MIL-STD-188-243 Tactical Single Channel Ultra High Frequency UHF Radio CommunicationsThe purpose of this document is to establish the minimum essential interoperability and performance requirements necessary for tactical single channel UHF radio communications equipment. This standard addresses ground-to-air, air-to-air, ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship tactical single channel UHF radio communications equipment. The requirements established by this document may be exceeded in order to satisfy specific operational requirements or to incorporate technological improvements, provided that interoperability be maintained.

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MIL-STD-188-243A

4. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Frequency Range. The UHF frequency band, as defined by FED-STD-1037, extends from

300MHz to 3000 MHz. The military has been restricted to use of only the 300 MHz to 400MHz segment, but has also been authorized to extend into the upper portion of the Very High Frequency (VHF) frequency band from 225 MHz to 300 MHz. This results in a military UHF frequency band which extends from 225 MHz to 400 MHz. For the purposes of this document the UHF frequency range shall be 225 MHz to 400 MHz.

4.2 International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Radio Regulations. The ITU Radio Regulations is a consolidated document which sets forth worldwide radio regulations as well as resolutions and recommendations. It is regulated by the most recent World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC) and published under the authority of the Secretary General of the ITU. These radio regulations are further defined at the national level by federal agencies such as the Department of Commerce and the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Cormmittee (IRAC), and by military agencies such as the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), and the Military Communications and Electronics Board (MCEB). The radio equipment shall comply with the applicable requirements of the ITU Radio Regulations.

4.3 Interoperability Requirements.

4.3.1 Interconnection of Radio Equipment with Telephone Facilities. The radio equipment shall comply with the applicable requirements of MIL-STD-188-200.

4.3.2 Interoperability with NATO. The radio equipment shall comply with the applicable requirements of STANAG 4205.

4.3.3 Interoperability with American-British-Canadian-Australian (ABCA) Armies. The radio equipment shall comply with the applicable requirements of QSTAG 263C.

4.3.4 Interoperability with Civil Aviation Organizations. The radio equipment shall comply with the applicable requirements of the current edition of Annex 10 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation published by the ICAO.

4.4 Electronic Warfare (EW) Vulnerability and Electronic Counter - Countermeasures (ECCM) Capabilities. The radio equipment shall conform to the EW and ECCM requirements of MIL- STD-188-200, as specified in the equipment specification.

NOTE: Consideration should be given to modular construction of the radio equipment to allow for cost effective upgrades to incorporate ECCM improvements as they are developed, as specified by the applicable equipment specification.

4.5 UHF Spectrum Characteristics. The spectrum characteristics of the radio equipment shall be tested in accordance with the applicable requirements of NHL-STD-449, as specified in the equipment specification.