment and is controlled from the ruggedized laptop using a dedicated EA application.

Training and Support

We have operational staff that are familiar with the contemporary operating environment and will help tailor a system to meet your needs. We will analyse your mission requirements in a strategic context, consider through life support and recommend the optimal and most cost-effective package to meet your needs, including logistics, training and maintenance.

The RESOLVE training course covers all aspects of the system including:

• Basic and advanced EW Techniques
• System Setup & configuration
• Development of tactics, techniques and procedures
• Support and Maintenance

Training courses can be delivered by Roke’s operational experts at our dedicated RESOLVE operations centre in the UK or on request at your preferred location.

Electronic Warfare Manpack System Overview

Core to the RESOLVE EW Manpack system is the QuadTac antenna and the Acquisition & Geolocation Sensor (AGS). These elements combine to intercept, demodulate, and DF signals of interest. Performance is enhanced with the addition of the MicroQuad antenna which seamlessly integrates with the QuadTac. Mission and information management are delivered using the ruggedised laptop and/or the PDA. All this is integrated with power supply into a bespoke backpack.

Operating parameters

• Weight 16 kg†
• Battery Life 8 – 15 hrs (with a standard 2590 battery)
• Intercept 1MHz – 3GHz
• DF 2MHz – 3GHz
• DF Accuracy 5 deg (RMS) typical
• Wideband Stare 40MHz
• Scan Rate 1.5GHz/s
• Demodulation AM, FM, SSB, CW
• Enhanced capabilities Civilian waveforms
• Operating Temperature -20 to +50 deg C

Comrod Communications Group design and manufacture military antennas and antenna systems, tactical support masts, military power supplies and battery chargers to the defence communications market.

Military Vehicle Antennas

The Comrod range of military vehicle antennas are designed for use on modern in-service platforms including armoured or soft skin, metal chassis or composite, wheeled or tracked.

Tactical antennas cover the military frequency bands of HF, VHF, UHF and L1/L2 GPS.  Comrod also has an extensive range of wideband and multiband antennas covering both VHF and UHF in the 30-2500 MHz band. 

High power antennas are available which are suitable for both military communications and IED jamming applications.

Military Manpack Antennas

The Comrod range of tactical manpack antennas are suitable for handheld and man-portable applications covering HF, VHF and UHF frequency bands (1.6MHz to 2500MHz).

Consultation with Radio OEMs and users enables us to optimise the product to meet the customer’s specific requirement.

Manpack antennas can be supplied using helical, tape or folding whip construction and are available with a flexible gooseneck or spring assembly and antenna matching unit (AMU). 

Variants are also available with integrated GPS antennas.

Tactical Base Station Antennas

Comrod has an extensive range of tactical ground and remote antennas covering the HF, VHF and UHF frequency bands up to power ratings of 1KW.

The military specification HF ranges of products include omni-directional antennas with ground planes and HF broadband wire dipole antennas covering 2-30MHz.

In the VHF band we have elevated omni-directional end fed antennas with ground planes as well as elevated centre fed antennas.

For directional point to point and line of sight communications we have log periodic antennas in the 30-88MHz and 30-512MHz bands and for wide area networks we have a radio relay antennas covering band 1, band 3+ and band IV frequencies in both grid and dish configurations.

All tactical base station antenna products can be supplied with adaptors to fit the Comrod series of military support masts.

Telescopic, Sectional and Sleeve Masts

Comrod has a complete range of tactical support masts from lightweight manpack up to heavy duty motorised versions. The tactical man-pack mast range is simple to erect, cost effective and ideally suited for light omni-directional and wire antennas up to 9metres in height. The ULM and MLV sleeve tripod masts are primarily ground mounted systems ideally suited for heavier head loads, elevating tactical base station antennas including line of sight antennas up to 40metres. 

The composite telescopic push up mast series can be used to elevate light head loads up to 12 metres and be ground or vehicle mounted. The pneumatic telescopic mast series is constructed of aluminium sections and is erected using a foot-pump or compressor. It is ideally suited to supporting our tactical base station antennas up to heights of 18 metres.

The winch driven composite telescopic mast series is suited to supporting heavier head loads up to heights of 34 metres.
This series can be ground mounted or vehicle mounted using vehicle specific brackets.

Military Power Supplies and
Battery Chargers

The Comrod range of power supplies and battery charging products have been designed and manufactured using state of the art technology and fully meet Mil Std/EMC/TREE requirements.

The product range covers chargers for handheld radio batteries up to vehicle installed stabilised power supplies for sensitive electronic equipment.

The Comrod range of rack mounted power supplies are designed for optimum adaptation to weak power sources such as portable generators.

Military Shipboard Antennas

Comrod has a large range of antennas specifically designed for use on military marine craft ranging from rigid inflatable’s up to large naval vessels operating in the HF, VHF and UHF bands.