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SPACE and ELECTRONIC WARFARE LEXICON SEW Lexicon PQRS

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  1. SPACE and ELECTRONIC WARFARE LEXICON SEW Lexicon PQRS
  2.  
  3. P
  4. P-STATIC - See PRECIPITATION STATIC.
  5. PACKET - A group of bits that includes both header information (for routing) and user (payload) data. [10:2632]
  6. PACKET INTERNET GROPER (PING) - A computer software program designed to test and debug NETWORKS or simply to determine if a host in on-line. It sends an echo PACKET to the specified host(s) and awaits a response, reporting success or failure and providing statistics about its operation. [] See also FINGER. NOTE: For example, PING can be used to determine how long (round trip) it takes one's computer to connect to a given URL (Web site).
  7. PACKET SNIFFER - A program that can record all network PACKETS traveling past a given network interface, on a given computer, on a network. It can be used to troubleshoot network problems as well as to extract sensitive information. [] See also SNIFFER.
  8. PACKET SWITCHING - A data transmission process, utilizing addressed PACKETs, whereby a channel is occupied only for the duration of transmission of the packet. [3]NOTE: A packet may be a complete message, a group of messages, or a part of a message (the balance forming one or more separate packets). Individual packets are routed along the network independently along available paths, and are assembled again at the destination.
  9. PAINT TAG IDENTIFICATION - A method for distinguishing between friendly and enemy platforms. The paint tag identification concept incorporates an undetectable microscopic transponder embedded in specialized, conductive paints. A low power signal emitted from the friendly source activates the transponder for discerning ID, or on the targeted enemy item - for destruction by a homing weapon. [10:2751]
  10. PALMER SCAN - A circular
  11. PANORAMIC ANNULAR LENS (PAL) - A sniper detection and location device consisting of a 360-degree imaging system based on a lens called panoramic annular lens. [10:2732]
  12. PARACHUTE-VORTEX ENCOUNTER - A term given to denote a parachute interaction with a trailing wing-tip vortex of an aircraft. []
  13. PARALLEL PROCESSING - The simultaneous execution of two or more sequences of instructions or one sequence of instructions operating on two or more sets of data, by a computer having multiple arithmetic and/or logic units. [3] See also MULTIPROCESSING, PROCESSOR FARM.
  14. PARALYSIS COMBAT - Striking at the "vital point" of the enemy's information and support systems in order to paralyze the enemy and collapse his morale. [10:2725] NOTE: Paralysis Combat is a concept under the PRC Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA).
  15. PARITY - In computer codes, pertaining to a condition in which the number of items in a group is odd or even. [10:122]
  16. PARTICLE BEAM - Beams of neutral particles such as deuterium or heavy hydrogen at very high particle energies and low currents. The atoms are accelerated through electric fields as negative ions with an extra electron attached; then the electron is stripped off in passage through a gas cell, leaving a beam of neutral atoms. [5:1] NOTE: The advantage of the beams as weapons is that their target penetration is so high that it is virtually impossible to shield against them. However, the beams must have very long dwell times on a target to produce lethal depositions of energy.
  17. PASCAL - A high level, general purpose computer language that is often used for scientific and business programs. [10:45]
  18. PASOTRON - Plasma-assisted slow-wave oscillator, a small-size, light weight source for high power, long pulse microwave energy. Considered (in 1992) to be a next-generation device for directed energy applications such as mine clearing, anti-missile defense, anti-aircraft defense, remote jamming, and other directed energy weapons. [10:2478] See also DIRECTED ENERGY DEVICE.
  19. PASSIVE - In surveillance, an adjective applied to actions or equipment which emit no energy capable of being detected. [1]
  20. PASSIVE AIR DEFENSE - All measures, other than active air defense, taken to minimize the effectiveness of hostile air action. These measures include deception, dispersion and the use of protective construction. [1] See also AIR DEFENSE. Contrast with ACTIVE AIR DEFENSE.
  21. PASSIVE CANCELLATION - A basic technique for reducing RADAR CROSS SECTION by designing the target surface so that the reflected radar signal from a part of the target cancels the reflected radar signal from another part of the target. [10:37] Contrast with ACTIVE CANCELLATION. See also RADAR CROSS SECTION REDUCTION; RADAR CAMOUFLAGE.
  22. PASSIVE COHERENT LOCATION (PCL) SYSTEM - An electronic system, developed by the People's Republic of China (PRC), that tracks civilian radio- and TV-broadcast signals, detecting aircraft by analyzing the slight disturbance in the commercial wavelengths caused by their flight. [10:2794] NOTE: The PCL system is probably capable of detecting stealth aircraft. COMMENT: Isn't this the same phenomenon discovered over the English Channel that led to the initial discovery of radar by the British?
  23. PASSIVE ECCM - ECCM techniques that neither radiate nor reflect energy. []
  24. PASSIVE ELECTRONIC COUNTERMEASURES - That portion of ECM associated with receiving or reflecting of signals. [10:77] Contrast with ACTIVE ELECTRONIC COUNTERMEASURES. See also PASSIVE EXPENDABLES. NOTE: Examples of passive ECM devices include radar warning receivers, missile warning receivers, laser detectors, pre-processing systems, and passive expendables.
  25. PASSIVE EXPENDABLES - Air-launched expendables which maintain aircraft-like signatures. These include SMART CHAFF and aerodynamic devices which "fly along" with the aircraft. [10:77]
  26. PASSIVE HOMING GUIDANCE - HOMING GUIDANCE in which the missile or vehicle employs radiation from the target as the guidance signal. [8] Contrast withACTIVE HOMING GUIDANCE. See also SEMI-ACTIVE HOMING GUIDANCE.
  27. PASSIVE INFRARED (PIR) SENSOR - An INFRARED sensor which receives radiation. The sensor may be a COHERENT INFRARED SENSOR or an INCOHERENT INFRARED SENSOR. [4:6] Contrast with ACTIVE INFRARED SENSOR. NOTE: An example of a PASSIVE INFRARED (PIR) SENSOR is the portable Hornet sensor system (U.K., 1999). It reportedly has a range of 100 meters. Any heat source entering the detector's surveillance arc activates a microwave DOPPLER RADAR, which is part of the system. The radar, when activated, emits a 3-second burst of signals. The radar return data are then analyzed against the Hornet's built-in classification library, and the information (target type and bearing) is transmitted to a soldier equipped with a pager. [10:2799]
  28. PASSIVE MILLIMETER WAVE (PMW) IMAGING SYSTEM - A passive imaging system which can distinguish differences between objects and background temperatures. [10:2826] NOTE: PMMW imaging systems have the ability to produce images of objects obscured in fog, dust or smoke, which render visual and INFRARED (IR) sensors unusable.
  29. PASSIVE MISSILE APPROACH WARNING SYSTEM (PMAWS) - An ULTRAVIOLET (UV) -based detector system with a low FALSE ALARM rate having full 360 degree coverage and the ability to compute ANGLE OF ARRIVAL to an accuracy of one degree. Said to be effective against all IR threat missiles, it it intended to perform against all threat missiles. PMAWS has the ability to detect and distinguish threat missiles from surrounding clutter and non-lethal missiles. [10:2531] See also MISSILE WARNING DEVICE.
  30. PASSIVE REPEATER - A device used to alter the propagation direction (and/or wavefront polarization) of radio frequency (RF) signals, such as microwave transmissions. Types of passive repeaters include paired flat - or "billboard" - reflectors and back-to-back antennas. [] See also SPACE LATTICE PASSIVE REPEATER (SLPR).
  31. PASSIVE SENSOR FOR AIRCRAFT DETECTION (PSAD) - A passive sensor designed to detect, identify, and determine the azimuth of aircraft from their radar emissions. [10:2731]
  32. PASSIVE SURVEILLANCE - Surveillance solely by receive-only techniques, to determine location, direction, range, identification, and transmission parameters (frequency, bandwidth, signal modulation) of possible threats or targets. [10:29] See also ELECTRONIC WARFARE SUPPORT MEASURES, FERRET RECEIVER.
  33. PATTERN RECOGNITION - The identification of shapes, forms, or configurations by automatic means. [3]
  34. PENTIUM - A trademarked name for a P5 or "585" chip. The Pentium consists of more than 3 million transistors that, at 66 MHz, can deliver more than 100 million instructions per second. [] NOTE: Pentiums with speeds of more than 400 MHz were developed in the late 1990s.
  35. PENTODE - A VACUUM TUBE characterized by five elements: cathode, three grids, and a plate (ANODE). [] See also DIODE, TETRODE, TRIODE.
  36. PERFORMANCE PARAMETER - (As applied to TLWRs) A quantitative statement giving ranges of values or specified figures accompanied by confidence intervals for a desired attribute, functional capability, or level of performance to satisfy the related TLWR. []
  37. PERIMETR - See DEAD HAND
  38. PERIPHERAL DEVICE - Any computer equipment connected to the central process unit (CPU). [] NOTE: Disk drives, CRT screen and keyboard all may be built into the same box as the CPU, but technically speaking, they are peripherals.
  39. PERISCOPE ANTENNA - An antenna configuration in which the transmitting antenna is oriented to produce a vertical radiation pattern, and a flat or off-axis parabolic reflector, mounted above the transmitting antenna, is used to direct the beam in a horizontal path toward the receiving antenna. [Federal communications standard] NOTE: (1) Periscope antennas facilitate increased terrain clearance without long transmission lines, while permitting the active equipment to be located at or near ground level for ease of maintenance. (2) Periscope antennas are employed in a number of military platforms.
  40. PERMANENT ECHO - Any dense and fixed radar return caused by reflection of energy from the earth's surface. Distinguished from ground clutter by being from definable locations rather than large areas. [1] See also CLUTTER, RADAR CLUTTER, WAVE CLUTTER, RADAR ECHO.
  41. PERMISSIVE ACTION LINK (PAL) - A device used to prevent unauthorized use of nuclear weapons. []
  42. PERSISTENT COOKIE - a COOKIE that is configured to remain on a system for a specified time, even decades. Persistent cookies may contain information that identifies the user, such as after a user registers on a web site, lists of previous purchases used by "shopping cart" web sites to keep track of an order in progress, or simply information that speeds up the process when the generating web site is visited again. [] Contrast with SESSION COOKIE.
  43. PERSONAL AREA NETWORK (PAN) - A wireless network composed of devices such as hand-held terminals, headsets and other wearable devices, and peripherals, typically within 30 feet or less. [10:2793] See also BLUETOOTH.
  44. PERSONAL COMPUTER DEBRIEFING SYSTEM (PCDS) - A stand-alone, multimedia flight debriefing system for Air Combat Training System (ACTS) and Tactical Aircrew Combat Training System (TACTS) data used by active and reserve duty pilots. [NAWCAD News Release http://www.nawcad.navy.mil/view_release.cfm?article_id=2 ] NOTE: PCDS is a time-saving system that takes mission information previously only available at an Advanced Display and Debriefing System (ADDS) facility and puts it into the hands of the combat pilot wherever the location.
  45. PERSONALITY MODULE - A special interface circuit, usually a plug-in module, to provide connection between dissimilar systems. [] NOTES: (1) A PERSONALITY MODULE might be used to provide interface between a software package and a non-compatible database. (2) The term apparently arises from the concept of changing a computers personality for different uses by employing different boot read-only memories (ROMs). (3) The above definition was gleaned out of context from many web sites which used - but did not define - the term. If anyone can provide a formal definition, please contact me at [email protected].
  46. PERSONNEL RECOVERY (PR) - An umbrella term for military, civil and political actions used to recover captured, missing or isolated personnel from danger. It includes such missions as theater search and rescue (SAR); combat SAR; survival, evasion, resistance and escape (SERE); and evasion and recovery (E&R). [10:2807]
  47. PERSONAL RECOVERY EXTRACTION SURVIVABILITY/SMART-SENSORS (PRESS) - REAL TIME, automated, precision evader location, trackingSITUATIONAL AWARENESS (SA), mission management, and resupply devices and systems. [10:2881]
  48. PETABYTE (PB) - 1015 BYTES. NOTE: A typewritten page is often described as having about 2,000 bytes of data per side. Thus a megabyte would represent 500 text pages(single side), and a petabyte 500 billion pages.
  49. PHASE CONJUGATE MIRROR - With respect to a LASER light wavefront, a phase conjugate mirror reverses the phase of any incoming distortion, automatically canceling aberrations when reflected through the same medium. [10:2684]
  50. PHASED ARRAY ANTENNA - An ARRAY ANTENNA whose beam direction or radiation pattern is controlled primarily by the relative phases of the excitation currents and voltages of the radiating elements. [3]
  51. PHASE MODULATION (PM) - ANGLE MODULATION in which the angle of a CARRIER is caused to depart from its reference value by an amount proportional to the instantaneous value of the modulating function. [3] See also AMPLITUDE MODULATION (AM), FREQUENCY MODULATION (FM).
  52. PHOTOMETRIC LIGHT - The energy to which the human eye is sensitive. [4:25]
  53. PHOTOMETRY - The measurement of quantities associated with light. [3] NOTE: There are two branches of photometry: (1) Measurement of the physical effect of light on the eye; and (2) Measurement of the physical effect on physical receptors.
  54. PHOTON - A quantum of electromagnetic energy. [3]
  55. PHOTONIC BAND GAP (PBG) - An optical effect of nanochannel glass materials, used in compact optoelectronic devices, that relates to spectral regions which prohibit photons from traveling through structured materials. [10:2726]
  56. PHOTONIC DEVICE - A device which uses photons (instead of electrons) in an otherwise electronic device. []
  57. PHOTONIC MAST - A periscope-like device used by submarines for visual search without breaking the water's surface. []
  58. PHOTONICS - The control and use of photons or light waves. [10:56] See also OPTOELECTRONICS.
  59. PHOTORESIST - A chemical used in printed circuit manufacture that, when exposed to an appropriate spectrum of light, reacts in such a way that subsequent developing or etching processes can remove only regions which have been exposed (or, in some cases, only regions which have not been exposed). [10:2814]
  60. PHOTOVOLTAIC EFFECT - The conversion of sunlight directly into electrical power. []
  61. PHYSIOLOGICAL BIOMETRICS - BIOMETRICS which include face, eye (retina or iris), finger (fingertip, thumb, finger length or pattern), palm (print or topography), hand geometry, wrist vein or thermal images. [10:2622]
  62. PICO - See PICOSATELLITE
  63. PICOSATELLITE - A small satellite (about 1 kg) which can be launched directly into space, or launched from a larger satellite. [10:2894] Also called PICO, PICOSAT, or 1-KG-CLASS SATELLITE.
  64. PICOSECOND - One trillionth of a second. []
  65. PICOSECOND PULSE RADAR - See IMPULSE RADAR.
  66. PICTURE ELEMENT - See PIXEL
  67. PIEZOELECTRIC EFFECT - (1) The physical property demonstrated by certain natural and synthetic crystals by which they are mechanically deformed under the influence of an electric field, usually increased in length in the direction of the applied field. (2) The effect of producing a voltage when the stress, either compression, expansion, or twisting (torsional) is undergoing change on certain crystals, and conversely, producing a stress in certain crystals by applying a voltage to it. The voltage is produced only while the applied stress is changing. [10:14] See also BRAGG CELL, SMART STRUCTURES.
  68. PILAR - A portable passive acoustic sensing system which detects, locates, classifies and reports in real time the origin of small caliber fire. The system detects both subsonic and supersonic projectiles fired from weapons of 5.56 to 20 mm (with or without silencer) and permits rapid counter-fire. [10:2753]
  69. PINETREE LINE - A system of 44 radar sites used during the Cold War (1950s and 1960s) to counter the Soviet air threat against North America. [10:2715] Click Pinetree Line for more information. Note: The Pinetree Line was gradually replaced by Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system in the 1960s.
  70. PING - See PACKET INTERNET GROPER.
  71. PING SWEEPER - A computer program that randomly identifies potential targets on the INTERNET. []
  72. PIXEL - (1) A display element that can be used to construct an image, or picture, on the display face of a display device. For example, the single separate piece of the mosaic that forms the screen of a CATHODE RAY TUBE (CRT) and whose output can be independently controlled by an electron beam. [10:14] (2) One of the infrared detector elements of an infrared focal planar array (IRFPA) {There are about 10,000 of these elements in the area of a postage stamp}. Also, the corresponding projection of the element in object space. [10:86] Synonymous with PICTURE ELEMENT.
  73. PLANE WAVE - A wave whose equi-phase surfaces form a family of parallel planes. [3] INTUITIVE ANALOGY: A plane wave is a wall of energy.
  74. PLASMA - A macroscopically neutral assembly of charged and possibly also uncharged particles. [3]
  75. PLASMA DISPLAY - A gas discharge display. The name "plasma display" is derived from the physical fact that when emitting light, matter is in its fourth state, made up of free ions and electrons (a plasma). [4:14]
  76. PLASMA MIRROR - An inertialess (electronically steerable) planar reflector created by driving a glow discharge between a CATHODE and an ANODE, all immersed in a strong electromagnetic field. Potential areas of application include ship self-defense, high-resolution RADAR IMAGERY, target identification, ELECTRONIC COUNTERMEASURES (ECM), high-data-rate communications, SPREAD SPECTRUM links and remote sensing. [10:2825]
  77. PLATFORM - A device or contrivance for supporting, carrying, or conveying persons or objects. The device may be a stationary fixture, such as a tower or pedestal, or it may be a vehicle, such as a land conveyance, vessel, aircraft, or spacecraft. []
  78. PLUMBING LOSSES - The total of the following radar system losses: power transmission efficiency; waveguide; and antenna losses. Synonymous with TRANSMITTING LOSSES. [10:37]
  79. PLUME SUPPRESSION - Action taken to reduce the detectability of exhaust plumes of smoke and hot gases from rockets and jet engines. []
  80. PODDED PROPULSOR - A steerable pod housing an electric motor which drives an external propellor. [] NOTE: Podded propulsors can be mounted at various points on a ship's hull to facilitate maneuvering.
  81. POINT DEFENSE (PD) - Actions taken against missile SEEKERs in the terminal phase. []
  82. POINT DEFENSE SYSTEM (PDS) - An ANTI-AIR WARFARE (AAW) system designed to protect only the platform on which it is located. []
  83. POINT OF PRESENCE (POP) - A telephone connection (phone number) used by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) for dial-up INTERNET access. [] NOTE: Most ISPs employ multiple POPs to speed up customer Internet access.
  84. POLARIZATION (POL) - For an electromagnetic wave, polarization is the direction in which the electric field vector is oriented; for an antenna, it is the direction in which the electromagnetic field that would be radiated by the antenna is oriented. [10:2] For additional discussion, click . [11.2]
  85. POLARIZATION CANCELING - An ECCM technique used against single- main-lobe types of jammers. It exploits the fact that polarization components of a single jamming signal can be correlated because they originate from a single source and antenna system, while polarization components from a radar return signal are generally not well correlated. [8]
  86. POLARIZATION MATCH - The condition that exists when a plane wave, incident upon an antenna from a given direction, has a polarization which is the same as the receiving polarization of the antenna in that direction. [3]
  87. POLARIZATION SCREEN - A radar ECCM technique for use against cross-polarization jammers. [8]
  88. POLARIZATION SIGNATURE - The scattering properties of a target. The polarization signature of a target is proportional to the radar scattering cross section of the target as a function of the angles of polarization of the illuminating and reflected radiation. [10:107]
  89. PORT SCAN - The process of sending data PACKETS to potential target computers to determine what network services each one offers. [10:2853] See also ANOMALY DETECTION, HOST-BASED INTRUSION DETECTION, NETWORK-BASED INTRUSION DETECTION, INTRUSION DETECTION SYSTEMS, SIGNATURE DETECTION.
  90. PORTABLE HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGER FOR LOW LIGHT SPECTROSCOPY (PHILLS) - A multisensor system designed for ultra broadband high resolution spectroscopy. [10:2590] See also HYPERSPECTRAL SENSOR.
