Abstract: A survivor locator system allows for the detection of the location for a person who is lost and requires recovery and extraction from their current environment. By using a phase matched antenna set, a GPS receiver, and a handheld simplified beacon-equipped survival transponder, an estimated distance and bearing data set can be retrieved. If this data set estimation is then fed through an error reduction filter, such as a Kalman filtering algorithm, continually refined location coordinates can be generated, leading the search and rescue crew members to the survivor. The survivor locator system and methods provide a handheld survival radio with reduced complexity.

Abstract: A survival radio battery adapter is provided for survival equipment to operate with commercially available rechargeable batteries sealed in a rugged, watertight battery compartment. The survival radio battery adapter comprises a battery compartment, an adapter coupler, an adapter means having surge protection, voltage regulator and voltage conversion devices, with the adapter coupler being connected to the battery compartment and the battery compartment containing sufficient commercially available rechargeable batteries. The battery compartment is configured to provide a watertight seal when closed. The preferred embodiment is an AN/PRC-90 survival radio battery adapter.

Abstract: A method for automatically planning and managing the performance of a communications network comprising a propagation forecasting step where propagation forrecast algorithms form a propagation forecast from weather inputs and a traffic forecasting step where traffic forecast algorithms form a traffic forecast from traffic data inputs and a network planning step where planning algorithms display an automated network model. During a forecast updating step, meteorological measurements and radio traffic measurements are continuously provided, resulting in adjusted propagation and traffic forecasts, which are then followed by a network realignment step to adjust the network. During a model comparison step, an artificial intelligence program continuously compares the model, the model adjustments, the realigned network and the network performance parameters with each other. A coefficient adjustment step adjusts the propagation, traffic and planning algorithms.

Abstract: Realistic models and processes for simulation of wireless information transport systems are provided which replicate all time and frequency dynamics effects on stationary and mobile communications systems. The preferred embodiment is a realsitic modeling apparatus for simulation of wireless information transport systems comprising a data entry module, a communications traffic selection module, a driver database, and voice and data input modules furnishing a simulation input to a network simulation module. The network simulation module having communications realism effects, a DIS structure, a channel error-burst model to transmit random errors, and a multipath modeling module to integrate deterministic and stochastic effects.

Abstract: A method of automatically determining the reliability of any LOS radio link given certain parameters. Specifically, this method allows a communications network operator to specify and determine the path reliability (PR) for each backbone and extension link in a communications network for a given operating frequency, path length and climatic factor. For each link, the fade margin required (RFM) for a desired path reliability (PRD) is calculated. Then, the actual fade margin of the selected link is calculated using known radio parameters. Preferably, these known radio parameters are stored in a database to facilitate access to this information. Then, the corresponding value of the actual path reliability for the link is calculated using modifications of known statistical models which take into account climatic and geographic factors.