Guest Speaker Discusses Electromagnetic Spectrum Visualization and Reporting System

In September, the chapter hosted Master Sgt. Darryl Payton Jr., USAF, in its monthly luncheon seminar. Sgt. Payton is a command spectrum manager for U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE)-Air Forces Africa (AFAFRICA), Ramstein Air Base, Germany. He is part of the Spectrum Operations team that led the implementation of the Electromagnetic Spectrum Visualization and Reporting System (EVRS) in the USAFE theater. EVRS achieves electromagnetic superiority with real-time capability to sense, detect and report vulnerabilities to Spectrum Operations in USAFE. There are many advantages that EVRS provides to the command, such as gaining electromagnetic spectrum situational awareness, capturing the electromagnetic spectrum operating environment and verifying U.S. frequencies assignment from multiple host nations.

In USAFE, the fixed EVRS sensors monitor radio frequency transmissions using the CRFS RFeye Node 100-18. They have a frequency range of 9 kHz-18 GHz and can 3D geolocate radio frequency transmissions using Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA) technology. Integration with the mission manager server allows archiving and analyzing of historical data. The server is accessible via a web browser anywhere on the Air Force Network.

Mobile EVRS comprises the CRFS Stormcase Node 100-18/40 and the Rohde & Schwarz PR-200 with MobileLocator. The ruggedized, battery-powered Stormcase can run autonomously in a field environment offering agile pickup-and-go capabilities. Deploying three to four CRFS nodes provides the same TDoA technologies as the fixed EVRS in a temporary capacity. At the same time, the Rohde & Schwarz PR200 solves the last mile geolocation using specialized antennas and software.

Sgt. Payton discussed the EVRS's way forward and future implementations. The command plans to deploy additional sensors on USAFE installations and expand to AFAFRICA bases. The current project to move the mission manager into the cloud will provide flexibility, accessibility and security to the system. After receiving the EVRS brief, NATO considers making it a standardized capability.

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