  91. PORTABLE ROADBLOCK - A NONLETHAL WEAPON consisting of a carrying case housing a quickly-deployable (by one person) roadblock extending to more than 20 feet; it is equipped with spikes which deflate tires. [10:2745]
  92. PORTABLE VEHICLE IMMOBILIZATION SYSTEM (PVIS) - A NONLETHAL WEAPON consisting of A pre-emplaced capture system designed to stop a 7,500 pound vehicle traveling at speeds up to 45 miles per hour without causing permanent injury to the occupants. [10:2857]
  93. POSTDETECTION RECEIVER - A receiver in which the RF signal is processed by RF analog circuits, converted into a video signal by a crystal video detector, then digitized for digital processing. [10:55] Contrast with PREDETECTION RECEIVER.
  94. POST OFFICE PROTOCOL (POP) - A PROTOCOL designed to allow single user hosts to read ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-mail) from a server. [10:2736]
  95. POWER-BY-WIRE (PBW) - Aviation technology involving the elimination of hydraulics, variable engine bleed air, and the constant speed drive for power generation. Advantages of PBW include reduced aircraft weight, and improved thrust specific fuel consumption obtained by eliminating engine bleed air. [10:2673] See also FLY-BY-LIGHT (FBL).
  96. POWER CENTROID - [ANTI-RADIATION MISSILE term] The radiation power source as perceived by the missile's homing system. [] See also CENTROID HOMING.NOTE: The object of counter-ARM tactics is to produce a power centroid located, say, between two radiating platforms. The desired result is failure of the missile to hit either platform.
  97. POWER MANAGEMENT - A low-probability-of-intercept technique that uses only so much transmitted power as needed to achieve the radar or communication objectives. [4:12]
  98. POWER SHARING - The condition whereby the power amplifier of a JAMMER is called upon to amplify two or more input signals simultaneously. [4:8]
  99. PRECIPITATION STATIC (P-STATIC) - Interference that is experienced in a receiver during the times the precipitation, such as dust, rain, snow, hail, sleet, or fog, occurs between the receiver and a transmitter antenna. [10:14] NOTE: P-static is most often caused by charged particles in the precipitation impacting against the receiver antenna.
  100. PRECISE FREQUENCY - A frequency requirement accurate to within one part in 10 EXP 9 (one part in a billion). [1]
  101. PRECISION LOCATION AND IDENTIFICATION (PLAID) SYSTEM - A system based on the Advanced Digital Receiver (ADR) and Doppler techniques which allows a tactical platform to accurately sort out signals, identify friendly units and targets and provide real-time SITUATIONAL AWARENESS. [10:2631*] [10:2687] NOTE:PLAID can be integrated with any type of radar warning receiver. [10:2637]
  102. PREDETECTION RECEIVER - A receiver in which the input signal is down-converted into an IF (intermediate frequency) and digitized directly using an analog-to-digital converter. [10:55] Contrast with POSTDETECTION RECEIVER.
  103. PRE-EMPTIVE INFRARED COUNTERMEASURES - An aircraft INFRARED COUNTERMEASURES (IRCM) technique whereby INFRARED (IR) jammers are turned and/or DECOY FLARES are ejected whenever there is a possibility of encountering an IR missile. [10:2800] Also called PRE-EMPTIVE IRCM. Contrast withREACTIVE INFRARED COUNTERMEASURES. NOTE: Pre-Emptive IR Countermeasures are generally employed when the aircraft is not equipped with a MISSILE WARNING DEVICE.
  104. PRE-PLANNED PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT (P3I) - Planned future evolutionary improvement of developmental systems for which design considerations are effected during development to enhance future application of projected technology. Includes improvements planned for ongoing systems that go beyond the current performance envelope to achieve a needed operational capability. [9]
  105. PRF - See PULSE REPETITION FREQUENCY.
  106. PRF DIVERSITY - The use of more than one pulse repetition frequency simultaneously. [8]
  107. PRF SHIFTING - A change in the time interval between pulses. [8]
  108. PRF SLIDING - A continuous change in the interval between radar pulses. [8]
  109. PRF STAGGERING - The switching of the pulse repetition frequency to differing values on a pulse-to-pulse basis so that the intervals follow a regular pattern. [8] NOTE: PRF STAGGERING is used in pulse Doppler radars to reduce range ambiguities.
  110. PRIMARY RADAR - A radar in which the return signals are the echoes obtained by reflection from the target. [3] Contrast with SECONDARY RADAR.
  111. PROCESSOR FARM - A parallel processor consisting of multiple processors, where tasks are distributed (or "farmed out") by one farmer to several worker processors which send results back to the farmer. [10:2756] See also LOADSHARING, MULTIPROCESSING. NOTE: Processor farms are suited for applications that can be partitioned into several independent tasks.
  112. PROFILER - An airborne downward-looking ground-penetrating RADAR capable of ground penetration from 1 to 10 meters. It can be used to detect underground pipes and military targets such as underground cables, unexploded ordnance, and mines. [10:2613]
  113. PROGRAM ARCHITECTURE - See SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE.
  114. PROJECTED THREAT - A best estimate based on historical trends data, evidence of continuing research & development (R&D), postulated military requirements, technological capabilities, and the best intelligence available. This THREAT consists of the weapon systems and characteristics that an adversary can be expected to develop and deploy during the specified period. [] See also TECHNOLOGICALLY FEASIBLE THREAT.
  115. PROMISCUOUS MODE - A computer operating in a mode which receives all PACKETS, thereby allowing outsiders to eavesdrop on account names, passwords, e-mail, etc.... [] Synonymous with MONITOR MODE and EAVESDROPPING. NOTE: A computer may be put into promiscuous mode by a HACKER employing a PACKET SNIFFER tool.
  116. PROPHET - A set of three Army programs (2001) aimed at providing ground troops with networked signals-intelligence (SIGINT) and ELECTRONIC WARFARE (EW) capabilities, including intelligence gathering, precision targeting and coordinated jamming. It includes a ground-based command center (Prophet Control), a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV)-based COMMUNICATIONS INTELLIGENCE (COMINT)/jamming system (Prophet Ground) and Prophet Air, including four helicopters and two Shadow-200 UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVs) serving as extensions of the helicopters. [10:2866]
  117. PROPULSIVE SMALL EXPENDABLE DEPLOYER SYSTEM (ProSEDS) - An ELECTRODYNAMIC TETHER system having the mission to clean up orbital debris by exerting a drag on the tethered system (e.g., an orbiting rocket booster), causing it to de-orbit and burn up in the atmosphere. [10:2835]
  118. PROTOCOL - (1) A formal set of conventions governing the format and relative timing of message exchange between two communications terminals. [3] (2) A formal set of conventions that set the relative timing and the exact sequence of bits, characters and control codes used in the transfer of data between microcomputers and peripherals. [10:45] See also HANDSHAKING, ASYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATIONS, SYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATIONS. NOTE: A protocol is simply a formal agreement about how computers should communicate.
  119. PSEUDONYMOUS REMAILER - An INTERNET computer service that launders the true identity of an e-mail sender by replacing the sender's e-mail address with a false one (i.e., pseudonymous address) and forwarding the message to the intended recipient. A recepient's reply is sent to the sender's pseudonymous address, which, in turn, forwards the response to the sender's true address. [10:2815] Compare with ANONYMOUS REMAILER.
  120. PSEUDORANDOM NUMBER SEQUENCE - A sequence of numbers, determined by some defined arithmetic process, that is satisfactorily random for a given purpose, such as by satisfying one or more of the standard statistical tests for randomness. [1]
  121. PSEUDORANDOM NOISE JAMMING - A controlled, noise-like, pulse pattern repeated in synchronism with the victim radar pulse repetition frequency. Synonymous withQUASI-NOISE JAMMING. [8]
  122. PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS (PSYOP) - Planned operations to convey selected information and indicators to foreign audiences to influence their emotions, motives, objective reasoning, and ultimately the behavior of foreign governments, organizations, groups, and individuals. The purpose of PSYOP is to induce or reinforce foreign attitudes and behavior favorable to the originator's objectives. [7:CJCS MOP 30, APPENDIX A] NOTE: PSYOP is a part of offensive information operations.
  123. PULSE - A WAVE which departs from a first nominal state, attains a second nominal state, and ultimately returns to the first nominal state. [3]
  124. PULSE BANDWIDTH - The smallest continuous frequency interval outside of which the amplitude (of the spectrum) does not exceed a prescribed fraction of the amplitude at a specified frequency. [3] NOTES: (1) The specified frequency is generally that at which the pulse has its maximum amplitude. (2) The term should really be "pulse spectrum bandwidth" because it is the spectrum and not the pulse itself that has the bandwidth. However, usage has caused the term "pulse bandwidth" to be accepted.
  125. PULSE CONTROL - ECCM techniques which modify the transmitted pulse characteristics to make it difficult for an ECM operator to receive, determine the lethality of, and/or effectively jam the radar. []
  126. PULSE DETONATION ENGINE (PDE) - A type of engine that uses periodic detonation waves to generate thrust more efficiently than normal combustion engines, such as a gas turbine. []
  127. PULSE DURATION (PD) - (1) In radar, measurement of pulse transmission time in microseconds, that is, the time the radar's transmitter is energized during each cycle. [1] (2) The time interval between the first and last instants at which the instantaneous amplitude reaches a stated fraction of the peak pulse amplitude. [3] Synonymous with PULSE LENGTH, PULSE WIDTH.
  128. PULSE JAMMING - Jamming techniques that use pulsed waveforms. [8]
  129. PULSE LENGTH - See PULSE DURATION.
  130. PULSE NOISE JAMMING - An ECM jamming technique that uses pulses of NOISE. []
  131. PULSE REPETITION FREQUENCY (PRF) - (1) In radar, the number of pulses that occur each second. Not to be confused with transmission frequency which is determined by the rate at which cycles are repeated within the transmitted pulse. [1] (2) The number of pulses per unit of time, usually seconds. [3] Synonymous with PULSE REPETITION RATE (PRR).
  132. PULSE REPETITION RATE - See PULSE REPETITION FREQUENCY.
  133. PULSE-WAVE® MYOTRON® - A NONLETHAL WEAPON consisting of a small box about the size of a pack of cigarettes. Contact with this device by the target individual (TI) will scramble that person's signals from the part of the brain that controls voluntary activity. The result is that the person falls to the ground in intense pain, unable to move, while vital functions such as heartbeat and breathing remain unaffected. Recovery takes several minutes. [10:2730] NOTE: E-mail communications from Mr. Wes Thomas point out that tests of the pulse wave myotron do not support the manufacturer's claims. For example, it was claimed that the device can deliver up to 10,000 test bursts, but testing indicates that 4,000 bursts are more likely. Also, Sandia National Laboratories tests (1998) indicate that there is no evidence to support the claim that the device "intercepts and neutralizes brain waves from the motor cortex (voluntary muscle control) and hypothalamic (aggression) regions of the brain." [11.5]
  134. PULSE WIDTH - See PULSE DURATION.
  135. PULSE WIDTH JITTERING - The changing of the width of a radar pulse in a random or periodic manner. [8]
  136. PULSED CHEMICAL LASER - A laser that projects a hot, high pressure plasma in the air in front of a target surface, creating a blast wave that will result in variable, but controlled, effects on material and personnel. [10:2341]
  137. PULSED DOPPLER RADAR - A DOPPLER RADAR that uses pulsed transmission. [3]
  138. PULSED LASER - A LASER that delivers its energy in the form of a single pulse or a train of pulses. The duration of a pulse is less than or equal to 0.25 seconds. [3]
  139. PULSED RADAR - A radar which transmits pulses of energy. During the period between pulses, a receiver detects reflections of the pulsed energy (echoes) from the target. []
  140. PULSE-UP-ON-NOISE - A jamming technique that uses a NOISE FLOOR to conceal target SKIN PAINT. This technique usually accompanies the RANGE GATE STEALING (RGS) jamming technique. []
  141. PUNCH GUN - A NONLETHAL WEAPON which fires a spherical 322-grain rubber ball at about 110 meters per second. []
  142. PURPLE FORCES - The forces used to oppose both BLUE and ORANGE forces in NATO exercises. This is most usually applicable to submarines and aircraft. [1] See also BLUE FORCES, ORANGE FORCES, RED FORCES.
  143. PUSH-AHEAD COUNTERMEASURES - See FORWARD-BIAS COUNTERMEASURES.
  144. PUSHBROOM IMAGING - Imaging using a pushbroom spectrometer, which includes a rectangular photodetector array with pixels arranged in rows (parallel to a spatial axis defined by a straight slit) and columns (parallel to the spectral axis). Light enters the spectrometer through the slit. Each point or pixel along the slit corresponds to a point or pixel along one spatial axis in the scene under observation. Thus, each column of pixels gives a readout of the spectrum for one point, or pixel, on a line that crosses the scene. The term "pushbroom" arises because in an action reminiscent of a pushbroom sweeping a floor, the field of view is swept through the scene, along a line perpendiculat to the slit, to acquire spectral readouts from all pixels in the scene. [NASA http://www.nasatech/com/Briefs/Mar99/NPO20343.html ]
  145. PYROPHORIC FLARE - A PYROTECHNIC which reacts spontaneously with oxygen, and can produce a controlled two-band INFRARED (IR) aircraft-sizedSIGNATURE. [10:2867]
  146. PYROPHORIC MATERIAL - Any material that ignites spontaneously in air below about 45 deg.C. [] Also called SPECIAL MATERIAL. NOTE: Pyrophoric materials may be gas, liquid, or metal, such as phosphorus, zirconium, and depleted uranium (DU)
  147. PYROTECHNIC - A mixture of chemicals which when ignited is capable of reacting exothermically to produce light, heat, smoke, sound or gas, and may also be used to introduce a delay into an explosive train because of its known burning time. The term excludes propellants and explosives. [1] See also FLARE, IGNITION SPIKE.
  148. PYROTECHNIC FLARE - See PYROTECHNIC.
  149. Q
  150. Q - A performance measure for tuned circuits and antennas. []
  151. Q-ROUTE - A system of preplanned shipping lanes in mined or potentially mined waters used to minimize the area the mine countermeasures commander has to keep clear of mines to provide safe passage for friendly shipping. [DoD]
  152. Q-SHIP - See DECOY SHIP
  153. QUANTUM BIT (QUBIT) - The fundamental unit of quantum information. Qubits are remarkable in that they can be in two states simultaneously (i.e., be in a zero and one state at the same time). Consequently, qubits have the potential to greatly increase the speed of computing. [10:2872]
  154. QUANTUM CRYPTOGRAPHY - A technique for encoding and sending data along unsecured public fiber optic lines that exploits the fact that small particles of matter (e.g., photons) are both intertwined and yet completely isolated. Any attempt by an outside party to analyze the (intercepted) coded material changes the atoms' characteristics, rendering the transmission useless. [10:2851]
  155. QUANTUM POLARIZATION SHIFT COMMUNICATIONS - A concept which has potential for faster-than-light communications at any distance, and is jam proof. It is based on the fact that when two photons are emitted by a particular light source and given a unique and identical polarization, they always share the same orientation. If the polarity of one photon is changed, the other's polarity is changed instantaneously. [10:2751]
  156. QUANTUM-WELL INFRARED PHOTODETECTOR (QWIP) - A sensor which can be arrayed and tailored to absorb radiation in the long-wavelength infrared (IR) region from 3 to 20 micrometers. [10:2808] NOTE: QWIP technology is based on phototransitions between electron energy states in so-called quantum wells, the energy level between an electron's valance and conduction band. By using different thickness and compositions of quantum-well materials, wavelength response can be customized and accurately specified. The quantum-well materials can be stacked to increase IR absorption or to yield a sensor with several specific absorption bands.
  157. QUANTUM WIRE - See BUCKY TUBE.
  158. QUASI-NOISE JAMMING -See PSEUDORANDOM NOISE JAMMING.
  159. QUASI-VERTICAL INCIDENCE SOUNDER (QVIS) - A RADAR that measures the characteristics of the IONOSPHERE between the Transmit and Receive sites of theRELOCATABLE OVER-THE-HORIZON RADAR. The QVIS transmits upward at frequencies that vary over its 2-20 MHz frequency band to measure the ionospheric characterics between the Transmit and Receive sites (hence the term "quasi vertical"). This information is used to generate a QVI IONOGRAM. [10:2778]
  160. QUICK REACTION CAPABILITY (QRC) - The ability to rapidly design, prototype, test, and manufacture an EW system in response to an unanticipated threat. []
  161. QUICKSTRIKE - A family of shallow-water mines,laid by aircraft, and used primarily against surface craft. ( See logo ) [Navy CHINFO press release] See alsoCAPTOR and SUBMARINE LAUNCHED MOBILE MINE (SLMM).
  162. QUIET RADAR - A LOW PROBABILITY-OF-INTERCEPT (LPI) RADAR that detects a TARGET at the same range that the target can detect the radar's SIGNAL. [10:2859]
  163. QUIET TUNING - A circuit arrangement for silencing the output of a radio receiver except when the receiver is accurately tuned to an incoming carrier wave [signal]. [3]
  164. R
  165. RADAR - (1) A radio detection device which provides information on range, azimuth and/or elevation of objects. [1] (2) A device for transmitting electromagnetic signals and receiving echoes from objects of interest (targets) within its volume of coverage. Presence of a target is revealed by its ECHO or its TRANSPONDER reply. Additional information about a target provided by a radar includes one or more of the following: distance (range), by the elapsed time between transmissions of the signal and reception of the return signal; direction, by use of directive antenna patterns; rate of change of range, by measurement of Doppler shift; description or classification of target, by analysis of echoes and their variation with time. The name radar was originally an acronym for Radio Detection and Ranging. [3]
  166. RADAR ABSORBING MATERIAL (RAM) - Materials applied to an object to reduce its RADAR CROSS SECTION by reducing the energy reflected back to a radar. [] See also RADAR CROSS SECTION REDUCTION; RADAR CAMOUFLAGE; ABSORPTION. NOTE: The absorption of radar energy is done by converting radar energy to heat. See, for example, ABSORPTIVE CHAFF.
  167. RADAR AUTOMATIC ESM - Computer-driven radar intercept - in effect, automatic tactical ELINT - which performs a parametric analysis only of selected mission-specific signals for tactical exploitation; it is a special case of RADAR ESM. []
  168. RADAR BACKSCATTERING - See RADAR SCATTERING.
  169. RADAR CAMOUFLAGE - (1) The use of radar absorbent or reflecting materials to change the radar echoing properties of a surface of an object. [1] (2) The art, means, or result of concealing the presence of the nature of an object from radar detection by the use of coverings or surfaces that considerably reduce the radio energy reflected toward a radar. [3] See also ABSORPTION; RADAR ABSORBING MATERIAL; ELECTRO-OPTIC PAINTING.
  170. RADAR CLUTTER - Unwanted signals, echoes, or images on the face of the display tube, which interfere with observation of desired signals. [1] See also CLUTTER,GROUND CLUTTER, WAVE CLUTTER.
  171. RADAR CROSS SECTION (RCS) - (1) A measure of the reflective strength of a radar target; usually measured in square meters, and defined as 4-pi times the ratio of the power per unit solid angle scattered in a specified direction to the power per unit area in a plane wave incident on the scatterer from a specified direction. [3] (2) The area of a fictitious perfect reflector of electromagnetic waves that would reflect the same amount of energy back to the radar as the actual target. The same object usually has a different radar cross section at various angles and radar frequencies. [10:1] NOTE: Some typical radar cross sections in square meters at microwave frequencies, assuming head-on target aspect, are shown in the table below:
  172. Typical Radar Cross Sections (m2)
  173. Pickup truck 200
  174. Jumbo jet liner 100
  175. Large bomber 40
  176. Large fighter aircraft 6
  177. Adult male 1
  178. Conventional winged missile 0.5
  179. Bird 0.01
  180. Insect 0.00001
  181. Source: Skolnick, Introduction to Radar Systems
  182. For additional discussion, click . [11.2]
  183. RADAR CROSS SECTION REDUCTION - Techniques to reduce the radar cross section of an object. The four basic techniques for reducing radar cross section are: SHAPING, RADAR ABSORBING MATERIAL, PASSIVE CANCELLATION, and ACTIVE CANCELLATION. [10:37]
  184. RADAR DECEPTION - See ELECTRONIC DECEPTION.
  185. RADAR ECHO - (1) The electromagnetic energy received after reflection from an object. (2) The deflection or change of intensity on a cathode ray tube display produced by a radar echo. [1] Synonymous with RADAR RETURN.
