Communications On The Move - Defense Technology & Military Forum

COTM is basically autotracking satcom and - in theory - other long-range NLOS communications on moving platforms. Current Terrestrial UHF/VHF used for NLOS communications is basically screwed once you're on the move, hence the need for an autotracking satcom system.

Pretty much every major defense electronics company in the US has been developing systems for that (e.g. LM, Hughes, Raytheon, L-3, Rockwell Collins) in response to an ongoing bidding contest on portions of the Army's WIN-T (Warfighter Information Network - Tactical) future communications backup. WIN-T is supposed to in the end integrate multiple communications modes (SATCOM, LOS Radio, long-range UHF/VHF, bouncing stuff off aircraft and drones etc pp) in both stationary and mobile platforms, autoswitching between modes to always ensure a live connection. It's a 10-billion dollar project that's currently entering Increment 2 LRIP, with LM recently winning the contract to deliver the equipment for this increment.

Regarding implementation, the 10th Mountain Division has deployed ten MRAPs with a COTM system from Rockwell Collins (MobiLink) in Afghanistan several times over the past couple years for live troop trials / proof-of-system. The USAF has bought several dozen L-3 ArcLight systems for COTM backbone linking.

Source: http://www.defencetalk.com/forums/navy-maritime/communications-move-11515/

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