Identification Friend or Foe?

[John Connor]

Wouldn't it be more prudent when using IFF to use FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) Or DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum)? I have read on a website that with DSSS the signal is buried in the noise floor. My concern is that the enemy could trace the RF back to the aircraft, ship or tank and get a target on them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identification_friend_or_foe

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FHSS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct-sequence_spread_spectrum

 

[imagoon]

I would probably defer to that military where they would likely fix the issue if it was a problem. However my limited knowledge of IFF is this:

The longest chatter is 21 microseconds. Not enough time to get a lock. The IFF only transmits when it gets a request. So the enemy would need to broadcast to get the IFF to respond giving away their position (in theory.) IFF has a "DoS" suppression mode. It will only send so many messages a minute before it goes silent for a time period.

So basically, FHSS and DSSS at this point seems to be a pointless complexity that would accomplish nothing.

 

[John Connor]

SA-7/14 IR guided MANPAD...

 

[MongGrel]

might be redundant these days.

 

[imagoon]

SA-7/14 IR guided MANPAD...

And? Your opinion?