  186. RADAR EQUATION - A mathematical expression for primary radar which, in its basic form, related radar parameters such as transmitter power, antenna gain, wavelength, effective echo area of the target, distance to the target, and receiver input power. The basic equation may be modified to take into account other factors, such as attenuation caused by a radome, attenuation due to atmospheric losses or precipitation, and various other losses and propagation effects. [3] Synonymous with RADAR RANGE EQUATION, RANGE EQUATION.
  187. RADAR ESM - (1) ELECTRONIC SUPPORT MEASURES (ESM) employing high sensitivity equipment which provides detailed analysis of all measurable parameters. (2)ELECTRONICS INTELLIGENCE (ELINT) systems which directly support the tactical commander. []
  188. RADAR FLASHLIGHT - A small (about the size of a long flashlight) hand-held Doppler radar capable of detecting the motion of humans at a distance, even behind walls, doors, or other concealment, such as in foliage. The prototype (1998) has a range of 3 meters, and can detect body movement, including those of the chest cavity associated with breathing and heart-beating. [10:2628]
  189. RADAR-FREQUENCY INTERFEROMETER (RFI) - An airborne system used to detect electronic signals emitted from air-defense vehicles. [10:2795]
  190. RADAR HOMING AND WARNING (RHAW) - See RADAR WARNING RECEIVER.
  191. RADAR HORIZON - The locus of points at which the rays from a radar antenna become tangential to the earth's surface. On the open sea this locus is horizontal but on land it varies according to the topographical features of the terrain. [1] Click HERE for additional discussion of radar horizon. [11.2]
  192. RADAR IMAGERY - Imagery produced by recording radar waves reflected from a given target surface. [1]
  193. RADAR INTELLIGENCE (RADINT) - Intelligence information derived from data collected by radar. [1]
  194. RADAR ORDER OF BATTLE - See ELECTRONIC ORDER OF BATTLE.
  195. RADAR PARAMETERS - (Conventional radars) Measurable characteristics of radar emissions, such as ANGLE OF ARRIVAL (AOA), FREQUENCY, time of arrival (TOA), pulse amplitude (PA), PULSE WIDTH (PW), PULSE REPETITION RATE (PRR), and POLARIZATION (POL). [] See also RADAR EQUATION.
  196. RADAR POLARIMETRY - A technique to compare the angular dependencies of the measured and theoretically-derived polarization signatures of the target. [10:107]
  197. RADAR RANGE EQUATION - See RADAR EQUATION.
  198. RADAR REFLECTOR - A passive device, such as a CORNER REFLECTOR which is used to enhance reflected radar signals. [] Note, in contrast with STEALTH TECHNIQUES, the use of radar reflectors is intended to provide a strong radar reflection - for example, on a small craft to lessen chances of collision.
  199. RADAR RESOLUTION CELL (RRC) - A volume bounded by the antenna beamwidth, the width of the radar pulse and the bandwidth of the receiving filter in the radar. It defines the volume of airspace being tracked by a radar. [10:2703]
  200. RADAR RETURN - See RADAR ECHO.
  201. RADAR SCATTERING - The SCATTERING of radar waves. [] NOTE: Radar scatterers are classified into three simple types: (1) slightly rough surfaces; (2) dihedral corner reflectors; and (3) areas (e.g., a forest) that exhibit a large amount of diffuse scattering. [10:78]
  202. RADAR SHADOW - Absence of radar illumination because of an intervening reflecting or absorbing object; the shadow is manifested on the display by the absence of blips from targets in the shadow area. [3]
  203. RADAR SILENCE - An imposed discipline prohibiting the transmission by radar of electromagnetic signals on some or all frequencies. [] See also EMISSION CONTROL,RADIO SILENCE.
  204. RADAR SPOKING - Periodic flashes of the rotating time base [sweep] on a radial display. Sometimes caused by mutual interference [or jamming]. [1]
  205. RADAR WARNING RECEIVER (RWR) - A wideband receiver that provides information, such as radar type, identification, and direction, relating to detected radar signals. []
  206. RADIANT MERCURY IMAGERY GUARD - A system to automate the downgrading of imagery rapidly between classification levels using national imagery transmission format header information. [10:2611]
  207. RADIANT POWER - The time rate of flow of radiant energy (i.e., energy transmitted via electromagnetic waves), expressed in watts. [3] See also OPTICAL POWER.
  208. RADIATED ELECTRONIC COUNTERMEASURES - ELECTRONIC WARFARE (EW) actions involving radiating or re-radiating electromagnetic energy in the RF spectrum taken to prevent or reduce an enemy's effective use of the ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM or to produce EFFECTIVE DAMAGE to an enemy'sPLATFORM, or weapon system. []
  209. RADIATION EFFECTS ON SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES - Degradation or damage of semiconductor devices due to radiation. For example:
  210. • Total Ionizing Dose -- Degradation and/or failure as a function of ionizing radiation accumulation (e.g., months, years);
  211. • Single Event Effects (SEE) -- Relatively instantaneous device upset or destruction (e.g., latch-up, burnout, or gate rupture);
  212. • Displacement Damage -- Degradation of solar cells, charge-coupled-sensors, fiber optics, etc., over a period of time due to lattice effect.
  213. [10:2552] See also RADIATION TOLERANCE.
  214. RADIATION HARDENING - Measures taken to improve the ability of a device to survive the effects of nuclear and space radiation to a specified level. [10:40] Contrast with RADIATION TOLERANCE. See also RADIATION EFFECTS ON SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES. NOTE: Certain types of radiation damage in semiconductor devices can be healed rapidly and automatically through use of attached palladium catalysts. [10:39]
  215. RADIATION HAZARD (RADHAZ) - See ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION HAZARDS.
  216. RADIATION INTERCEPT VULNERABILITY - The degree to which a radiating source is susceptible to detection. []
  217. RADIATION LOBE - See LOBE.
  218. RADIATION TOLERANCE - The inherent ability of a device to survive the effects of nuclear and space radiation. [10:40] Contrast with RADIATION HARDENING. See also RADIATION EFFECTS ON SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES.
  219. RADIATION WARNING - A visual, aural, or tactile stimulus which alerts personnel in a vehicle to the presence of impinging radiation on that vehicle. []
  220. RADIO ACCESS POINT (RAP) - A vehicle-mounted self-contained communications center that contains an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) switch, a High-Capacity Trunk Radio (HCTR), an ON-THE-MOVE (OTM) antenna, a controlling workstation, and interfacing equipment for narrowband tactical systems such as SINCGARS and the Mobile Subscriber Radio Terminal (MSRT). RAP allows mobile narrowband tactical users to access wide bandwidth networks for voice, data, and video communication. [10:2742]
  221. RADIO-ACOUSTIC SOUNDING (RAS) - The radar detection of atmospheric density variations caused by tonal sounds, such as those generated by aircraft turbines. [10:28]
  222. RADIO DECEPTION - The employment of radio to deceive the enemy. Radio deception includes sending false dispatches, using deceptive headings, employing enemy call signs, etc. [] See also ELECTRONIC DECEPTION.
  223. RADIO DETECTION - The detection of the presence of an object by radio-location without precise determination of its position. [1] See also RADAR.
  224. RADIO DETECTION AND RANGING (RADAR) - See RADAR.
  225. RADIODETERMINATION - The determination of the position, velocity and/or other characteristics of an object by means of the propagation properties of radio waves. [FS-1037C]
  226. RADIO DIRECTION FINDING - Radio location in which only the direction of a station is determined by means of its emissions. [1]
  227. RADIO-ELECTRONIC BATTLE MANAGEMENT (REBM) - The combined functions of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; command, control, and communications; all technical operations on information; and electronic and electro-optic warfare coupled with signature management and targeting. See also SPACE AND ELECTRONIC COMBAT. ["Navy 21" Study]
  228. RADIOELECTRONIC COMBAT (REC) - The Soviet doctrine for integrated efforts centered around reconnaissance, electronic countermeasures (jamming), physical attack (destruction), and deception operations. Each element contributes to the disruption of effective command and control at a critical decision point in battle. [10:79] Synonymous with RADIO-ELECTRONIC STRUGGLE.
  229. RADIOELECTRONIC STRUGGLE - See RADIOELECTRONIC COMBAT.
  230. RADIO FREQUENCY INCAPACITATING SYSTEMS - NONLETHAL WEAPONs which employ radio frequency radiation. [] NOTE: An example is the directional microwave transmitter which heats skin to an unbearable degree as people approach the device. [10:2857]
  231. RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE (RFI) - Degradation of the reception of a wanted signal caused by RF disturbance. Synonymous with RADIO INTERFERENCE.
  232. RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNATURE CONTROL - The employment of materials, electronics, and platform design features intended to reduce the susceptibility of the platform to detection, tracking, and engagement by an adversary using RF sensors, such as radar. RF SIGNATURE CONTROL includes the use of RADAR ABSORBING MATERIALS (RAM), RADAR CAMOUFLAGE, RADAR CROSS SECTION (RCS) REDUCTION, radar absorbing structures (RAS), resistive and magnetic materials that support signature control, aperture design, FREQUENCY SELECTIVE SURFACES (FSS), paints, dopants, absorbants, impedance matching material, active electronic emissions, and propulsion system low observables design, including system signature spoiling and hot-section and engine signature control. [12] See also ACOUSTICS SIGNATURE CONTROL, INFRARED SIGNATURE CONTROL, LASER SIGNATURE CONTROL, MAGNETIC SIGNATURE CONTROL, MULTISPECTRAL SIGNATURE CONTROL, OPTICAL SIGNATURE CONTROL, and SIGNATURE CONTROL.
  233. RADIO FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER - See FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER.
  234. RADIO FREQUENCY TAGGING DEVICE - A device carried by a ground vehicle that identifies it as a friendly unit to aircraft equipped with devices designed to detect its presence. [10:2641*] See also IDENTIFICATION FRIEND OR FOE (IFF).
  235. RADIO-LOCATION - Position determination by means of radio aids for purposes other than those of navigation. [3] See also RADAR.
  236. RADIOMETER - A device used to measure quantities associated with radiant energy and power. []
  237. RADIOMETRY - The science of radiation measurement. See also PHOTOMETRY. [3]
  238. RADIOLUMINESCENT LIGHT (RL) - A glowing piece of plastic or aerogel that requires no electrical power supply and can be made in various sizes and shapes and produce almost any desired color. One type of RL is a glass tube coated on the inside with an inorganic phosphor, filled with radioactive tritium gas and sealed. [10:121]NOTE: RLs are sometimes referred to as "light sticks" or "light cubes". The ingredients that create the light are intimately bound - dissolved or suspended on a molecular scale and within atomic distances of each other. In a typical light a phosphor such as zinc sulfide is dispersed in an aerogel, a highly porous silica matrix that is in effect a low-density, glass sponge. The radioactive source, tritium gas, is incorporated into the aerogel, where it becomes chemically bonded. Beta particles given off by the tritium as it decays permeate through the open spaces of the aerogel and strike the phosphor particles, exciting them and causing them to emit light.
  239. RADIO RECOGNITION - The determination by radio means of the friendly or enemy character, or the individuality, of another. [1] See also IDENTIFICATION, FRIEND OR FOE.
  240. RADIO SILENCE - A condition in which all or certain radio equipment capable of radiation is kept inoperative. [1] See also EMISSION CONTROL, RADAR SILENCE.
  241. RADOME - A cover designed to protect an antenna from the effects of its physical environment without degrading its electrical performance. [3]
  242. RADOME BLOWOFF - Structural damage to a radome caused by a DIRECTED ENERGY WEAPON. []
  243. RAIN-BLOWING PLENUM - See DOUBLE-DIAPHRAGM RADOME.
  244. RAINBOW THREAT - Threats that span technologies and platforms from many different countries and design philosophies. [10:2819]
  245. RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (RAM) - Computer memory in which the access time is effectively independent of the location of the data. Contrast with READ-ONLY MEMORY. []
  246. RANDOM NOISE - NOISE that comprises transient disturbances occurring at random. Contrast with IMPULSE NOISE. [3]
  247. RANDOM SIGNAL RADAR - A LOW PROBABILITY-OF-INTERCEPT (LPI) RADAR which uses a WAVEFORM that is truly random (e.g., NOISE). [10:2859]
  248. RANGE-DOPPLER IMAGING - The formation of fine resolution microwave or laser images of objects which are rotating relative to the radar system. Doppler-frequency spectral analysis of the radar signals helps achieve the desired images. [] See also SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR.
  249. RANGE EQUATION - See RADAR EQUATION.
  250. RANGE GATE PULL OFF (RGPO) - A SELF-SCREENING ECM technique for use against automatic tracking radars. It captures the victim radar range gate, walks it off in range, and then turns OFF, leaving the range gate with no signal. The process is repetitive. Synonymous with RANGE GATE WALK OFF. [8]
  251. RANGE GATE STEALING (RGS) - A jamming technique that transmits a false target return with a time delay that slowly varies (increases or decreases) from the radar pulse time of arrival to simulate a varying (increasing or decreasing) target range in the victim radar. [] See also RANGE HOOK.
  252. RANGE GATE WALK OFF - See RANGE GATE PULL OFF.
  253. RANGE HOOK - A jamming feature used in RANGE GATE STEALING that presents a FALSE ECHO RETURN at the maximum value of the range gate stealer's delay. []
  254. RANGE RESOLUTION - (1) The ability of the radar equipment to separate two reflecting objects on a similar bearing, but at different ranges from the antenna. The ability is determined primarily by the pulse length in use. [1] (2) The ability to distinguish between two targets solely by the measurement of their ranges (distances from the radar); usually expressed in terms of the minimum distance by which two targets of equal strength at the same azimuth and elevation angles must be spaced to be separately distinguishable. [3] See also BEARING RESOLUTION, RESOLUTION, TARGET DISCRIMINATION.
  255. RANGING - The process of establishing target distance. Types of ranging include echo, intermittent, manual, navigational, explosive echo, optical, radar, etc. [1]
  256. RAPID AIRBORNE MINE-CLEARANCE SYSTEM (RAMICS) - An airborne weapons system that integrates a LIGHT DETECTION-AND-RANGING (LIDAR) sensor and a helicopter-mounted 20mm cannon that fires bursts of 25 supercavitating projectiles designed to rapidly destroy near-surface moored mines. [10:2792] See alsoAIRBORNE MINE-NEUTRALIZATION SYSTEM (AMNS), DISTRIBUTIVE EXPLOSIVE TECHNOLOGY (DET), SHALLOW-WATER ASSAULT BREACHING (SABRE) SYSTEM, and SHALLOW WATER INFLUENCE MINE SWEEP (SWIMS) SYSTEM. NOTE: The RAMICS basic weapon is a door-mounted, LASER-aimed 20mm or 30mm rapid-fire cannon. The RAMICS bullet is a "supercavitating" bullet that creates a surrounding air bubble as it goes through the water, thus avoiding the deflection caused when a normal bullet enters the water. The bullet is designed to hit a mine at high speed and break up, releasing a chemical that ignites from the heat of impact and sets off the mine's explosives. Even if the impact-ignition process fails fro some reason, the bullet hits with such force that it shatters the mine. RAMICS bullets are expected to be effective against mines at depths from 25 to 40 feet. [10:2829]
  257. RAPID ANTISHIP CRUISE MISSILE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (RAIDS) - A passive system that coordinates threat information from the ship's combat direction systems and displays it for the commanding officer or tactical action officer on large color displays. Designed to prioritize multiple threats on multiple bearings with a variety of HARD KILL and SOFT-KILL options, RAIDS order the top six threats and gives a priority order of maneuvering and countermeasures deployment. [10:2513] See alsoHARD-KILL ECM.
  258. REACTIVE ARMOR (RA) - A form of ACTIVE ARMOR which depends upon "energetic" elements that rapidly release energy to react against the impact of a shaped charge (SC). An explosion is created in a direction opposite to that of the incoming metallic plasma (jet). An exchange of momentum occurs between the materials of the explosion and the SC jet, deflecting and partially dispersing the jet. This effect can be achieved by sandwiching a layer of high explosives between two metal plates. On a tank equipped with reactive armor, for example, the impact of antitank munitions causes the outer plate to be blown off, decreasing the penetration of the target by the jet. Such a design is about 20 times more effective than armor steel. Synonymous with ENERGETIC ARMOR. [10:2719] See also ELECTROMAGNETIC ARMOR,SMART ARMOR.
  259. REACTIVE INFRARED COUNTERMEASURES - An aircraft INFRARED COUNTERMEASURES (IRCM) technique whereby INFRARED (IR) jammers are turned and/or DECOY FLARES are ejected only if a positive indication of an IR missile is indicated, such as from a MISSILE WARNING DEVICE.. [10:2800] Also called REACTIVE IRCM. Contrast with PRE-EMPTIVE INFRARED COUNTERMEASURES.
  260. READINESS - The component of MILITARY CAPABILITY that relates to the ability of forces, units, weapon systems, or equipment to deliver the outputs for which they were designed (including the ability to deploy, and employ without unacceptable delays). [1]
  261. READ-ONLY MEMORY (ROM) - Computer memory that stores data not alterable by computer instructions. Contrast with RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY. [3]
  262. REAL TIME - (1) The absence of delay, except for the time required for the transmission by electromagnetic energy, between the occurrence of an event or the transmission of data, and the knowledge of the event, or reception of the data at some other location. [1] (2) Pertaining to the actual time during which a physical process transpires, for example, the performance of a computation during the time that the actual physical process transpires, in order that the results of the computation can be used in guiding the physical process. [3] Contrast with DEFERRED TIME. See also NEAR REAL TIME. NOTE: This term is also used to describe processes operating interactively with humans (e.g., "man in the loop") such that they can be influenced by human intervention while they are in progress.
  263. REARWARD JAMMING - Transmission of jamming signals in a direction away from the victim sensor so that the energy can be reflected toward the victim. []
  264. RECEIVER SENSITIVITY - The minimum input signal required to produce a specified output signal having a specified SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO. [3]
  265. RECONNAISSANCE - A mission undertaken to obtain, by visual observation or other detection methods, information about the activities and resources of an enemy or potential enemy; or to secure data concerning the meteorological, hydrographic, or geographic characteristics of a particular area. [1]
  266. RECTENNA - See RECTIFYING ANTENNA.
  267. RECTIFIER - A device for converting alternating current into direct current.. [1] Contrast with INVERTER
  268. RECTIFYING ANTENNA (RECTENNA) - A microwave antenna which operates in a receiving mode for reception of microwave power and subsequent conversion to direct current (DC) by a diode RECTIFIER. []
  269. RED FORCES - Reference to Communist or Soviet forces. [] See also BLUE FORCES, ORANGE FORCES, PURPLE FORCES.
  270. RED VIRTUAL NETWORK - A NETWORK of hosts which communicate over an unsecured PACKET-SWITCHED network using data paths secured by the encryption services of BLACKER FRONT ENDS (BFEs). [Nortel Networks Technical Documentation Web Site: http://support.baynetworks.com/library/tpubs/docsrt.htm 11/2000] See also BLACK NETWORK.
