Q

Q - A performance measure for tuned circuits and antennas. []

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]

Q-SHIP - See DECOY SHIP

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]

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]

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]

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.

QUANTUM WIRE - See BUCKY TUBE.

QUASI-NOISE JAMMING -See PSEUDORANDOM NOISE JAMMING.

QUASI-VERTICAL INCIDENCE SOUNDER (QVIS) - A RADAR that measures the characteristics of the IONOSPHERE between the Transmit and Receive sites of the RELOCATABLE 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]

QUICK REACTION CAPABILITY (QRC) - The ability to rapidly design, prototype, test, and manufacture an EW system in response to an unanticipated threat. []

QUICKSTRIKE - A family of shallow-water mines,laid by aircraft, and used primarily against surface craft.  ( See logo )  [Navy CHINFO press release]   See also CAPTOR and SUBMARINE LAUNCHED MOBILE MINE (SLMM).

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]

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]

R

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]

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.

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. []

RADAR BACKSCATTERING - See RADAR SCATTERING.

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.

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.

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:

   For additional discussion, click .  [11.2]

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]

RADAR DECEPTION - See ELECTRONIC DECEPTION.

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.

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.

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. []

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]

RADAR-FREQUENCY INTERFEROMETER (RFI) - An airborne system used to detect electronic signals emitted from air-defense vehicles.  [10:2795]

RADAR HOMING AND WARNING (RHAW) - See RADAR WARNING RECEIVER.

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]

RADAR IMAGERY - Imagery produced by recording radar waves reflected from a given target surface. [1]

RADAR INTELLIGENCE (RADINT) - Intelligence information derived from data collected by radar. [1]

RADAR ORDER OF BATTLE - See ELECTRONIC ORDER OF BATTLE.

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.

RADAR POLARIMETRY - A technique to compare the angular dependencies of the measured and theoretically-derived polarization signatures of the target. [10:107]

RADAR RANGE EQUATION - See RADAR EQUATION.

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.

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]

RADAR RETURN - See RADAR ECHO.

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]

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]

RADAR SILENCE - An imposed discipline prohibiting the transmission by radar of electromagnetic signals on some or all frequencies. [] See also EMISSION CONTROL, RADIO SILENCE.

RADAR SPOKING - Periodic flashes of the rotating time base [sweep] on a radial display. Sometimes caused by mutual interference [or jamming]. [1]

RADAR WARNING RECEIVER (RWR) - A wideband receiver that provides information, such as radar type, identification, and direction, relating to detected radar signals. []

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]

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.

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's PLATFORM, or weapon system. []

RADIATION EFFECTS ON SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES - Degradation or damage of semiconductor devices due to radiation.  For example:

• Total Ionizing Dose -- Degradation and/or failure as a function of ionizing radiation accumulation (e.g., months, years);
• Single Event Effects (SEE) -- Relatively instantaneous device upset or destruction (e.g., latch-up, burnout, or gate rupture);
• Displacement Damage -- Degradation of solar cells, charge-coupled-sensors, fiber optics, etc., over a period of time due to lattice effect.

[10:2552]  See also RADIATION TOLERANCE.

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]

RADIATION HAZARD (RADHAZ) - See ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION HAZARDS.

RADIATION INTERCEPT VULNERABILITY - The degree to which a radiating source is susceptible to detection. []

RADIATION LOBE - See LOBE.

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.

RADIATION WARNING - A visual, aural, or tactile stimulus which alerts personnel in a vehicle to the presence of impinging radiation on that vehicle. []

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]

RADIO-ACOUSTIC SOUNDING (RAS) - The radar detection of atmospheric density variations caused by tonal sounds, such as those generated by aircraft turbines. [10:28]

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.

RADIO DETECTION - The detection of the presence of an object by radio-location without precise determination of its position. [1] See also RADAR.

RADIO DETECTION AND RANGING (RADAR) - See RADAR.

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]

RADIO DIRECTION FINDING - Radio location in which only the direction of a station is determined by means of its emissions. [1]

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]

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.

RADIOELECTRONIC STRUGGLE - See RADIOELECTRONIC COMBAT.

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]

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE (RFI) - Degradation of the reception of a wanted signal caused by RF disturbance. Synonymous with RADIO INTERFERENCE.

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.

RADIO FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER - See FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER.

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).

RADIO-LOCATION - Position determination by means of radio aids for purposes other than those of navigation. [3] See also RADAR.

RADIOMETER - A device used to measure quantities associated with radiant energy and power.  []

RADIOMETRY - The science of radiation measurement. See also PHOTOMETRY. [3]

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.

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.

RADIO SILENCE - A condition in which all or certain radio equipment capable of radiation is kept inoperative. [1] See also EMISSION CONTROL, RADAR SILENCE.

RADOME - A cover designed to protect an antenna from the effects of its physical environment without degrading its electrical performance. [3]

RADOME BLOWOFF - Structural damage to a radome caused by a DIRECTED ENERGY WEAPON. []

RAIN-BLOWING PLENUM - See DOUBLE-DIAPHRAGM RADOME.

