Wideband HF over-the-air performance test results

A new US military HF data modem standard defining a family of wideband HF data waveforms supporting bandwidths from 3 kHz to 24 kHz in increments of 3 kHz has recently been completed and ratified. The discussion begins with a brief overview of HF data transport requirements leading to the waveform design and interoperability considerations for the expanded bandwidth. The scope of the test results described in this paper is restricted to broadcast- type Wideband HF (WBHF) data links using the longer interleaver options, long (6.83 to 9.10 seconds) and medium (1.71 to 2.80 seconds). The paper reviews Block Error Rate performance over links between different geographical locations and varying power amplifier average output power levels.