  271. REDUNDANT ARRAYS OF INEXPENSIVE DISKS (RAID) - In computer systems, multiple disks to spread and share data among drives, thus reducing costs and enhancing data integrity. [10:124] NOTE: The basic technique of RAIDs is an "N + 1" scheme, in which "mirroring" is a widely used implementation. In an array of N+1 disks, non-redundant data are spread across N drives arrayed along with another drive containing the parity value. If one of the drives fails, the data on that drive can be reconstructed from the data on all the other drives.
  272. REDUNDANT ARRAYS OF INEXPENSIVE SYSTEMS (RAIS) - See REDUNDANT ARRAYS OF INEXPENSIVE DISKS (RAID).
  273. REED - Acronym for Radar/ECM/ECCM Data Base. REED is a classified, on-line tutorial of radars, ECM techniques, ECCM techniques, and their interactions. It includes information from textbooks, technical reports, and system specifications. REED deals primarily with airborne radar technology. [10:2512]
  274. REFLECTANCE - The ratio of reflected power to incident power. [3]
  275. REFLECTED MEMORY - Simultaneous sharing of data at two separate nodes of a network. [10:112]
  276. REFLECTION - Energy diverted back from the interface of two media. The reflection may be specular (i.e., direct) or diffuse according to the nature of the contact surfaces. [1]
  277. REFLECTIVE DISPLAY A LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY which produces no back-lighting, hence must be used in adequate ambient light conditions. [] Contrast withTRANSFLECTIVE DISPLAY.
  278. REFLECTOMETRY - With respect to testing wires and cables, the sending of a signal (e.g., pulse, sine wave . . .) along a wire and sensing the returned reflection from the end of the wire. [10:2871] See Also SMART WIRE. NOTE: Three types of reflectometry are Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR), Standing-Wave Reflectometry (SWR), and Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR).
  279. REFRACTION JAMMING - An ECM technique that modifies the characteristics of the medium enclosing the protected platform so that radar energy will be refracted away from the platform, effectively reducing the platform's RADAR CROSS SECTION. [8]
  280. REFRACTIVE INDEX - Of a wave transmission medium, the ratio of the phase velocity in a vacuum to that in the medium. [3]
  281. REFRACTIVE LIQUID - Liquid crystals that display interference patterns in polarized light. They are used in ACTIVE MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAYs (AMLCDs). [10:2518]
  282. REGIONAL - See MID-LEVEL NETWORK.
  283. RELATERAL TELLING - The relaying of information between facilities through the use of a third facility. This type of telling is appropriate between automated facilities in a degraded communications environment. [1] See also BACK TELLING, CROSS TELLING, FORWARD TELLING, OVERLAP TELLING, TRACK TELLING.
  284. RELOCATABLE OPTICAL SYSTEM (ROS) -- See TRANSPORTABLE OPTICAL SYSTEM/RELOCATABLE OPTICAL SYSTEM.
  285. RELOCATABLE OVER-THE-HORIZON RADAR (ROTHR) - A land-based BISTATIC ionospheric backscatter radar system that can detect, track, and estimate the composition of ships and aircraft at any altitude in a fixed annular sector of more than 60 degrees at ranges from 500 to 1,500 nautical miles.. The transmitter radiates energy in the HF band (3-30 MHz). The IONOSPHERE refracts this energy, returning it to earth and illuminating the area under surveillance. The ROTHR consists of three radars having sufficient separation between transmitters and receivers to provide continuous bistatic operation. One radar- the BACKSCATTER RADAR (BSR) serves to detect targets, while the other two radars - the QUASI-VERTICAL INCIDENCE SOUNDER (QVIS) and the BACKSCATTER SOUNDER (BSS) - measure the characteristics of the ionosphere. [10:2778] ( View the ROTHR Logo )
  286. REMOTELY MONITORED BATTLEFIELD SENSOR SYSTEM (REMBASS) - A system of passive sensors which can remain unattended for up to 30 days after emplacement. To conserve power, the sensors remain in an idle mode, monitoring the ambient energy level (seismic/acoustic, thermal, and/or magnetic), until a target comes into the detection range. The sensors then become active, classifying the target (i.e., person, tracked vehicle, wheeled vehicle) and transmitting the appropriate data to a monitoring device for further determination of target location, composition, speed, and direction of travel. [From the FAS Military Analysis Network]
  287. REMOTELY OPERATED PLATFORM - ELECTRONIC (ROPE) - A towed buoy that operates on the surface and relays visual images to the submerged towing submarine at cruise depth via a real-time fiber-optic data link. In effect, this is a television camera acting like a periscope. [10:106] See also NON HULL-PENETRATING PERISCOPE (NPP), UNDERWATER VIEWING MODULE, UNMANNED UNDERWATER VEHICLE.
  288. REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLE (ROV) - A subgroup of UNMANNED UNDERWATER VEHICLES (UUVs) controlled by a cable or fiber-optic tether from a surface ship. [10:46] Contrast with AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER VEHICLE.
  289. REMOTELY PILOTED VEHICLE (RPV) - (1) An unmanned vehicle capable of being controlled from a distant location through a communication link. It is normally designed to be recoverable. [1] See also DRONE, UNMANNED AIR VEHICLE.
  290. REMOTE MINEHUNTING SYSTEM (RMS) - A high-endurance, remotely controlled, low-observable, semi-submersible, mine-reconnaissance vehicle organic to a battle group. The RMS is planned to be launched, operated, and recovered from a host ship. [] NOTE: The RMS is equipped with a snorkel mast which also holds antennas for radio and video links. The vehicle can proceed along a programmed track, using the GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) or manually controlled by a shipboard operator. The RMS vehicle is equipped with a forward-looking SONAR and deploys a towed variable-depth sensor used to detect, localize, clasify, and identify moored and bottom mines. [10:2831] Among the key components of the RMS (circa2000) are a diesel-powered semisubmersible remote minehunting vehicle which deploys a variable-depth sonar (VDS), line-of-sight and over-the-horizon (OTH) real-time data links, and a shipboard launch-and recovery system.
  291. REMOTE SOURCE LIGHTING SYSTEM - A lighting system which uniformly transmits and distributes light through hollow tubes made of lightweight film. The light is also able to turn corners with or without the use of mirrors. The system is useful in volatile environments where maintenance can be performed at a safe, easily accessible location. This lighting system also requires fewer light sources, saving energy and the expense of multiple fixtures. [10:2514]
  292. REMOTE TRACK LAUNCH ON SEARCH (RTLOS) - The engagement of a target by one unit employing radar track information sent over an existing data link. [10:2666]
  293. REPACKAGING - A COVER technique that disguises an operation as something else by adding or subtracting features. [10:49] NOTE: Disguising a tank as a truck is an example of REPACKAGING.
  294. REPEAT BACK JAMMING - (1) The interception and RERADIATION of a modified signal to present erroneous data on azimuth, range, number of targets, etc. [4:19] (2) The amplification, multiplication, and retransmission of received signals for the purposes of DECEPTION or JAMMING. [1*] Synonymous with REPEATER JAMMING.
  295. REPEATER JAMMING - See REPEAT BACK JAMMING.
  296. REPETITIVE WAVEFORM JAMMING - A generic ECM technique which uses jamming transmissions that consist of the same waveform. [8]
  297. REQUEST FOR COMMENT (RFC) - A document constituting the definition of protocols and policies of the INTERNET. [] Also called INTERNET REQUEST FOR COMMENT. NOTE: For example, RFC 1521 and RFC 1522 provide the definition of MIME. RFCs serve as the "laws" of the Internet.
  298. RERADIATION - (1) The radiation of signals amplified in a radio receiver. [3] (2) The radiation of a signal intended to replicate in every detail a received signal, and transmitted as nearly as possible at the instant the signal is received. []
  299. RESIDUAL OBSERVABLES - OBSERVABLES which remain after a target has departed a location. Examples include wake, slicks, contrails, and flotsam. []
  300. RESIN-COATED COPPER (RCC) - A dielectric-coated copper foil that may be laminated to a printed-circuit core to form a MICROVIA layer. [10:2713] See alsoTRENCH.
  301. RESOLUTION - A measurement of the smallest detail which can be distinguished by a sensor system under specific conditions. [1] See also BEARING RESOLUTION,RANGE RESOLUTION, TARGET DISCRIMINATION. Click HERE for additional discussion about resolution and propagation time. [11.2]
  302. RESONANT MICROWAVE ABSORPTION - The decrease in reflectivity of microwaves at a specific (resonant) frequency caused by a coating of material designed to produce an out-of-phase condition between reflected and emerging waves, thus effecting cancellation at the resonant frequency. [4:17] See also ANTIREFLECTION OVERCOAT.
  303. RESPONSIVE REPLACEMENT VEHICLE (RESERVE) - Spacecraft using standardized payloads held in reserve for rapid launching to replace military satellites destroyed by an enemy. []
  304. RESPONSOR - An electronic device used to receive an electronic challenge and display a reply thereto. [1] See also TRANSPONDER.
  305. RETICLE SYSTEM - An optical detection system employing a reticle to modulate incoming light. A reticle is positioned in a FOCAL PLANE of the system and moved through the light beam, giving the beam a periodic amplitude modulation. [] Click HERE for an illustration of a reticle system.
  306. RETROREFLECTION - The reflection of electromagnetic energy in a direction close to that at which it is incident, whatever the angle of incidence. [3]
  307. REVISIT TIME -- The time between sensor observations. []
  308. REVOLUTION IN MILITARY AFFAIRS (RMA) - An emerging (1999) school of thought by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) that emphasizes the use of information technology for future warfare. [] Also called THIRD MILITARY TECHNICAL REVOLUTION. NOTE: Under RMA, the development of long-range air-to-air missiles (LRAAMs) and surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) that could be used to target special support aircraft such as AWACS and other systems such as JSTARS and other command, control, intelligence and electronic warfare (C3IEW) aircraft.
  309. Some RMA Weapon Concepts
  310. Anti-satellite weapons
  311. Computer combat
  312. HPM and RF weapons
  313.  
  314. Logistics buildup prevention
  315. LRAAMs & SAMs
  316. Paralysis Combat
  317.  
  318. Radiation Combat
  319. Robot Combat
  320.  
  321. Special Operations Forces raids
  322. Submarine-launched munitions
  323. REVOLUTIONARY CONCEPT (REVCON) - A NASA project involving three advanced aeronautical concepts: the AeroCraft (a piloted, partially buoyant airship), theBlended Wing Body (to improve fuel efficiency, maximum takeoff weight and direct operating costs for commercial and airline carriers), and the Pulse Detonation Engine. [10:2727] NOTE: One purpose of REVCON is to encourage the development of ideas that could lead to revolutionary experimental planes.
  324. REWRITABLE OPTICAL DISK - An optical disk on which data may be written and erased. [10:80] Contrast with WRITE ONCE READ MANY (WORM). See alsoMAGNETO OPTICAL RECORDING.
  325. RF MEMORY LOOP ECCM - An OFFENSIVE ECCM technique used against RF memory loop ECM. The victim radar transmits a short spoof or cover pulse immediately with the actual radar transmitter pulse so that the jammer operates against the wrong frequency. [Derived from 10:2446]
  326. RF SIGNATURE CONTROL - See RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) SIGNATURE CONTROL.
  327. RING AIRFOIL GRENADE (RAG) - A NONLETHAL WEAPON resembling a small radiator hose. It comes in two versions: the STING RAG, which is a kinetic-type energy device that gives a painful blow on impact, and the SOFT RAG, which breaks open on impact and spreads a three-foot-wide cloud of tear-gas-like CS powder. The projectiles for both types are made of a soft rubber-like substance and are launched from a rifle adapter. [10:2746] NOTE: It is claimed that neither version of the RAG will cause lethal or hazardous injury, even at point-blank range. Its shape permits high accuracy against individual targets and its velocity is great enough to negate dodging. The range of the RAG is beyond the missile-throwing ability of rioters, for example.
  328. RIPPLE FIRE - Launching of multiple missiles to strike a target simultaneously from different directions. [10:2891]
  329. RISK MANAGEMENT - A cyclic process to reduce uncertainty associated with a desired outcome. Risk management entails Risk Identification, Risk Analysis, and Risk Response. [10:2436]
  330. RIVET JOINT (RJ) - Code name for surveillance aircraft equipped with extensive arrays of sophisticated intelligence gathering equipment enabling military specialists to monitor the electronic activity of adversaries, locating, recording and analyzing activity in the electromagnetic spectrum. [] Synonymous with HOG NOSE and HOG CHEEKS. NOTE: The RC-135V/W Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft supports theater and national level consumers with near real time on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities. Click to view a photo of RIVET JOINT. [NAVAIR Fact Sheet]
  331. ROAD PATRIOT - A NONLETHAL WEAPON which permanently disables vehicle electronics and ignition systems using an ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE. The Road Patriot is propelled from a pursuing vehicle via a rocket propelled sled fired at the pursued vehicle. [10:2745]
  332. ROAD SENTRY - A NONLETHAL WEAPON which permanently disables vehicle electronics and ignition systems using an ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE. The Road Sentry is stationary and may be disguised as a garbage can lid, road patch, or sewer cover. [10:2745]
  333. ROAD STAR - A NONLETHAL WEAPON consisting of a four-pointed star made of steel, that punctures vehicle tires when the tire passes over the star. [10:2745]
  334. ROBO-BUG - See FLY ON THE WALL.
  335. ROBOT COMBAT - The use of military robots for vehicle emergency handling, minelaying, minesweeping, reconnaissance, transportation, unmanned "intelligent" tanks, UAVs, and other activities that can replace the human operator. [10:2725] NOTE: Despite the prevalent use of this term in the context of computer games, ROBOT COMBAT is a concept under the PRC's Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA).
  336. ROLLING AIRFRAME MISSILE (RAM) - A quick reaction, high firepower missile system designed to provide defense against anti-ship missiles. []
  337. ROLLOVER PLUS - A defense program in which technology is continually developed, tested and demonstrated on a systems level until a threat demands rapid fielding of that technology. [10:2539]
  338. ROPE - An element of CHAFF consisting of a long roll of metallic foil or wire which is designed for broad, low- frequency responses. [1] See also REMOTELY OPERATED PLATFORM - ELECTRONIC.
  339. ROTARY JOINT - The link between the stationary and movable parts of a RADAR or microwave communication system, e.g., between the transmitter/receiver and the moving (rotating, nodding, etc.) antenna. []
  340. ROTAXANE - A chemical compound grown in a crystalline structure with potential for use in molecular-size computers. Rotaxanes are thread-like molecules encircled by one or more ring-like molecules in such a way that the two ends of the thread are projected well away from the center of the ring and are terminated by bulky groups (somewhat like a dumb-bell) which do not allow the passage of the ring(s) over them, and thus the components are mutually interlocked. The term is derived from the Latinrota, wheel; axis, axle. [10:2699] See also CARBON NANOTUBE, MOLECULAR ELECTRONICS.
  341. ROTODOME - A rotating RADOME which houses a radar antenna, generally aboard an aircraft. [10:23]
  342. ROUTE - The path that NETWORK traffic takes from its source to its destination. [10:2736]
  343. ROUTER - See GATEWAY.
  344. ROUTING - The process of selecting the correct interface and next HOP for a packet being forwarded in a NETWORK. [10:2736]
  345. RUBBER-BALL LAUNCHING SYSTEM - A vehicle-mounted NONLETHAL WEAPON which fires up to 1,400 rubber-matrix balls with steel particles. The system consists of two launch units, with 10 cartridges to a unit (each cartridge contains 70 balls). [10:2745]
  346. RUBBER DUCK - A floating decoy used to imitate a ship to a radar operator. [] See also GULL.
  347. RUGGED EQUIPMENT - Rugged equipment is equipment designed for a specific environmental application. In addition, such equipment is designed to withstand an 18-inch drop, representing the height at which it is hand-carried in the field. [10:2519] Compare with RUGGEDIZED EQUIPMENT.
  348. RUGGEDIZED EQUIPMENT - Off-the-shelf equipment satisfying the requirements of a severe environment application. Ruggedized equipment should be able to withstand a 9-inch drop. [10:2519] Compare with RUGGED EQUIPMENT.
  349. RULE OF TWOS - A concept to provide redundancy and mutual support in military tasking; e.g., two runners; two vehicles for tactical missions; two occupants for each vehicle; two men on security. etc.... []
  350. RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE) - Principles and guidelines relating to the degree of force to be applied by military units, individual servicemen or law enforcement officials in the carrying out of their duties. [] NOTE: The following are sample ROEs from [10:2858]:
  351. RAMP RULE - Return fire (respond to hostile act); Anticipate attack (respond to clear hostile intent), Measure your force (use force of magnitude, intensity, duration measured to the threat); and Protect only lives with deadly force. [U.S. Army ROE Training Newsletter 96-6, Section 5]
  352. VEWPRIK - Verbal warning; Exhibit weapon; Warning shot; Pepper spray; Riot control/rifle butt; Injure with fire (shoot to wound); and Kill with fire. [U.S. 1st Infantry Division ROE Template]
  353. Five Ss - Shout (verbal warning); Show (weapons or threat of force); Shove (use physical force to restrain threat); Shoot to warn (warning shot); Shoot to wound, or shoot to kill. [1st Cavalry Division ROE]
  354. -- 1. You may use minimum force, including opening fire; 2. Fire no more rounds than required. [SFOR, Operation Constant Guard, and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit ROEs]
  355. -- WARN them (verbal warnings); SCARE them (show of force, including use of riot control formations and positioning of armored vehicles - blocking of access);FORCE them (Use of riot control agents when authorized, Warning shots after an order to halt is given, Deadly force (absolute last resort). [Marine Corps]
  356. ________________________________________
  357.  
  358. August 20, 2001 05:07 AM -0700
  359.  
  360. August 29, 2001 02:09 PM -0700
  361.  
  362. S
  363. SACRIFICIAL WINDOW - A replaceable filter in a night vision device that is provided to protect the objective lens from abrasive and adverse conditions. It is especially useful in blowing-sand environments, where the objective lens could be damaged permanently. [10:2502]
  364. SALVAGE FUZE - A fuze designed to cause an aircraft bomb to detonate (at a preset altitude, say) in the event the carrying aircraft is disabled. [] See also SPECIAL WEAPONS EMERGENCY SEPARATION SYSTEM (SWESS).
  365. SALVO INTERVAL - The time between salvos or bursts of decoys. [] Contrast with EJECTION INTERVAL.
  366. SANCTUARY BASE - A secure, LOW OBSERVABLE (LO), all-weather forward operating base having minimal assets requiring protection from attack; e.g., the runway, power systems, ordnance storage, aircraft maintenance assets, and C4I systems are self-maintaining and self-repairing. Chemical/biological hazards are cleaned up byNANOBOTS and biotechnology. Robots perform refueling, weapons loading, maintenance, security, and explosive ordnance disposal. [USAF 2025 Study]
  367. SATELLITE AND MISSILE SURVEILLANCE - The systematic observation of aerospace for the purpose of detecting, tracking, and characterizing objects, events, and phenomena associated with satellites and in-flight missiles, friendly and enemy. [1] See also SURVEILLANCE.
  368. SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS (SATCOM) SYSTEM - A system consisting of space elements and ground elements. The space elements comprise satellites, either in geo-synchronous earth orbit (GEO) or low earth orbit (LEO), as well as all of the equipment required for their electronic and station-keeping operations. The ground elements consist of a transmitter and a receiver which may be combined into a single transceiver, an antenna, power supplies and appropriate packaging and transport in the case of mobile units. [10:2578]
  369. SCAN - (1) The path periodically followed by a radiation beam. [1] (2) In ELINT, the motion of an electronic beam through space searching for a target. Scanning is produced by the motion of the antenna or by LOBE SWITCHING. [1] (3) To examine sequentially part by part. [3]
  370. SCANNING - A repetitive motion given to the major lobe of an antenna. [3] NOTE: For an illustration of some scanning patterns, click .
  371. SCANNING DETECTOR - A detector that observes successive portions of its field of view in accordance with a sequential system of scan. [10:16] Contrast withSTARING DETECTOR.