RAINBOW THREAT - Threats that span technologies and platforms from many different countries and design philosophies.  [10:2819]

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. []

RANDOM NOISE - NOISE that comprises transient disturbances occurring at random. Contrast with IMPULSE NOISE. [3]

RANDOM SIGNAL RADAR - A LOW PROBABILITY-OF-INTERCEPT (LPI) RADAR which uses a WAVEFORM that is truly random (e.g., NOISE).  [10:2859]

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.

RANGE EQUATION - See RADAR EQUATION.

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]

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.

RANGE GATE WALK OFF - See RANGE GATE PULL OFF.

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.  []

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.

RANGING - The process of establishing target distance. Types of ranging include echo, intermittent, manual, navigational, explosive echo, optical, radar, etc. [1]

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 also AIRBORNE 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]

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 also HARD-KILL ECM.

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.

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.

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]

READ-ONLY MEMORY (ROM) - Computer memory that stores data not alterable by computer instructions. Contrast with RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY. [3]

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.

REARWARD JAMMING - Transmission of jamming signals in a direction away from the victim sensor so that the energy can be reflected toward the victim. []

RECEIVER SENSITIVITY - The minimum input signal required to produce a specified output signal having a specified SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO. [3]

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]

RECTENNA - See RECTIFYING ANTENNA.

RECTIFIER - A device for converting alternating current into direct current.. [1] Contrast with INVERTER

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.    []

RED FORCES - Reference to Communist or Soviet forces. [] See also BLUE FORCES, ORANGE FORCES, PURPLE FORCES.

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.

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.

REDUNDANT ARRAYS OF INEXPENSIVE SYSTEMS (RAIS) - See REDUNDANT ARRAYS OF INEXPENSIVE DISKS (RAID).

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]

REFLECTANCE - The ratio of reflected power to incident power.  [3]

REFLECTED MEMORY - Simultaneous sharing of data at two separate nodes of a network. [10:112]

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]

REFLECTIVE DISPLAY  A LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY which produces no back-lighting, hence must be used in adequate ambient light conditions.  []  Contrast with TRANSFLECTIVE DISPLAY.

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).

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]

REFRACTIVE INDEX - Of a wave transmission medium, the ratio of the phase velocity in a vacuum to that in the medium. [3]

REFRACTIVE LIQUID - Liquid crystals that display interference patterns in polarized light.  They are used in ACTIVE MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAYs (AMLCDs).   [10:2518]

REGIONAL - See MID-LEVEL NETWORK.

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.

RELOCATABLE OPTICAL SYSTEM (ROS) -- See TRANSPORTABLE OPTICAL SYSTEM/RELOCATABLE OPTICAL SYSTEM.

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 )

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]

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.

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.

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.

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 (circa 2000) 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.

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]

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]

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.

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.

REPEATER JAMMING - See REPEAT BACK JAMMING.

REPETITIVE WAVEFORM JAMMING - A generic ECM technique which uses jamming transmissions that consist of the same waveform. [8]

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.

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. []

RESIDUAL OBSERVABLES - OBSERVABLES which remain after a target has departed a location. Examples include wake, slicks, contrails, and flotsam. []

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 also TRENCH.

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]

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.

RESPONSIVE REPLACEMENT VEHICLE (RESERVE) - Spacecraft using standardized payloads held in reserve for rapid launching to replace military satellites destroyed by an enemy. []

RESPONSOR - An electronic device used to receive an electronic challenge and display a reply thereto. [1] See also TRANSPONDER.

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.

RETROREFLECTION - The reflection of electromagnetic energy in a direction close to that at which it is incident, whatever the angle of incidence. [3]

REVISIT TIME -- The time between sensor observations.  []

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.

REVOLUTIONARY CONCEPT (REVCON) - A NASA project involving three advanced aeronautical concepts:  the AeroCraft (a piloted, partially buoyant airship), the Blended 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.

REWRITABLE OPTICAL DISK - An optical disk on which data may be written and erased. [10:80] Contrast with WRITE ONCE READ MANY (WORM). See also MAGNETO OPTICAL RECORDING.

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]

RF SIGNATURE CONTROL - See RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) SIGNATURE CONTROL.

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.

RIPPLE FIRE - Launching of multiple missiles to strike a target simultaneously from different directions.  [10:2891]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

ROBO-BUG - See FLY ON THE WALL.

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).

ROLLING AIRFRAME MISSILE (RAM) - A quick reaction, high firepower missile system designed to provide defense against anti-ship missiles. []

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]

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.

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.  []

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 Latin rota, wheel; axis, axle.  [10:2699]  See also CARBON NANOTUBE, MOLECULAR ELECTRONICS.

ROTODOME - A rotating RADOME which houses a radar antenna, generally aboard an aircraft. [10:23]

ROUTE - The path that NETWORK traffic takes from its source to its destination.  [10:2736]

ROUTER - See GATEWAY.

ROUTING - The process of selecting the correct interface and next HOP for a packet being forwarded in a NETWORK.   [10:2736]

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]

RUBBER DUCK - A floating decoy used to imitate a ship to a radar operator. [] See also GULL.

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.

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.

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.... []

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]:

    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]

    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]

    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]

    --      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]

    --    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]

August 20, 2001 05:07 AM -0700