  372. SCAN ON RECEIVE ONLY (SORO) - A generic term for an ECCM technique for use on conical scan or track-while-scan radars. It consists of degrading hostile SELF-SCREENING ECM techniques that exploit amplitude modulation. [8*]
  373. SCAN PERIOD - The period taken by a radar, sonar, etc., to complete a scan pattern and return to a starting point. [1]
  374. SCAN RATE - The rate at which individual scans are recorded. [1]
  375. SCAN SCHEDULE - The DWELL TIME and the REVISIT TIME of a sensor. [10:2812] NOTE: The SCAN SCHEDULE for a rotating radar antenna is defined by the antenna beam width and the mechanical rotational rate. See also ADAPTIVE SCHEDULER.
  376. SCAN TYPE - The path made in space by a point on the radar beam; for example, circular, helical, conical, spiral, or sector. [1]
  377. SCATTERING - A process in which the energy of a travelling wave is dispersed in direction due to inhomogeneities of the medium. [3] See also BACKSCATTERING,RADAR SCATTERING.
  378. SCATTERING WITH ANGULAR LIMITATION PROJECTION ELECTRON BEAM LITHOGRAPHY (SCALPEL) - A technique used in the manufacture of transistor circuits. [10:2638]
  379. SCENARIO - A narrative describing a chronological sequence of events expected to take place immediately prior to and during a conflict between opposing military forces. A scenario contains the following: A Geographical Location (e.g., Eastern Mediterranean); A general description of the objectives, missions and intentions of both sides; TheOPERATIONAL SETTING; and A chronology of activities. []
  380. SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE - The product resulting from the collection, evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of foreign scientific and technical information which covers: a. foreign developments in basic and applied research and in applied engineering techniques; b. scientific and technical characteristics, capabilities, and limitations of all foreign military systems, weapons, weapon systems, and materiel, the research and development related thereto. and the production methods employed for their manufacturer. [1] See also FOREIGN INSTRUMENTATION AND SIGNALS INTELLIGENCE.
  381. SCINTILLATION JAMMING - An ECM technique that operates by generating a signal which is both equal in amplitude to and 180 degrees out of phase with the actualSKIN PAINT signal from the jamming platform, and is returned to the victim radar simultaneously with the skin-return signal to provide a zero composite return to the radar. [8]
  382. SCREEN - (1) In SURVEILLANCE, CAMOUFLAGE and concealment, any natural or artificial material, opaque to surveillance sensor(s); interposed between the sensor(s) and the object to be camouflaged or concealed. [1] (2) A security element whose primary task is to observe, identify and report information, and which only fights in self-protection. [1] (3) A computer display terminal. []
  383. SCREEN SCRAPING - The use of a computer program to translate between LEGACY application programs and new user interfaces so that the logic and data associated with the legacy programs can continue to be used. [http://www.whatis.com/screensc.htm] Also called ADVANCED TERMINAL EMULATION. NOTE: A program that does screen scraping must take the data coming from the legacy program that is formatted for the screen of an older type of "green on black" display terminal and reformat it for a Windows user or for a web browser.
  384. SEA BOUNCED JAMMING - A JAMMING signal reflected from the sea surface. []
  385. SEARCH ENGINE - Web-based software which locates Web sites which satisfy user queries (e.g., keywords). Well-known search engines (1999-2000) include AltaVista,AOL Search, Ask Jeeves, Excite, Google, HotBot, Infoseek, Lycos, MSN Search, Netscape Search, WebCrawler, and Yahoo (there are many others). [] NOTE: Search engines may be classified into two search-technique groups: keyword search engines (e.g., Yahoo), and natural language search engines (e.g., Ask Jeeves).
  386. SEARCHLIGHTING - Continuous illumination with a radar beam, for a period of time, of a target. []
  387. SEA SHADOW - A small waterplane area, twin-hull (SWATH) boat originally built to explore low-observable technology. The craft resembles a wingless STEALTHaircraft. [Navy News & Undersea Technology, 5/24/93, pp. 1,8]
  388. SEA SKIMMER - A missile designed to transit at less than 50 feet (or 15 meters) above the surface of the sea. [1]
  389. SEA SURVEILLANCE - The systematic observation of surface and subsurface sea areas by all available and practicable means primarily for the purpose of locating, identifying and determining the movements of ships, submarines, and other vehicles, friendly and enemy, proceeding on or under the surface of the world's seas and oceans. [1] See also AIR SURVEILLANCE, COMBAT SURVEILLANCE, SURVEILLANCE.
  390. SECONDARY MASS STORAGE - Mass storage media which is neither random-access hard drive nor streaming tape, but is characterized by large sequential data transfer. See also MAGNETO OPTICAL RECORDING. []
  391. SECONDARY RADAR - (1) A radar in which the return signals are obtained from a beacon, transponder, or repeater carried by the target. [3] (2) ARADIODETERMINATION system based on the comparison of reference signals with radio signals retransmitted from the position to be determined. [FS-1037C] Contrast with PRIMARY RADAR. Synonymous with SECONDARY SURVEILLANCE RADAR.
  392. SECONDARY SURVEILLANCE RADAR - See SECONDARY RADAR.
  393. SECOND GENERATION LANGUAGE (2GL) - A programming language that corresponds closely to the instruction set of a given computer, allows symbolic naming of operations and addresses, and usually results in a one-to-one translation of program instructions into machine instructions. [3*] Synonymous with ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE. See also FIRST GENERATION LANGUAGE, THIRD GENERATION LANGUAGE, FOURTH GENERATION LANGUAGE.
  394. SECOND GENERATION RADAR SIGNAL - A generic classification of radar signal sophistication. Second generation radar signals feature modulation on carrier, pulse repetition interval staggering/jittering/coding, mixtures of mechanical and electronic beam scanning, frequencies in the A through J bands of the ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM, and FREQUENCY AGILITY. [10:34] See also FIRST, THIRD, and FOURTH GENERATION RADAR SIGNALS.
  395. SECURITY LEVELS - The following are excerpts relating to security ratings per the National Computer Security Center's "Orange Book" (1993): [10:2510]
  396. • Level D - Minimal Protection; no built-in security.
  397. • Level C1 - Discretionary Security Protection; systems provide separation of users and data....
  398. • Level C2 - Controlled Access Protection; makes users individually accountable for their actions through log-in procedures and audit trails.
  399. • Level B1 - Labeled Security Protection; all the protection of C2 level. In addition, access control beyond password protection,...
  400. • Level B2 - Structured Security Protection ("relatively resistant to penetration"); B2 level protection extended to all system resources. Systems must be structured from the outset to be penetration resistant....
  401. • Level B3 - Security Domain "highly resistant to penetration"); B3 systems must exclude any code that is not essential to security policy enforcement....
  402. • Level A1 - Verified Design Protection; functionally equivalent to B3, but formally documented, and the security policy of the system must be proven - mathematically if need be - to be consistent with stated security goals....
  403. SECURITY ROBOT - A mobile automaton, or robot, consisting of a navigating system (to move in an obstacle environment) and a sensor array, or security patrol instrumentation (SPI). The SPI may include sensors for detecting fires, smoke, gas, and intruders, monitoring air quality, temperature, humidity, and identifying persons encountered. Sensors can include cameras, infrared, ultraviolet, and microwave detectors. The security robot can be made to record data as a function of time and location, activate alarms, and track multiple targets. Several robots may be controlled in a facility through use of Multiple Robot Host Architecture (MRHA) that can accommodate (1994) as many as 32 robots. [10:2565]
  404. SEDUCTION - The successful transfer of homing guidance (track lock) of a weapon from own ship to an expendable device such as CHAFF, IR FLARE, or otherDECOY. [10:126] See also DISTRACTION.
  405. SEDUCTION CHAFF - CHAFF used to present a decoy of comparable (or larger) RADAR CROSS SECTION to a missile radar which has already acquired the target ship. See also DISTRACTION CHAFF. [4:16] NOTE: SEDUCTION CHAFF must be deployed very close -- less than a missile radar pulse width -- to the target ship.
  406. SEEKER - A device that orients a munition's sensor to survey, acquire, lock-on, and track a target. [12] Example: A homing device carried aboard a missile.
  407. SEISMOACOUSTIC ARRAY - A set of sensitive sound devices used to monitor wave and current dynamics and beach surf conditions. [10:2675] NOTE: Seismoacoustic arrays located as far as 2.2 miles offshore have been found to be capable of detecting and tracking land and vehicle activity.
  408. SELECTIVE AVAILABILITY (SA) - Measures taken to prevent an enemy from using the GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) against the U.S. To thwart such usage, the ground-control station can deliberately introduce satellite timing and position errors into satellite transmissions to reduce the accuracy of civilian and unauthorized users to 100 meters 80% of the time -- enough for navigation but inadequate for weapons delivery. [10:2599] NOTE: The effects of selective availability can be virtually eliminated in a local area through differential GPS (DGPS), a technique requiring two receivers, one of which is at a known location.
  409. SELECTIVE IDENTIFICATION FEATURE (SIF) - A capability which, when added to the basic Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, provides the means to transmit, receive, and display selected code replies. [1]
  410. SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING (SLS) - A process that converts heat-fusible powders into solid objects through the external application of optical (laser) energy. [10:123] See also STEREOLITHOGRAPHY.
  411. SELF-ASSEMBLY - A manufacturing process for NANOPHASE MATERIAL that exploits the inherent tendency of molecules and molecular clusters to interact and organize themselves into larger-scale structures. [10:2834] NOTE: Self-assembly is a rapid process because molecules naturally arrange themselves in seconds or minutes.
  412. SELF-FORGING FRAGMENT (SFF) - Any of explosively formed penetrator (EFP) warheads that penetrate an armored vehicle, say through the bottom (from a tank mine). After penetration, a kinetic-energy slug through the bottom of the vehicle hull, creating spalling effects that can ignite ammunition and fuel, or a number of submunitions can be fired at short intervals (e.g., 5 ms). These devices generate overpressure within a sealed vehicle, amplifying injuries to personnel.
  413. SELF-HEALING MATERIALS - See AUTONOMIC HEALING
  414. SELF-PROTECTION - A mission area in which electronic warfare systems provide platform self-protection through active transmission or reflection of electromagnetic energy or destruction of enemy command, control, and communications or weapons systems. [] See also MISSION SUPPORT, THREAT WARNING.
  415. SELF-PROTECTION ESM/ECM - ESM/ECM performed by a platform to protect itself against hostile terminal threat weaponry. Contrast with TACTICAL SUPPORT ESM/ECM. [] See also COUNTER-HOMING and COUNTER-FUZING.
  416. SELF-REPOSITIONING MINE - A land mine that has an awareness of the battlefield and the status of other (self-repositioning) mines via a simple "intranet". If one region is cleared of mines, others nearby would move quickly into place to reconstruct the field. One mine repositioning approach involves a small piston on the underside of each mine. An explosive charge or other device drives the piston out to propel or hop the mine in a certain direction. Another approach is to equip the mines with small treads or crawlers to provide mobility. [10:2690]
  417. SELF-SCREENING ECM - An ECM technique used by a potential target to protect itself against external electronic systems, such as those carried by missiles or weapons systems. []
  418. SEMANTIC ATTACK - A form of HACKING in which the perpetrator provides bad or false data to the system under attack in such a way that the victim will not be able to detect the intrusion. [10:2878] NOTE: An example of semantic attack is the providing false data about the existence of an earthquake, to a system which is programmed to shut down during an earthquake. In the commercial world, example semantic attacks include feeding false claims to a claims processor; false loan information to banking systems; etc.
  419. SEMI-ACTIVE HOMING GUIDANCE - A system of HOMING GUIDANCE wherein the receiver in the missile utilizes radiation from the target which has been illuminated by an outside source. [1]
  420. SEMICONDUCTOR BRIDGE (SCB) INITIATOR - A timing device used to ignite low-voltage explosive devices. It produces a low-energy pulse which causes a doped region on a polysilicon substrate to burst into a bright plasma. This plasma discharge causes an ignition which produces an explosive output within microseconds, depending on the material used and the initiator geometry. [10:2649]
  421. SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION (SCI) - Security controls over and above the usual security classifications (e.g., Confidential, Secret, Top Secret). SCI information (and material) bear special community controls indicating restricted handling within present and future community intelligence collection programs and their end products for which community systems of compartmentation have been or will be formally established. []
  422. SENSITIVE RADAR - A radar capable of detecting LOW OBSERVABLE targets. [10:89] EXAMPLES: BISTATIC, OTH, WIDEBAND RADAR; LADAR.
  423. SENSITIVITY - See RECEIVER SENSITIVITY.
  424. SENSOR - (1) An equipment which detects, and may indicate, and/or record objects and activities by means of energy or particles emitted, reflected, or modified by objects. [1] (2) A device that responds to physical stimulus and produces a resulting signal. [3]
  425. SENSORCRAFT - An unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed around its sensor suites. Its configuration is such that no part of the aircraft obstructs the sensors' field of view (FOV). [10:2864]
  426. SENSOR-FUZED WEAPON (SFW) - A weapon designed to attack multiple targets (e.g., armored vehicles) in a single pass, in all weather, day or night, from altitudes ranging from 200 to 20,000 feet. The SFW dispenser houses ten bombs, each with four target-sensing submunitions with a built-in INFRARED sensor that searches for a target matching a designated set of IR characteristics, and fires an explosively-formed projectile at the qualifying target. [10:2908]
  427. SENTIENT - A descriptor for a BRILLIANT MUNITION that is aware of itself and its surroundings. [12] Example: A brilliant munition that responds to its environment, or communicates with others among the same payload or salvo to share targets and maximize interception probability.
  428. SENTINEL - A network intrusion detection system that searches for the characteristics of attacks to predict security problems and monitor network activities. The system is able to identify attacks that have similar characteristics as previous threats and detect new ones through its "learned" intelligence. [10:2667]
  429. SEQUENTIAL LOBING - See LOBE SWITCHING.
  430. SERRODYNE JAMMING - A method of "pulling off" the velocity gate of a Doppler radar by using a voltage- controlled phase shifter, usually a TRAVELING WAVE TUBE (TWT). This introduces a frequency shift that pulls the Doppler tracking gate away from the SKIN ECHO. [4:1]
  431. SERVER - A computer that provides a service for other computers connected to it via a network. [] NOTE: A file server consists of a computer and associated hardware and software that provides file-handling and storage functions for multiple users on a network.
  432. SESSION COOKIE - A COOKIE that expires as soon as you log out, or a short time thereafter as set by the web site. Contrast with PERSISTENT COOKIE.
  433. SET BEAM HIGH INTENSITY HAND-HELD SEARCHLIGHT SYSTEM - A NONLETHAL WEAPON which generates six million candles of light power with an effective range at high strobing level of 100 yards. [10:2745]
  434. SET-ON RECEIVER - A receiver/jammer designed to automatically detect, prioritize, and jam multiple frequencies simultaneously on a time-shared basis. [10:57*]
  435. SHALLOW-WATER ASSAULT BREACHING SYSTEM (SABRE) - A single-rocket-deployed demolition line-charge system, used primarily to clear mines in the surf zone, that is effective in water depths between three and 10 feet. [10:2790] Compare with DISTRIBUTIVE EXPLOSIVE TECHNOLOGY (DET). See alsoAIRBORNE MINE-NEUTRALIZATION SYSTEM (AMNS), RAPID AIRBORNE MINE-CLEARANCE SYSTEM (RAMICS), and SHALLOW-WATER INFLUENCE MINE SWEEP (SWIMS) SYSTEM.
  436. SHALLOW WATER INFLUENCE MINE SWEEP (SWIMS) SYSTEM - A self-contained system designed to carry out high-speed magnetic or magnetic/acoustic influence mine-sweeping missions in shallow waters. The system consists of a towed magnetic and acoustic source, a tow/power delivery cable, a power conditioning-and-control subsytem, and an external or palletized power supply. It is capable of being towed at speeds up to 40 knots, which provides for a large area-coverage rate. [10:2792] See also AIRBORNE MINE-NEUTRALIZATION SYSTEM (AMNS), DISTRIBUTIVE EXPLOSIVE TECHNOLOGY(DET), RAPID AIRBORNE MINE-CLEARANCE SYSTEM (RAMICS), and SHALLOW-WATER ASSAULT BREACHING (SABRE) SYSTEM.
  437. SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS (SMA) - Materials such as PIEZOELECTRIC materials, ELECTROSTRICTIVE ceramics and MAGNETOSTRICTIVE materials. [10:2604]
  438. SHAPING - A method of radar cross section reduction. Shaping positions target surfaces and edges so that radar energy is reflected away from the radar. [10:37]
  439. SHARED-APERTURE ANTENNA - An antenna utilizing an existing antenna structure for the transmission of two or more electromagnetic signals. [10:54] See alsoCONFORMAL ANTENNA, DOUBLY CONFORMAL ANTENNA, MICROSTRIP ANTENNA. NOTE: The sharing of the aperture may be accomplished by the incorporation of several feed devices or by the design of a broadband, dual-or-more-frequency radiation structure. Sharing an aperture provides the advantage of minimizing the number of discontinuities in the surface to the structure or platform.
  440. SHIELDING - A barrier of attenuating material used to reduce radiation hazards. [3] Shielding involves surrounding a circuit with metal or coating its enclosure with metallic paint, and providing a low-resistance path to ground. [10:2541] See also NUCLEAR ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE COUNTERMEASURES (NEMPCM).
  441. SHOCK RADAR - See IMPULSE RADAR.
  442. SHOE-HORN INSTALLATION - Reference to the cramming of new EW avionics systems into aircraft that had little or no room to spare, often forcing use of pod-mounted devices. Shoe-horn installations generally cause EMC and RFI problems. [10:2677]
  443. SHORAN - A precise short-range electronic navigation system which uses the time of travel of pulse-type transmission from two or more fixed stations to measure slant-range distance from the stations. Also, in conjunction with a suitable computer, used in precision bombing. (This term is derived from the words "SHort RAnge Navigation.") [1]
  444. SHORT PULSING - An ECCM technique used by radars. The transmitted pulse is less than the expected turnaround time of the repeater jammer. [8]
  445. SHORT-RANGE UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (SRUAV) - The SRUAV has a range of 150 km or more ahead of the forward line of troops (FLOT), and is used for reconnaissance and surveillance, target spotting, EW, nuclear,biological and chemical (NBC) reconnaissance, meteorology, and Command and Control (C2) missions. Designed with a cruising speed of less than 90 knots, the SRUAV has an endurance of 8-12 hours, and can carry sensors for day/night imaging, communications relay,SIGNALS INTELLIGENCE (SIGINT), MEASUREMENT AND SIGNATURE INTELLIGENCE (MASINT), target designating and EW. [10:2517] Contrast withCLOSE-RANGE UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (CRUAV). See also IMAGERY, IMAGERY INTELLIGENCE, UNMANNED AIR VEHICLE (UAV).
  446. SHORTSTOP - See SHORTSTOP ELECTRONIC PROTECTION SYSTEM (SEPS).
  447. SHORTSTOP ELECTRONIC PROTECTION SYSTEM (SEPS) - (1) A device which employs a passive detection system to automatically counter different types of proximity-fused artillery and mortar shells by emitting RF signals that prematurely detonate detected fuses several meters above the ground, outside of their effective range. [10:2581] (2) Electronic parasols that detect and prematurely detonate munitions during flight to render them harmless. [10:2641] See also ACTIVE ARMOR.
  448. SHROUDING BMD COUNTERMEASURES - High-altitude STEALTH TECHNIQUES to reduce the re-entry vehicle RADAR CROSS SECTION, or to hide a warhead in a CHAFF cloud, or to create multiple clouds of CHAFF, some containing warheads. An alternative approach is that of infrared stealth -- making the warhead invisible to heat-seeking homing sensors by, for example, cooling it with liquid nitrogen. [10:2609] See also EVASIVE MANEUVERS BMD COUNTERMEASURES, FALSE-TARGET BMD COUNTERMEASURES, SUBMUNITION BMD COUNTERMEASURES, TRAJECTORY BMD COUNTERMEASURES.
  449. SHUTTER CONTROL - The ability to block earth imaging systems from observing specified geographic areas. [10:2772]
  450. SIDE LOBE - A radiation LOBE in any direction other than that of the MAJOR LOBE. [3] See also BACK LOBE, MINOR LOBE.
  451. SIDE LOBE CANCELING - An ECCM technique to counter high-power noise jammers. It uses an additional 20 dB of electronic canceling above that which is provided by the basic low SIDE LOBE design. [10:2446]
  452. SIDE-LOOKING AIRBORNE RADAR (SLAR) - (1) An airborne radar, viewing at right angles to the axis of the vehicle, which produces a presentation of terrain or moving targets. [1] (2) A surveillance radar that illuminates two narrow swaths that generally run at right angles to the line of flight, one on each side of the aircraft. [10:15] NOTE: The forward motion of the aircraft sweeps the swaths over the terrain, producing an image that resembles an aerial photograph in perspective. The SLAR image, however, differs from an aerial photograph since the SLAR has larger coverage but poorer resolution. The SLAR image is unimpeded by cloud cover, rain and dust, which often reduce the effectiveness of aerial photography.
  453. SIGINT - See SIGNALS INTELLIGENCE.
  454. SIGNAL - (1) Any transmitted electrical impulse. [1] (2) A distinctive energy impulse transmitted within the ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM which possesses useful characteristics. [] Contrast with NOISE. NOTE: A SIGNAL for one system may concurrently represent NOISE to another system.
  455. SIGNAL COMPROMISE REDUCTION - Techniques to prevent the interception of a signal, or to allow reception of a signal by deny interpretation of the modulation. Techniques to prevent interception include:
  456. • Permit no stray radiation (e.g., ducted transmission by cables, waveguides, optical fibers,...);
  457. • Minimize stray radiation (e.g., controlled beamwidth using laser systems, antenna patterns with SIDELOBE CANCELLATION or NULL STEERING, exploiting propagation losses with MILLIMETER WAVE (MMW) systems);
  458. • Make detection difficult (e.g., burst-mode communications, FREQUENCY HOPPING, SPREAD SPECTRUM).
  459. Techniques which allow detection but deny interpretation involve cryptology.
  460. SIGNALS INTELLIGENCE (SIGINT) - A category of intelligence information comprising either individually or in combination all COMMUNICATIONS INTELLIGENCE, ELECTRONICS INTELLIGENCE, and FOREIGN INSTRUMENTATION AND SIGNALS INTELLIGENCE. [1] NOTE: SIGINT signals include the following:
  461. SIGINT Signals
  462. Radar
  463. Pulsed RF; Stacked Beam; Log Swept
  464.  
  465. Communications Frequency Shift Keying (FSK); Modem Signals; Machine-to-Machine Interchanges
  466. Sonar
  467. Passive; Active; Higher Frequency Mine Detection Applications
  468. SIGNALS MANAGEMENT - A SPACE AND ELECTRONIC WARFARE (SEW) warfare support discipline that encompasses measures to protect force signals and includes signals security, communications security, computer security, transmission security, and emission control management. [10:2505]
  469. SIGNALS SECURITY (SIGSEC) - A generic term that includes both COMMUNICATIONS SECURITY and ELECTRONICS SECURITY. [1]
  470. SIGNAL-TO-JAMMING RATIO (SJR or S/J) - The ratio of the desired signal level to the jamming signal level in the signal's BANDWIDTH. [8]
  471. SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO (SNR or S/N) - (1) The ratio of the amplitude of the desired signal to the amplitude of noise signals at a given point in time. [1] (2) The ratio of the value of the signal to that of the noise. [3] NOTE: This ratio us usually in terms of peak values in the case of impulse noise and in terms of the root-mean-square values in the case of random noise.
  472. SIGNATURE - An OBSERVABLE which permits identification of the generating object. See also SPECTRAL SIGNATURE. []
  473. SIGNATURE CONTROL - The manipulation of a platform's emission and physical characteristics, such as radar cross section, infrared modulation, radar pulse repetition rate, etc. in order to reduce an adversary's ability to detect, track, and engage friendly units during combat operations. [] Synonymous with SIGNATURE MANAGEMENT and LOW OBSERVABLES. NOTE: SIGNATURE CONTROL may be partitioned into the following: ACOUSTICS SIGNATURE CONTROL, INFRARED SIGNATURE CONTROL, LASER SIGNATURE CONTROL, MAGNETIC SIGNATURE CONTROL, MULTISPECTRAL SIGNATURE CONTROL, OPTICAL SIGNATURE CONTROL, RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) SIGNATURE CONTROL, and WAKE SIGNATURE CONTROL. [12]
  474. SIGNATURE DETECTION - A type of INTRUSION DETECTION that recognizes a HACKER attack on the basis of known attack characteristics or signatures; also called ATTACK DETECTION. [10:2853] Contrast with ANOMALY DETECTION. See also HOST-BASED INTRUSION DETECTION, NETWORK-BASED INTRUSION DETECTION, PORT SCAN.
  475. SIGNATURE MANAGEMENT - See SIGNATURE CONTROL.
  476. SILENT ATTACK WARNING SYSTEM (SAWS) - A passive infrared, wide-angle missile warning system to provide long-range, multispectral hemispherical warning of launches and trajectories of surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles. [10:26] NOTE: A "second generation" SAWS is being developed, which uses MULTICOLOR SPECTRAL and track processing algorithms to detect threats in high background clutter environment, while limiting false alarms to less than 1 per hour. [10:85]
  477. SILENT GRIDLOCK - Establishing a GRIDLOCK by passive means only. []
  478. SILENT RADAR - A radar that operates on the principle of frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) and is virtually undetectable by ESM by virtue of its very low radiated power and absence of pulses. [10:60] See also LOW PROBABILITY OF INTERCEPT (LPI) RADAR. NOTE: The power output of a silent radar is only a few watts vs. the tens of thousands of watts of peak power generated by conventional pulsed power radars.
  479. SILENT SOUND DEVICE - A NONLETHAL WEAPON consisting of a device which can transmit ultrasound signals which are understood by the brain but not detectable by the human ear. [] See also ACOUSTIC WEAPON. Compare with NEURO-ELECTROMAGNETIC DEVICE.
  480. SILICON ON INSULATOR (SOI) - A layered structure consisting of a relatively thin stratum of silicon -- from 50 nm to 100 µm, depending on the application -- in which circuitry is fabricated, separated from a supporting semiconductor substrate (typically silicon) by an insulating layer of silicon dioxide 80 nm to 1µm thick. [10:2603]
  481. SIMULATION PROGRAM with INTEGRATED CIRCUIT EMPHASIS (SPICE) - A circuit network simulation program. [10:2633]
  482. SIMULATIVE COMMUNICATION DECEPTION - That type of COMMUNICATION DECEPTION that consists of actions to simulate friendly, notional, or actual capabilities to mislead hostile forces. [Adapted from the definition of SIMULATIVE ELECTROMAGNETIC DECEPTION defined in 7:CJCS MOP 6; APPENDIX B]
  483. SIMULATIVE ELECTROMAGNETIC DECEPTION - That type of ELECTROMAGNETIC DECEPTION that consists of actions to simulate friendly, notional, or actual capabilities to mislead hostile forces. [7:CJCS MOP 6; APPENDIX B]
  484. SIMULATIVE ELECTRONIC DECEPTION - Actions to represent friendly notional or actual capabilities to mislead hostile forces. [1]
  485. SIMULTANEOUS LOBING - See MONOPULSE.
  486. SINGLE STATION LOCATION - The geographic position fixing of an emission source from a single detecting site. []
  487. SINUOUS COURSE CLOCK - A mechanical device positioned near the helm on the bridge of a ship. The device is associated with a number of cams of various shapes. When one of these cams is inserted in the sinuous course clock, it will rotate at a fixed rate, causing a pointer to move over a gyroscope repeater. The helmsman then adjusts the ship's rudder to maintain the position of the sinuous course clock's pointer at a fixed azimuth. [] See also ZIG-ZAG COURSE. NOTE: Use of the sinuous course clock causes the ship to vary its course continuously along a base course, thus making it difficult for a tracking submarine to compute a torpedo solution. In a multi-ship formation, the clocks are synchronized so that all ships maneuver together to maintain relative formation positions.
  488. SITUATIONAL AWARENESS (SA) - Knowledge of one's status relative to the threat in a tactical environment. []
  489. SITUATIONAL AWARENESS BEACON WITH REPLY (SABER) - A system which allows tactical commanders and shipborne and airborne platforms to locate and identify friendly forces. It can opt for either line-of-sight connectivity or satellite communications links enabling over-the-horizon operations. SABER taps the GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) for location data on each of its platforms. A miniature beacon package broadcasts location information as well as platform identifier data to SABER terminals. Since beacon traffic is two-way, the commander can tailor the position query rate to support operational needs. [10:2591] NOTE: Equipped with SABER, attacking aircraft sent into a battlespace can query the ground below to determine if any friendly forces are in the vicinity of their targets. Data from SABER-equipped units can be merged with other situational awareness systems such as the Army's enhanced position location reporting system (EPLRS).
  490. SITUATION AWARENESS FROM ENHANCED THREAT INFORMATION (SAFETI) - The real-time fusion of SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR (SAR) andSIGNALS INTELLIGENCE (SIGINT) data to provide enhanced intelligence products for precision targeting and target identification. [10:2637]
  491. SKAT SHELL - A NONLETHAL WEAPON shell capable of dispersing continuous tear smoke for crowd control. It releases multiple individual burning projectiles from a single cartridge. Each projectile burns for 30 seconds. Its effective range is more than 130 meters. []
  492. SKIN ECHO - See SKIN PAINT.
  493. SKIN PAINT - A radar indication caused by the reflected radar signal from an object. [1]
  494. SKIN RETURN - See SKIN PAINT.
  495. SKIN TRACKING - The tracking of an object by means of a skin paint. [1]
  496. SKIRT JAMMING - JAMMING a MONOPULSE radar at frequencies on the skirts of the response curve of the radar. [4:19] NOTE: The skirts of a frequency response curve are the ranges of frequencies above and below the intended frequency of radar reception, but within the detection range of the receiver.
  497. SKY WAVE - A radio wave propagated toward, and returning from, an IONOSPHERE. [3] Contrast with GROUND WAVE
  498. SLANT DISTANCE - (1) The distance between two points that are not at the same elevation. Used in contrast to ground distance. [3] (2) The line of sight distance between two points, nor at the same level relative to a specific distance. [1] Synonymous with SLANT RANGE.
  499. SLANT RANGE - See SLANT DISTANCE.
  500. SLEEP AGENT - See CALMATIVE AGENT.
  501. SLID - Acronym for SMALL LOW-COST INTERCEPTOR DEVICE, a FOCAL PLANE ARRAY INFRARED sensor-based TERMINAL DEFENSE system intended to kill incoming anti-armor missiles, and artillery and mortar rounds. The interceptor device is a ROLLING AIRFRAME MISSILE (RAM), approximately 21 inches long and 4 inches in diameter that incorporates impulse divert thrusters (i.e., positioning jets) for lateral maneuvering. The threat warning system, operating in the MID-INFRAREDwavelength, detects and hands over the target to the mid-infrared narrow FIELD-OF-VIEW (FOV) tracking system to place the crosshairs of the sight on the incoming weapon. Once the tracker acquires the threat, a bore-sighted LASER DESIGNATOR illuminates the target, and the interceptor missile is launched. The interceptor carries aLASER SEEKER in its nose to home on the designator's energy. [10:2583]
  502. SLOW WALKER - A military space mission, originally to detect and track aircraft afterburner emissions, then evolving to that of real-time detection of first-stage missile exhausts. [10:2509] See also FAST WALKER, JOGGER.
  503. SMALL AEROSTAT SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM (SASS) - An AEROSTAT mounted radar. The balloon is held in position by cables that come down to ground-based moorings. A umbilical cord is used to provide power to the radar and convey radar display data to the ground. [10:25]
  504. SMALL CRAFT ADVANCED TACTICAL RADAR (SCATR) - An Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) which creates a three-dimensional image of a target. This is done in real time to create a series of radar frames as the target moves in three dimensions. SCATR employs a software-based NEURAL NETWORK analysis system to identify major structural components and generate approximate line drawings to match the radar-generated silhouette. [10:2787]
  505. SMALL DIAMETER BOMB (SDB) - A Precision-Guided Munition (PGM) of smaller diameter than conventional bombs, thus enabling fighters and bombers to carry more bombs and attack more targets with fewer planes. [Govcon.com News - 10/01] Also called SMALL SMART BOMB (SSB). See also SWING WING ADAPTER KIT(SWAK). NOTE: The small diameter bomb is a Small Bomb System (SBS) and part of the Miniature Munition Capability Program.
  506. SMALL LOW-COST INTERCEPTOR DEVICE - See SLID.
  507. SMALL SMART BOMB (SSB) - See SMALL DIAMETER BOMB (SDB).
  508. SMART AIRCREW INTEGRATED LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM (SAILSS) - A system designed to monitor the pilot's physiological data (e.g., pulse and breathing rates, oxygen flow, brain wave and muscle activity) via sensors embedded in undergarments and the helmet. These data are used to adjust the life support equipment, including the antigravity, or "G", suit, and the normal and positive pressure-breathing oxygen systems for the G-force and flight altitude that the aircraft is experiencing. [10:2696]
  509. SMART AMMUNITION - A generic classification. Smart ammunition requires target designation by an auxiliary system either external or internal to the munition/ missile or delivery system. [10:19] Contrast with BRILLIANT AMMUNITION, DUMB AMMUNITION. NOTE: Examples of smart ammunition are laser beam riders and missiles which home in on laser designation or radar designation.
  510. SMART ARMOR - A form of ACTIVE ARMOR which uses sensors to detect a round as it hits and then determine its critical parameters. Embedded microprocessors then initiate the appropriate charge-momentum transfer to blunt the effectiveness of the incoming penetrator round or raises bars to break up the penetrator. [10:2719] See alsoELECTROMAGNETIC ARMOR, REACTIVE ARMOR.
  511. SMART BULLET - See BARREL-LAUNCHED ADAPTIVE MUNITION (BLAM).
  512. SMART CHAFF - CHAFF which is enhanced by external radiation or cross-section modulation. See also PASSIVE EXPENDABLES. [10:77]
  513. SMART CARD - A credit-card sized plastic card having an embedded semiconductor containing user information. The smart card employs an embedded read/write device that can decipher data within the card and add to that data by reading and storing data as the card is being used. Also called INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CARD. [10:2479] See also MEMORY CARD, MICROPROCESSOR CARD.
  514. SMART DUST - A collection of MICROELECTOMECHANICAL SYSTEMS (MEMS) wired up to form a simple computer contained in a "mote", light enough to remain suspended in air (like dust), buoyed by the currents. Each mote contains a solar-powered thick film battery, a GPS receiver and various sensors and is able to communicate with other motes and control stations using optical transceivers. [10:2907] Also called DIGITAL DUST. NOTE: Smart dust has potential for use in locations which are hazardous to humans, including space and hostile military areas.
  515. SMART FLUID - A fluid which will instantly turn solid with no change in temperature when an electric current is passed through it, and which will again liquefy when the current is removed. [10:44]
  516. SMART JAMMER - A JAMMER having extensive signal-analysis capability to provide for efficient use of jamming resources. [5:7] NOTE: A smart jammer features accurate frequency measurement, precise direction-of-arrival information, breaking of spread spectrum codes, nearly instantaneous following of frequency hopping patterns, determination of modulation types, encryption techniques, data format, diversity technique and combining method, and knowledge of any multiple access scheme used by the target radar.
  517. SMART MATERIALS - See SMART STRUCTURES.
  518. SMART MATTER - See SMART STRUCTURES.
  519. SMART METALS - Special metals, formed with chemical additives or blended in a particular form, used to control certain activities while allowing legitimate ones. For example, a metal designed to perform satisfactorily in a legitimate chemical plant might be designed to fail or emit tell-tale signs to inspectors if the plant is used for other purposes. [10:2754]
  520. SMART MINE - A mine which self-destructs after a preset period of time. [] Contrast with DUMB MINE.
  521. SMART MUNITION - A "many-on-many" munition with a minimal target selection capability that does not require an operator in the loop. [12] Contrast withBRILLIANT MUNITION and GUIDED MUNITION. NOTE: There are two prime categories of SMART MUNITIONS: terminally guided ("hit-to-kill") and sensor fuzed ("shoot-to-kill").
  522. SMART OPTICS - Gradient refractive index (GRIN) material used to bend, join, divide, direct and guide light beams in a predictable, integrated manner. [10:89]
  523. SMART POWER SUPPLY - An ECM system power supply which matches the output power to the requirements of the incoming threat. []
  524. SMART SENSOR - Sensors which merge electronic data processing with the sensing devices. See also BIOMETRIC DEVICE. [10:44] NOTE: SMART SENSORS include multisensors, which handle inputs from two or more sensors simultaneously, and vision-based sensors for positioning, inspection, and identification.
  525. SMART SENSOR-FUZED WEAPON - A generic term for a SMART WEAPON class of munitions to exploit armor penetration techniques to overcome ACTIVE ARMORand reactive armor. Such munitions can search for targets, and possess fragment generators to produce the number of fragments most effective against the type of target detected. These fragments can then be steered to the target. [10:2668]
  526. SMART SKIN - A vehicle (e.g., aircraft) surface composed of various sensors embedded into composite material. [] See also CONFORMAL ANTENNA, CONFORMAL AVIONICS, EMBEDDED AVIONICS. NOTE: Smart skin contains, in effect, a nervous system consisting of sensing systems, such as fiber-optic sensors, to monitor and measure vibrations, temperature, strain, chemical activity, impact energy, magnetic anomalies, acceleration, and acoustic emissions. In aircraft, smart skins provide real-time measurements and reports to aircraft crews of the aircraft structural integrity.
  527. SMART SLEEVE - A system of embedded sensors and active elements employed in torpedoes to reduce the noise caused by torpedo movement through the water, which can interfere with the weapon's sensors. The objective is the ability of a torpedo to cancel vibrations caused by boundary layer turbulence before they reach the torpedo's sonar sensor. [10:2798]
  528. SMART STRUCTURES - Structures made of composite materials which can be programmed to deform as required to achieve certain aerodynamic, vibration, or acoustic characteristics. [10:2592*] Smart structures can sense external stimuli and respond with active controls in REAL or NEAR-REAL TIME. Typical smart structures, or materials, include SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS. [10:2604] NOTE: Applications of SMART STRUCTURES (or SMART MATTER) include miniature air valves that can exert small changes in air flow (e.g., to move paper quickly in copiers) and microscopic tuning forks to perform jet engine diagnosis [10:2617]
  529. SMART WEAPON - A weapon system which can automatically detect and classify its target and which can then automatically decide to attack it and execute the attack. [] See also AUTONOMOUS TARGET RECOGNITION.
  530. SMART WIRE - A wire and cable testing system which continuously monitors the cable's health and corrects faults as they occur. One envisioned system would include aFrequency Domain Reflectometer (FDR), on-board processor, environmental sensor, and wireless communications system integrated into a single miniaturized unit, hundreds of which could be embedded in the wiring system (of an aircraft, for example). [10:2871] See also REFLECTOMETRY.
  531. SMELL SEEKER - An electronic device which can provide guidance for a weapon to home in on the aroma or scent of a given target. [10:2751] NOTE: This relates to Air Force 2025 concept #900567 called "I Can Smell You".
  532. SMOKELESS STUN GRENADE - A NONLETHAL WEAPON consisting of a grenade which produces a deafening blast, but with little smoke so that visibility of the user will not be impaired. [10:2745]
  533. SNEAKERNET - A humorous reference to the method of data transfer between computers by which data are placed on a removable media (disk, tape, . . . ) at the host computer, which are then removed and carried to another computer to be copied there. [] NOTE: Sneaker implies the notion that the operator would be putting on his or her sneakers in order to carry the media from the current station to its destination.
  534. SNIFFER - A generic term for computer programs which allow individuals to gather information regarding the status of the components of a network system. [] See alsoPACKET SNIFFER.
  535. SNIFFING - An ECCM technique used on tunable radars. The RF bandwidth for an ensuing series of radar transmissions is monitored to determine if jamming or interference is present in order to determine whether a successful radar transmission can be made at that frequency. [] See also FREQUENCY AGILITY.
  536. SNIPER ACOUSTIC DETECTION SENSOR (SADS) - A real-time acoustic system to detect, identify and localize sniper firing at ranges to 3,000 feet. The system may be carried by a single soldier and yields bearing accuracy of 3° in azimuth and 10° in elevation. [10:2719]
  537. SNOW - (1) In air intercept, a term meaning SWEEP JAMMING. [1] (2) In video display systems, noise that is uniformly distributed in a spotty or mottled fashion on a screen, such as a radar or television screen. The speckled background is caused by random noise on an intensity-modulated CATHODE RAY TUBE (CRT) display. [10:14] (3) The effect on a radio or radar screen that is caused by sweep jamming and that has a uniformly crosshatched or speckled appearance. [10:14]
  538. SOFT KILL - (1) Temporary disruption of the victim's equipment in order to seriously compromise that system's operation in critical areas. (2) The rendering of a weapon harmless to its intended target through use of non-destructive EW techniques. [] NOTE: After a SOFT KILL with respect to a target, the weapon may yet pose a threat to some other potential target.Contrast with FIRM KILL, HARD KILL.
  539. SOFT KILL WEAPON SYSTEM (SKWS) - A naval multi-purpose DECOY launcher system designed to handle various types of decoys that protect the unit against incoming missiles and torpedoes. SKWS uses an algorithm to optimally select the launch tube with the appropriate decoy to counter a sudden upcoming threat. []
  540. SOFT RAG - A NONLETHAL WEAPON consisting of a rubber bullet fired from an M-16 assault rifle. It is designed to knock an individual to the ground upon impact. [10:2759]
  541. SOFTCOPY - Digital imagery processed by computers for high resolution display on color monitors. []
  542. SOFTWARE - A set of computer programs, procedures and associated documentation concerned with the operation of a data processing system, e.g. compilers, library routines, manuals, circuit diagrams. [1]
  543. SOFTWARE AGENT - See AGENT.
  544. SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE - The structure and relationships among the components of a computer program. The software architecture may also include the program's interface with its operational environment. [10:33] Synonymous with PROGRAM ARCHITECTURE. See also ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN.
  545. SOFTWARE DEFINED RADIO (SDR) - A radio which provides SOFTWARE control of its functions, such as wide- or narrow-band operation, MODULATIONtechniques, security functions (such as FREQUENCY HOPPING), and other functions. []
  546. SOFTWARE STORMING - A method based on the brainstorming problem- solving technique to rapidly produce software prototypes. [10:108]
  547. SOLAR BLIND - The part of the spectrum (in the ultraviolet range) which is almost completely absorbed by the earth's ozone layer. []
  548. SOLAR ENERGY OPTICAL WEAPON (SEOW) - A constellation of space-based mirrors which allow solar radiation to be focused on specific ground, air, or space targets. [USAF 2025 Study] NOTE: The lethality of this system is limited due to optical diffusion; however, it may have potential for disruption or weather control.
  549. SOLAR SUNRISE - A term assigned to a set of INFORMATION SECURITY (INFOSEC) incidents consisting of intrusion attempts into DoD computer and network systems using a multi-faceted, organized approach that targeted many U.S. services and scientific sites. [10:2763] See also MOONLIGHT MAZE.
  550. SOLDIER INTEGRATED PROTECTIVE ENSEMBLE (SIPE) - A clothing and helmet system with microclimate control and enhanced sensory capabilities. [10:109]
  551. SOLDIER-MACHINE INTERFACE (SMI) - Considerations, through systems analysis and psychophysiology of equipment designs and operational concepts, to insure that they are compatible with capabilities and limitations of operators and maintenance personnel. [] Synonymous with SOLDIER-MATERIEL INTERFACE, SOLDIER-MATERIEL INTERACTION.
  552. SOLDIER-MATERIEL INTERACTION - See SOLDIER-MACHINE INTERFACE.
  553. SOLDIER-MATERIEL INTERFACE - See SOLDIER-MACHINE INTERFACE.
  554. SOLITON - A pulse with a certain ratio of intensity and width, whose shape is maintained by the balance of negative group dispersion and the self-phase modulation arising from the Kerr nonlinearity (i.e., the change in a medium's index of refraction caused by intense optical radiation). In a transmission line, such as silicon dioxide glass optical fiber, solitons can propagate essentially without distortion over long distances. [10:129]
  555. SONAR - A sonic device used primarily for the detection and location of underwater objects. (This term is derived from the words "SOund Navigation And Ranging"). [1]
  556. SONATA - A SPACE AND ELECTRONIC WARFARE (SEW) collective term for the following three themes underlying SEW: WELTANSCHAUUNG, COPERNICUS ARCHITECTURE, and CROESUS STRATEGIES. [10:2505]
  557. SONIC BULLET - A NONLETHAL ACOUSTIC WEAPON which propels packets of sonic energy toward the target. [10:2754] See also ACOUSTIC BULLET. NOTE: The Russians apparently have a portable device that can propel a 10-Hertz sonic packet the size of a baseball hundreds of yards.
  558. SONOBUOY - A sonar device used to detect submerged submarines which when activated relays information by radio. It may be active directional or non-directional, or it may be passive directional or nondirectional. [1]
  559. SOPSMAN - See SPACE OPERATIONS SCHEDULING & MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
  560. SOUND NAVIGATION AND RANGING - See SONAR.
  561. SOUND SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM (SOSUS) - An integrated system of hydrophones located on the ocean floor. [] NOTE: SOSUS is designed to detect acoustic emissions from passing submarines.
  562. SOURCE-REGION ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE (SREMP) - An intense gamma-ray pulse from a nuclear explosion. The SREMP strips electrons from air molecules. These electrons create a strong current in the air that induces a return current through the ground, local currents within military hardware, and magnetic fields. Subsequent gamma rays from the explosion pulse the magnetic field, producing strong local ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES. [10:2647]
  563. SOUTH BRIDGE - A circuit in a computer chip which connects the central processing unit (CPU) to the Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) BUS, Universal System Bus (USB), "plug-n-play", keyboard controller, mouse controller, power management, etc.... [] Also called SOUTHBRIDGE CHIP. Contrast with NORTH BRIDGE.
  564. SPACE AND ELECTRONIC COMBAT (SEC) - Military action to seize control of that portion of the ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM required for achieving a military objective, while simultaneously denying the adversary use of whatever portion of the electromagnetic spectrum he might seek to employ to counter friendly forces. [] See also ELECTRONIC WARFARE, RADIO-ELECTRONIC BATTLE MANAGEMENT.
  565. SPACE AND ELECTRONIC WARFARE (SEW) - The surveillance, neutralization or destruction of enemy targets and the enhancement of friendly force battle management through the integrated employment and exploitation of the electromagnetic spectrum and the medium of space. It encompasses all the measures that are employed to: (1) Coordinate, correlate, fuse and employ aggregate communications, surveillance, reconnaissance, data, correlation, classification, targeting, and electromagnetic attack capabilities; (2) Deny, deceive, disrupt, destroy or exploit the enemy's capability to communicate, surveil, reconnoiter, classify, target and attack; (3) Direct and control employment of friendly forces. [DoD presentation, 12/7/90] Alternate definition: (a) As warfare, the destruction or neutralization of enemy SEW targets. (b) As warfare support, the enhancement of friendly force battle management through the integrated employment and exploitation of the electromagnetic spectra and the medium of space. It encompasses measures that are employed to: Coordinate, correlate, fuse, and employ active and passive systems to optimize individual and aggregate communication, surveillance, reconnaissance, data correlation, classification, targeting and electromagnetic attack capabilities; Destroy, deny, degrade, confuse, or deceive the enemy's capabilities to communicate, sense, reconnoiter, classify, target, and direct an attack; and Direct and control the employment of friendly forces and the information necessary to provide for the administration and support of those forces. [10:2505] See also ELECTRONIC WARFARE.
  566. SPACE AND ELECTRONIC WARFARE DISCIPLINES - SEW comprises the following warfare and warfare support disciplines: SEW Warfare Disciplines:OPERATIONAL DECEPTION, COUNTER-SURVEILLANCE, ELECTRONIC COMBAT. SEW Warfare Support Disciplines: OPERATIONAL SECURITY,SURVEILLANCE, C4I; and SIGNALS MANAGEMENT. [10:2505] See also SPACE AND ELECTRONIC WARFARE.
  567. SPACE-BASED WIDE AREA SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM (SB-WASS) - A surveillance system for tracking ships and aircraft on a global basis, using either activeRADAR or passive INFRARED (IR) sensors, or both. []
  568. SPACE DEFENSE INTERFACE NETWORK (SDIN) - The Space Defense Interface Network (SDIN) provides the Space Surveillance C3 Interface via the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) and non-DSCS leased data/voice communications that link Cheyenne Mountain's Space Defense Operations Center (SPADOC) to worldwide sensor sites and satellite owners/operators. [10:2804]
  569. SPACE DETECTION AND TRACKING SYSTEM (SPADATS) - A system capable of detecting and tracking space vehicles from the earth, and reporting the orbital characteristics of these vehicles to a central control facility. [1] See also SPASUR. NOTE: SPADATS includes the SPACE SURVEILLANCE NETWORK (SSN) and SPASUR.
  570. SPACE LATTICE PASSIVE REPEATER (SLPR) - A passive (i.e., unpowered) device used to re-direct and amplify radio wave propagation. [] See also PASSIVE REPEATER. NOTE: SLPRs are used to redirect digital RF transmissions within structures (e.g., around corners), to improve cellular communications from vehicles, and to extend the range of transmission around buildings and other obstacles.
  571. SPACE MANEUVER VEHICLE (SMV) - A small reusable unmanned spacecraft designed to support a variety of military space missions. [] NOTE: SMV missions range from satellite deployment to terrestrial and on-orbit support.
  572. SPACE MINE - An anti-satellite (ASAT) satellite intended to reside near its assigned target satellite, either covertly or overtly, and designed to maintain a strict position near its target by possessing identical orbital parameters. [5.8] Also called NEARSAT. Compare with HYBRID SPACE MINE. NOTE: The space mine poses a continual threat to its victim satellite because it may be activated at any time on signal.
  573. SPACE OPERATIONS SCHEDULING & MANAGEMENT (SOPSMAN) SYSTEM - SOPSMAN is an automated system for real-time, optimal spacecraft control network scheduling and analysis. It can (2001) optimally schedule 165 network antennas to give 1000 commands to 250 spacecraft in less than 30 seconds on a Pentium II class PC with a Windows 98, 2000, or NT operating system and MS Office running in the background. [NASA RFP]
  574. SPACE OPERATIONS VEHICLE (SOV) - A space-access lift vehicle, probably to be vertically launched, that can lift a payload into space on demand without a long lead time. The reusable craft would have a turnaround time of one day or less. [10:2864]
  575. SPACE SURVEILLANCE NETWORK (SSN) - A network of 25 sites worldwide of U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force operated ground-based radars and optical sensors. [] NOTE: SSN, along with the Naval SPACE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM (SPASUR), is part of the SPACE DETECTION AND TRACKING SYSTEM(SPADATS).
  576. SPADATS - See SPACE DETECTION AND TRACKING SYSTEM .
  577. SPASUR - An orbital space surveillance system with the mission to detect and determine the orbital elements of all man-made objects in orbit of earth. The mission is accomplished by means of a continuous wave energy beamed vertically across the continental United States and an associated computer facility. It is the Navy portion of the North American Air Defense Command Space Detection And Tracking System (SPADATS). [1] SPASUR employs a BISTATIC RADAR consisting of three transmitter sites and six receiver sites and an operational control center. The transmitters illuminate the target and the signal is reflected back to the separately-located receivers. The observations from two or more receivers are combined to calculate the position of the target. [10:2645] NOTES: (1) Transmitter antennas may be as much as two miles in length. NAVSPASUR was assigned to SPADATS under operational control of CINCNORAD in February 1961, and is currently (1999) an integral component of the US Space Command Detection and Tracking System. (2) The NAVSPASUR transmitters and receivers form an electronic "fence" across the southern United States. It extends from Georgia to California (4,800 km), 1,600 km off each coast, and 24,100 km into space. The NAVSPASUR fence provides continuous surveillance and unalerted detection, warning and tracking of low-to-medium orbit space objects. [10:2804] Also called NAVAL SPACE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM (NAVSPASUR).
  578. SPATIAL ALLOCATION - In EMISSION CONTROL, the allocation of active (radiating) or passive (search) sectors of responsibility in space and time to concentrate radiated energy, reduce interference, maximize search coverage, or achieve some other objective. [] Contrast with SPECTRUM ALLOCATION.
  579. SPECIAL FUNCTION MATERIALS - That category of MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY which addresses those materials such as high-temperature lubricants, hydraulic fluids, anti-fouling coatings required for U.S. military hardware to operate reliably at superior levels of performance. [12]
  580. SPECIALIZED DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER LINE (xDSL) - A modulation technique that exploits unused bandwidth in copper cables. []
  581. SPECIAL MATERIAL - See PYROPHORIC MATERIAL.
  582. SPECIAL-MATERIAL DECOY (SMD) - An INFRARED (IR) DECOY consisting of PYROPHORIC metal (i.e., Special Material) in an airtight sealed package mounted on the aircraft dispenser. The IR payload packet seal contains an integral tear strip that is attached to a drag device called a "sail". When released into the airstream the sail acts as a parachute which generates a drag force that tears open the seal of the payload packet, allowing the pyrophoric payload to be released into the airstream and dispersed aerodynamically as HOT CHAFF in the same manner as other types of CHAFF. []
  583. SPECIAL WEAPONS EMERGENCY SEPARATION SYSTEM (SWESS) - A SALVAGE FUZE that automatically detonates (below a preset altitude) armed (nuclear) weapons over enemy territory in the event the carrying aircraft and/or crew become incapacitated during a combat mission. [10:2779] Also called DEAD MAN'S SWITCH. NOTE: The Soviets had a similar system called "Dead Hand".
  584. SPECKLE - See LASER SPECKLE.
  585. SPECKLE TRACKING - A radar technique used to measure a target's angular dynamics. [10:2504]
  586. SPECTRA RECOGNITION - Target analysis through use of pattern recognition techniques to identify jamming modulations, JET ENGINE MODULATION, and true Doppler. [10:2446]
  587. SPECTRAL DIVERSITY - That attribute of a device that allows it to operate in two or more SPECTRAL REGIONS (e.g., IR and RF). []
  588. SPECTRAL REFLECTANCE - The ratio of the reflected radiant power to the incident radiant power at a particular wave-length, or within a small band of wave-lengths about a particular wavelength. [3]
  589. SPECTRAL REGION - A band of frequencies having common characteristics relating both to the physics and sources of radiation and the technology needed for sensing the radiation. The spectral regions are: Acoustic (1 Hz - 10kHz); RF (LF through EHF, MMW); Infrared; Visible Light; Ultraviolet Light; Nuclear Particles; and Non-Nuclear Particles. [5:2]
  590. SPECTRAL SIGNATURE - Characteristic radiation in the SPECTRAL REGION by an object. []
  591. SPECTROZONAL PHOTOGRAPHY - A photographic technique whereby the natural spectral emissions of all objects are selectively filtered in order to image only those objects within a particular spectral band or zone and eliminate unwanted background. [1]
  592. SPECTRUM - See ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM.
  593. SPECTRUM ALLOCATION - In EMISSION CONTROL, the assignment of active (radiating) or passive (search) responsibilities in specific bands or regions of theELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM - to reduce the possibility of detection, or maximize search coverage, for example. [] Contrast with SPATIAL ALLOCATION.
  594. SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT - Planning, coordinating, and managing joint use of the ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM through operational, engineering, and administrative procedures, with the objective of enabling electronic systems to perform their functions in the intended environment without causing or suffering unacceptable interference. [7:CJCS MOP 6, APPENDIX B]
  595. SPECULAR REFLECTION - Reflection from a smooth surface. [3] Contrast with DIFFUSE REFLECTION.
  596. SPIDER - A type of software robot, or BOT, which searches the Internet for documents and their HYPERLINKS to associated UNIVERSAL RESOURCE LOCATORS(URLs). It retrieves information to build a database or index related to the word or phrase which generated the search. Also called CRAWLER, WANDERER, WEB SPIDER. [] NOTE: Spiders may retrieve large amounts of the located documents, titles only, or perform other tasks, such as validating references, etc....
  597. SPIN ELECTRONICS - See MAGNETOELECTRONICS
  598. SPINTRONICS - See MAGNETOELECTRONICS
  599. SPONGE GRENADE - A NONLETHAL WEAPON which marks its target with dye contained in the sponge. [10:2745]
  600. SPOOFER - A platform employing ELECTRONIC DECEPTION or tactical deception measures. []
  601. SPOOFING - Deceiving - spoofing generally refers to tricking the adversary into believing false information. [] LISTEN to Crypto Spoofing. LISTEN to Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) Spoofing.
  602. SPOT JAMMING - See NARROWBAND JAMMING.
  603. SPOT NOISE JAMMING - See NARROWBAND JAMMING.
  604. SPRAY-ON ANTENNA - A metal or carbon-based paint which is sprayed over a template having an antenna pattern on it, onto a surface (e.g., plastic form, wall, window, tent, etc.). [10:2895] NOTE: A transparent paint may be used so that the antenna is unobtrusive, or must be transparent, such as on a windshield.
  605. SPREAD SPECTRUM - (1) A modulation technique for multiple access, or for increasing immunity to noise and interference. [3] (2) A generic term for techniques which employ a bandwidth for transmission larger than theoretically needed to send information and which employ an independent spreading code for controlling the bandwidth spreading. [4:13] (3) Any modulation scheme that produces a spectrum for the transmitted signal much wider than the bandwidth of the information to be transmitted independently of the bandwidth of the information baring signal. [10:2576] Examples of SPREAD SPECTRUM are DIRECT SEQUENCE SPREADING, FREQUENCY HOPPING, andTIME HOPPING.
  606. SPUR - Harmonics generated by digital RF memories (DRFMs) in its digitizing process. [10:110] NOTE: Spurs are detectable and recognizable as outputs of DRFMs.
  607. Sputnik - The world's first artificial satellite. It was spherical in shape, with four antennas about 8-9 feet in length, 23 inches in diameter, and weighed 183.4 lbs. It circled the globe every 96 minutes at a speed of 18,000 mph for 92 days until January 4, 1958, when it re-entered the atmosphere and burned up. [10:2578]
  608. STACKED BEAM RADAR - A RADAR that forms two or more simultaneous beams at the same azimuth but at different elevation angles. The beams are usually contiguous or partly overlapping. Each stacked beam feeds an independent receiver. [3]
  609. STANDARD GENERALIZED MARKUP LANGUAGE (SGML) - An early form of the HYPERTEXT MARKUP LANGUAGE (HTML). []
  610. STANDFORWARD JAMMING - An ECM tactic where the jamming platform is positioned between the hostile missile system and the protected friendly forces. [8] Contrast with COLINEARITY.
  611. STAND-IN EW SUPPORT - Mission support in which EW platforms remain in friendly territory or air space just outside the enemy border or combat zone. [10:127*] Contrast with DIRECT EW SUPPORT, STAND-OFF EW SUPPORT.
  612. STANDING WAVE REFLECTOMETRY (SWR) - A REFLECTOMETRY technique using sine waves. SWR sends a sine wave down the wire; a reflected sine wave is returned from the end of the wire and the two signals add to form a standing wave on the line. The peaks and nulls of this standing wave provide information on the length and termination load on the cable; a healthy cable's wave pattern will differ from that of a line with an open or short circuit. [10:2871] See also SMART WIRE,FREQUENCY DOMAIN REFLECTOMETRY (FDR), and TIME-DOMAIN REFLECTOMETRY (TDR).
  613. STAND-OFF EW SUPPORT - Mission support in which EW platforms remain in friendly territory at some distance greater than that for STAND-IN EW SUPPORT. [10:127*]
  614. STAND-OFF JAMMING SUPPORT - That part of TARGET AREA JAMMING SUPPORT in which the jamming aircraft remains in friendly territory, a safe distance from enemy fire. [10:2521] Contrast with CLOSE-IN JAMMING SUPPORT. See also AREA JAMMING SUPPORT, CORRIDOR JAMMING SUPPORT, DIRECT JAMMING SUPPORT, STANDOFF JAMMING (SOJ).
  615. STANDOFF JAMMING (SOJ) - A SUPPORT ECM TACTIC where the JAMMING is effected by escort vehicles rather than by the platform to be protected. The escort vehicles frequently stand off at a distance from the target, out of range of the target defenses. [4:7] See also CLOSE SUPPORT JAMMING.
  616. STARFLASH STUN GRENADE - A NONLETHAL WEAPON which produces a loud blast, an intense flash of light and produces a shower of white-hot sparkles. [10:2745]
  617. STARING DETECTOR - A detector that maintains a constant vigil over the area in which it is pointed. Sometimes called a FOCAL PLANE ARRAY (FPA). [10:16] Contrast with SCANNING DETECTOR. NOTE: The staring detector brings the advantage of few, if any, moving parts and continuous coverage of the field of view (FOV). It depends upon a mosaic of detector elements placed at the focal plane of the optical system and "sees" the complete scene in a single view. This arrangement produces a spatial as well as temporal differentiation of the target and thus produces more data for possible target identification and clutter rejection. [10:2574]
  618. STEALTH TECHNIQUES - Techniques which enhance the ability of a platform or weapon to pass imperceptibly through areas protected by sensors and weapons systems. [] Synonymous with LOW OBSERVABLES TECHNIQUES. See also OBSERVABLES.
  619. STEALTHY SHIP ANTENNA - See MULTIFUNCTION ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATING SYSTEM (MERS).
  620. STEGANOGRAPHY - The art and science of communicating in a way which hides the existence of the communication. [10:2712] NOTE: Steganography attempts to hide messages inside other harmless messages in such a way that third parties cannot detect the existence of the concealed message.
  621. STEPPING ROUND - A mortar-launched DECOY device which produces a sequential blooming of INFRARED (IR) (or DISTRACTION CHAFF) clouds in order to simulate a moving target and SEDUCE enemy rounds away from the launching platform (usually a ship). See the figure below. []
  622. STEPPING ROUND
  623.  
  624. Source: Chemring Countermeasures
  625.  
  626. STEREOLITHOGRAPHY - A process which generates plastic forms or parts directly from CAD/CAM/CAE data. [10:111] See also SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING.
  627. STEREOSCOPIC TRACKING - Target tracking through simultaneous use of data from two or more sensors. []
  628. STICKY FOAM - A NONLETHAL WEAPON consisting of polymer agents that will hopelessly stick a person to anything. [10:2754] NOTE: Sticky foam is also used to reinforce obstacles.
  629. STICKY SHOCKER® - A NONLETHAL WEAPON consisting of wireless, self-contained projectile that contains a battery pack and associated electronics that can impart a short burst of high-voltage pulse to disable a human target temporarily (e.g., a few minutes). NOTE: The projectile is encased in a sticky substance, similar to STICKY FOAM, which causes it to stick to its target, and contains barbs that can penetrate thick clothing and leather in order to bring the electrodes near the skin. [Jaycor press release - 2001 http://www.jaycor.com/eme/sticky.htm ]
  630. STING NET - A NONLETHAL WEAPON which launches two projectiles connected by a tether which, upon contact, immobilizes the targeted individual(s). [10:2745]
  631. STINGBAG - A NONLETHAL WEAPON gun round consisting of a cloth bag containing a small amount (1-oz.) of lead shot. [10:2745]
  632. STINGBALL STUN IMPACT GRENADE - A NONLETHAL WEAPON consisting of a hand-thrown spherical grenade which produces a loud blast and a bright flash of light while dispersing 100 soft rubber, marble-sized stingballs. [10:2732] NOTE: The stingball stun impact grenade can be configured to also release a quantity of CS tear gas.
  633. STINGSHOT - A NONLETHAL WEAPON gun round loaded with rubber projectiles (either 18 pellets, 3 balls, or a rubber rocket). [10:2745]
  634. STOVEPIPE -
  635. (1) An EW acquisition community group. The five stovepipes are warfighters, acquisition and program management staff, industry, developmental testers, and operational testers. [10:2579]
  636. (2) A non-integrated system in which data flows vertically, i.e., intrasystem versus intersystem, or within a department, or independent acquisition program, or a system designed to engage a specific threat, not crossing boundaries with other systems. [] NOTE: Although it is generally thought that stovepipes should be supplanted by integrated systems, it may be more effective, at times, to employ a stovepipe; for example a mission-critical system that should not integrate across culturally different (such as highly differing security classification levels) or fiercely independent systems having their own budgets, constituencies, and LEGACY systems.
  637. STOVEPIPE STABILIZER - A mechanical configuration of two solid cylindrical trapezoids to produce a variable elevation coverage for a rotating radar antenna. [8]
  638. STOVEPIPE SYSTEM - An intelligence system characterized by a vertical organization for collecting, processing, analyzing & disseminating a single category of intelligence without integrating other types of intelligence into the final product. [10:2309]
  639. STRATEGIC ECM - The use of ECM equipment and techniques by strategic platforms to increase probability of strategic mission success. [10:38]
  640. STRATEGIC ELECTRONIC INTELLIGENCE (STRATEGIC ELINT) - ELINT relating to a) establishing the state-of-the-art in the threat; b) movement of a significant emitter or emitters; or c) defining the direction of ECM research and development programs. [10:59] Contrast with TACTICAL ELECTRONIC INTELLIGENCE.
  641. STRATEGIC MILITARY DECEPTION - MILITARY DECEPTION planned and executed to result in foreign national policies and actions which support the originator's national objectives, policies, and strategic military plans. Strategic Military Deception is a category of Military Deception. [1] Contrast with TACTICAL MILITARY DECEPTION. See also DECEPTION, DEPARTMENT / SERVICE MILITARY DECEPTION.
  642. STRATEGIC WARNING - A warning prior to the initiation of a threatening act. [1] Contrast with TACTICAL WARNING.
  643. STRATEGY - The art and science of developing and using political, economic, psychological, and military forces during peace and war, to afford the maximum support to policies, in order to increase the probabilities and favorable consequences of victory and to lessen the chances of defeat. [1]
  644. STREAK-TUBE IMAGING LIDAR (STIL) - An underwater mine detection system carried by underwater vehicles and used to gather high resolution 3-dimensional imagery of the ocean bottom to detect and identify man-made objects. [] NOTE: The STIL uses a pulsed blue-green LASER and a fixed cylindrical lens to project a fan-shaped beam beneath the vehicle onto the ocean floor. Conventional optics image the illuminated stripe onto a slit photocathode of the streak tube and further processing produce 2-D and 3-D images for analysis. [12.1]
  645. STREAM - Dispensing of CHAFF (solid/random interval/bursts). [1]
  646. STRIKE WARFARE (STW) - Attack by aircraft and ships, not in direct support of amphibious operations, against enemy land targets, including ships and water craft in harbors and anchorages, and aircraft and other vehicles on the ground. []
  647. STRIPING - A method for spreading data across multiple disks. [10:124] See also REDUNDANT ARRAYS OF INEXPENSIVE DISKS.
  648. STRIPLINE DEVICE - A CONFORMAL ANTENNA consisting of a sandwich of three parallel conducting layers separated by two thin dielectric substrates, the center conductor of which is analogous to the center conductor of a coaxial transmission line. If the center conductor couples to a resonant slot cut orthogonally (i.e., at right angles to) in the upper conductor, the device is said to be a stripline radiator. [10:54] Contrast with MICROSTRIP ANTENNA. See also CONFORMAL ANTENNA ARRAY,DOUBLY CONFORMAL ANTENNA, SHARED-APERTURE ANTENNA.
  649. STRUCTURAL MATERIALS - That category of MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY which addresses a broad range of materials classes used for the fabrication of military systems. This category is subdivided into (1) high-strength materials, which encompass those materials used for fabrication of military vehicles of virtually every shape and description, and (2) high-temperature materials, which are used primarily for propulsion purposes and hypersonic airframes. [12]
  650. STUB NETWORK - A NETWORK which carries PACKETS to and from local hosts. Even if it has paths to more than one other network, a stub network does not carry traffic for the other networks. [10:2736] See also BACKBONE, MID-LEVEL NETWORK, TRANSIT NETWORK.
  651. STUN DISTRACTION DEVICE - A NONLETHAL WEAPON which produces a bright light and a loud noise, enabling the user to confuse, disorient and momentarily distract a potentially threatening individual or group. [10:2745]
  652. SUB-LETHAL WEAPON - See NONLETHAL WEAPON.
  653. SUBMARINE LAUNCHED MOBILE MINE (SLMM) - A submarine-laid bottom mine consisting basically of a modified torpedo. SLMM is intended for use in areas inaccessible to other mine deployment techniques, or for covert mining of hostile environments. ( See logo ) [Navy CHINFO press release] See also CAPTOR andQUICKSTRIKE.
  654. SUBMUNITION BMD COUNTERMEASURES - Techniques to overwhelm ballistic missile defenses by creating multiple warheads which would be dispensed by the missile at the end of a powered flight, or by the use of multiple, independently-targeted reentry vehicles (MIRVs). [10:2609] See also EVASIVE MANEUVERS BMD COUNTERMEASURES, FALSE-TARGET BMD COUNTERMEASURES, SHROUDING BMD COUNTERMEASURES, TRAJECTORY BMD COUNTERMEASURES.
  655. SUPERBARRICADE - A rocket-propelled cargo-launch system with fixed or trainable aiming. A typical system consists of a bridge display unit, a computer to calculate optimum launch patterns based on inputs from the vessel's log, gyro, wind measurement, and ESM systems. Superbarricade can launch either infrared decoys (FLAREs) or radar DECOYs (CHAFF), as well as torpedoes and limited hard-kill rounds. Superbarricade receives its CUEING automatically from an external ESM system and can react by firing the protective decoys in as little as 150 milliseconds. [10:2669]
  656. SUPER CAUSTICS Acid agents that can be stored in harmless binary form. They can be used against weapons, tires, roads, roofs, optical systems, or even shoes. [] NOTE: A super caustic may be considered a NONLETHAL WEAPON if used to deny human contact.
  657. SUPERCONDUCTING QUANTUM INTERFERENCE DEVICE (SQUID) - A device which, together with signal-processing techniques, is used to detect sea mines on the seabed or buried in the seabed. SQUID calculates the position of the sea mine based on the distortion of the earth's magnetic field caused by metallic objects on or in the ocean floor. [12.1]
  658. SUPERCONDUCTIVITY - A property of a material that is characterized by zero electric resistivity and, ideally, zero permeability. [3] NOTE: Superconductivity is a phenomenon in which the electrical resistance of a substance ceases. When discovered in 1911, superconductivity occurred only at extremely low temperatures - a few degrees above absolute zero. Recently, however, superconductivity has been demonstrated at much higher temperatures, and scientists are searching for room-temperature superconductors.
  659. SUPER HIGH-POWER LASER (SHPL) - A LASER capable of delivering output energy exceeding 1 kiloJoule within 50 milliseconds, or having an average or CW power exceeding 20 kiloWatts. [12]
  660. SUPPORT ECM TACTIC - JAMMING tactics which include STANDFORWARD JAMMING, STANDOFF JAMMING (ESCORT JAMMING), and ACCOMPANYING JAMMING. []
  661. SUPPORT ECM TECHNIQUE - An ECM technique used by a support platform to protect another platform from electronic systems external to both the protected and support platforms. [] Contrast with SELF-SCREENING ECM.
  662. SUPPORT JAMMING - (1) The JAMMING of hostile electronic systems by a platform in order to protect other friendly vehicles. (2) The accompanying of a jamming aircraft with strike aircraft into an enemy target area. [8] Contrast with SELF-PROTECTION . See also ACCOMPANYING JAMMING, DIRECT EW SUPPORT,STANDOFF JAMMING (ESCORT JAMMING), STANDFORWARD JAMMING..
  663. SUPPRESSION OF ENEMY AIR DEFENSE (SEAD) - The activity which neutralizes, destroys, or temporarily degrades enemy air defenses in a specific area by physical attack, deception, and/or electronic warfare. [7:CJCS MOP 6, APPENDIX B] See also IRON HAND, WILD WEASEL.
  664. SURFACE ACOUSTIC WAVE CHEMICAL AGENT DETECTOR (SAWCAD) - A small UAV-mounted sensor intended to collect ambient atmospheric data and detect, identify, and report the presence of chemical vapors downwind from an emission source. [10:2707]
  665. SURFACE-EMITTING LASER - Laser light shining through the circular grating from a broad area on top of the structure parallel to the active layer. [10:129] NOTE: The grating collimates the beam so that is circular in cross-section and has 1/60 the divergence of a traditional edge-emitting laser.
  666. SURF-ZONE ARRAY (SZA) - An explosive clearing system used to clear mines at a beach from three feet to the mean high water mark. [10:2691] See also BEACH-ZONE ARRAY (BZA), LINE CHARGE (LC).
  667. SURGICAL COUNTERMEASURES - The closed-loop process of electromagnetically operating on an electronically controlled system from a remote moving EW platform. [4:20]
  668. SURVEILLANCE - (1) The systematic observation of aerospace, surface or subsurface areas, places, persons, or things, by visual, aural, electronic, photographic, or other means. [1] (2) A SPACE AND ELECTRONIC WARFARE (SEW) warfare support discipline that includes the tactical management of all technical surveillance as a force system across the entire multi-dimensional battle space, including all sensors, regardless of location (whether national, theater, or platform) or ownership (whether component, joint or combined). [10:2505] See also AIR SURVEILLANCE, COMBAT SURVEILLANCE, SEA SURVEILLANCE.
  669. SURVEILLANCE GRID - A SPACE AND ELECTRONIC WARFARE (SEW) concept in which sensors are considered to be a "grid of capabilities overlaying the battle space instead of a series of single sensors". [10:2505] See also COMMUNICATIONS GRID, TACTICAL GRID.
  670. SURVEILLANCE SEDUCTION - A strategic countermeasure involving simulated operations or simulation of a large force and intended to mislead an enemy about major planned operations. [4:23] See also SIMULATIVE COMMUNICATION, ELECTRONIC, ELECTROMAGNETIC DECEPTION, IMITATIVE COMMUNICATION,ELECTRONIC, ELECTROMAGNETIC DECEPTION, MANIPULATIVE COMMUNICATION, ELECTRONIC, ELECTROMAGNETIC DECEPTION,COMMUNICATION DECEPTION, ELECTROMAGNETIC DECEPTION, ELECTRONIC DECEPTION.
  671. SURVIVABILITY ENHANCEMENT - Techniques or devices which increase the probability of survivability of the using entity. []
  672. SUSCEPTIBILITY - A measure of an electronic system's design that determines the effect of ECM on system performance. [4:13] See also ACCESSIBILITY,INTERCEPTIBILITY and VULNERABILITY..
  673. SUSTAINABILITY - The component of MILITARY CAPABILITY that relates to the ability to maintain the necessary level and duration of operational activity to achieve military objectives. Sustainability is a function of providing for and maintaining those levels of ready forces, materiel, and consumables necessary to support the military effort. [1]
  674. SWEEP JAMMING - A narrow band of JAMMING that is swept back and forth over a relatively wide operating band of frequencies. [1]
  675. SWEPT NOISE JAMMING - See SWEEP JAMMING.
  676. SWEPT SPOT JAMMING - See SWEEP JAMMING.
  677. SWING WING ADAPTER KIT (SWAK) - A temporary wing attachment used to provide the SMALL DIAMETER BOMB (SDB) a standoff of greater than 25 nautical miles from high altitude release. The wing is jettisoned at a midcourse way-point if penetration is required, so that velocity can be increased after wing release. For soft targets (e.g., personnel, structures, non-armored vehicles) the wing continues to extend the bomb's glide range until small arms threat altitude is reached. At this point the wings are released. []
  678. SWITCHED VIRTUAL CIRCUIT (SVC) - A VIRTUAL CIRCUIT set up (provisioned) for a communications session and torn down when the session is over. [10:2632]
  679. SYNAPTIC ANTENNA - A grid of radio frequency conducting segments joined by small electro-optical, computer-controlled switches. This arrangement allows the computer to rapidly change the antenna's characteristics (e.g., frequency, beam forming, steering and POLARIZATION). [10:2653] See also PHASED ARRAY ANTENNA, SMART SKIN.
  680. SYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATIONS - A communication PROTOCOL in which each data bit is transmitted according to a given time sequence. Contrast withASYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATIONS. []
  681. SYNCHRONOUS JAMMING - Transmission of jamming pulses or other waveforms in synchronism with the victim radar's pulse repetition frequency. [8]
  682. SYNCHRONOUS OPTICAL NETWORK (SONET) - An international standard for high-speed data communications over FIBER-OPTIC media. [10:2736] NOTE: SONET is a ring consisting of nodes connected by high-capacity optical links to form a cycle. This configuration affords high survivability since every pair of nodes is connected by a physically diverse route. Consequently no single link failure will disconnect the ring.
  683. SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR (SAR) - A RADAR system that generates the effect of a long antenna by signal processing means rather than by actual use of a long physical antenna. [3] NOTE: The long antenna is synthesized through the motion of a small antenna relative to the target with either the antenna or the target or both moving. The synthesized antenna length is given by the trajectory traversed by the small antenna relative to the target during the time the signal received by the antenna is processed (i.e., the coherent integration time).
  684. SYNTHETIC APERTURE SONAR (SAS) - A multi-frequency SONAR which employs a multi-element linear array and a data acquisition system to record phase and amplitude information for each element. SAS uses low frequencies to detect objects at long ranges and those buried just beneath the ocean floor, medium frequencies to detect and classify targets, and higher frequencies to facilitate object discrimination and identification at short ranges (e.g., imagery revealing the rib and spar structure inside a submerged wrecked aircraft). [] See also MOBILE UNDERWATER DEBRIS SURVEY SYSTEM (MUDSS). NOTE: SAS provides high-resolution detection, classification, and identification of proud and buried mounds in water depths to 25 meters. [12.1]
  685. SYSTEM - (1) Any organized assembly of resources and procedures united and regulated by interaction or interdependence to accomplish a set of specific functions. [1] (2) A set of interconnected elements constituted to achieve a given objective by performing specified functions. [3] NOTE: A SYSTEM performs a function not possible with any of the individual parts. Complexity of the combination is implied.
  686. SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE - The structure and relationship among the components of a system. The system architecture may also include the system's interface with the operational environment. [10:33]
  687. SYSTEM ERROR - A FAULT TOLERANCE term. That part of the system state, with respect to the computation process, that is liable to lead to a FAILURE. [10:2701] See also FAULT, FAULT LATENCY.
  688. SYSTEM-GENERATED ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE (SGEMP) - The re-radiation of an ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE (EMP) by a system or device. [10:2541]NOTE: For example, when the metal skin of a spacecraft is struck by gamma rays, it acts as a secondary radiator due to the FORWARD and BACKSCATTER of its own electrons. See also INDUCED ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE (IEMP).
  689. ________________________________________
  690. October 17, 2001 03:39 PM -0400
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