Decoys / SYFOR Products
Ground-Based Decoys & Ghosting System
Creating false tracks. Protecting critical assets.
The Ground-Based Decoys & Ghosting System is a modular electronic-warfare simulation and radar-deception platform designed for controlled training, sensor evaluation, mission rehearsal and air-defence exercises. The system generates configurable virtual airborne tracks that may represent fighters, UAVs, airborne early-warning aircraft, transport aircraft or aerial refuellers.
The platform combines software-defined radio architecture, programmable signal processing, secure mission-control software and precision timing to support realistic multi-target scenarios from a deployable ground installation.
Intended use: authorised defence training, test-range operation, radar evaluation and controlled simulation environments.
Multi-track
Virtual air picture
SDR + FPGA
Modular architecture
GNSS
Precision synchronisation
Key capabilities
- Generation of multiple configurable virtual air tracks
- Simulation of fighters, UAVs, helicopters, transports, AWACS and tankers
- Single-target and formation-based scenarios
- Real-time scenario activation, modification and termination
- Programmable track movement and mission timelines
- Wideband software-defined architecture
- AI-assisted scenario planning and validation
- Secure network-centric operation
- Precision GNSS and internal-clock synchronisation
- Integrated health monitoring and fault reporting
- Rugged, transportable and rapidly deployable configuration
- Mission recording and after-action review
Typical applications
- Air-defence operator training
- Radar and sensor evaluation
- Electronic-warfare exercises
- Mission rehearsal
- Command-and-control system validation
- Test-range instrumentation
- Force-protection exercises
- Airport and critical-infrastructure security simulation
- Military academy training
- Research and system-development programmes
Technical specifications
| System type | Ground-based deployable simulation and radar-deception platform |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Modular SDR, FPGA and embedded-processing architecture |
| Installation | Fixed site, shelter-mounted, trailer-mounted or transportable |
| Operation | Local, remote or networked mission control |
| Target profiles | Fighters, UAVs, helicopters, transports, AEW&C/AWACS and refuellers |
| Scenario modes | Single target, multiple targets, formation, split formation and timed events |
| Simultaneous virtual tracks | Configurable according to selected system configuration |
| RF architecture | Wideband and software-configurable |
| Frequency coverage | Customer-defined, subject to authorised spectrum allocation |
| Coverage sector | Omnidirectional or sector-based antenna configuration |
| Mission planning | Map-based and timeline-based scenario planning |
| Timing | GNSS-disciplined and high-stability internal reference |
| Data recording | Mission logs, operator actions, health data and event history |
| Control interfaces | Ethernet, serial and secure IP-based connectivity |
| Security | Encryption, role-based access and audit logging |
| Built-in test | Start-up, continuous and operator-initiated diagnostics |
| Power input | AC mains, generator or customer-defined DC input |
| Cooling | Forced-air or conditioned shelter cooling |
| Deployment time | Configuration-dependent rapid deployment |
| Environmental design | Rugged outdoor or shelter-mounted construction |
Representative target library
- Fighter aircraft
- Unmanned aerial vehicles
- Helicopters
- Transport aircraft
- Maritime patrol aircraft
- Airborne early-warning platforms
- Aerial refuelling aircraft
- Business jets
- User-defined test profiles
Configuration
System architecture
Decoy transmitter unit
A ruggedised RF transmission assembly responsible for controlled emission of authorised simulation signals during training and evaluation exercises.
Signal processing unit
Provides waveform management, scenario execution, real-time signal processing and system coordination through FPGA- and SDR-based architecture.
Mission control and operator console
Allows authorised operators to prepare missions, select representative target profiles, monitor system health and control exercises in real time.
Power supply unit
Provides conditioned and protected electrical power to the complete system. Generator, external AC and optional battery-supported configurations may be provided.
Timing and synchronisation unit
Provides precision system timing using GNSS and internal reference clocks for coordinated scenario execution.
Antenna assembly
A configurable antenna system selected according to operational band, coverage requirement and authorised deployment environment.
Employment
Operating modes
Single-track simulation
Generates one configurable representative virtual track for focused radar or operator evaluation.
Multi-track simulation
Supports multiple coordinated virtual tracks for complex air-picture training.
Formation simulation
Creates representative formations with configurable spacing, movement and timing.
Dynamic scenario mode
Allows authorised operators to modify tracks and mission events during an ongoing exercise.
Automated mission mode
Executes a pre-approved scenario according to a defined mission timeline.
Networked exercise mode
Integrates with compatible training, command-and-control and test-range systems.
Detail
System breakdown
Mission planning software
- Geographic map display
- Mission-area definition
- Waypoint and route creation
- Virtual-track configuration
- Formation editor
- Timeline and event scheduler
- Target-profile library
- Scenario templates
- Start, pause, resume and terminate controls
- Real-time system-health monitoring
- Mission recording and playback
- After-action review
- User and role management
- Exportable exercise reports
Operator interface
- System readiness
- Active mission and scenario status
- Virtual-track summary
- Geographic mission map
- Timing and synchronisation status
- Transmitter and antenna status
- Power and environmental status
- Communication-link status
- Alerts and warnings
- Event and operator logs
- Recorded mission data
Cybersecurity features
- Role-based access control
- Multi-level user permissions
- Encrypted communication
- Secure boot
- Signed software and firmware
- Mission-file integrity verification
- Operator authentication
- Audit logging
- Configurable network isolation
- Controlled software-update mechanism
- Backup and recovery support
Safety features
- Emergency transmission inhibit
- Hardware and software interlocks
- Configurable operating limits
- Antenna and equipment-status monitoring
- Over-temperature protection
- Over-voltage and over-current protection
- Automatic fault shutdown
- Controlled start-up and shutdown sequence
- Operator warnings and alarms
- Spectrum-use controls for authorised environments
Optional configurations
- Omnidirectional antenna package
- Directional sector antenna package
- Trailer-mounted configuration
- Containerised command shelter
- Redundant power system
- Extended mission-control workstation
- Remote operator station
- Secure fibre connectivity
- Independent timing reference
- Integrated weather station
- Training and after-action-review suite
- Integration with customer-provided radar simulator or C2 environment
Deliverables
- Ground-based decoy transmitter system
- Signal-processing unit
- Mission-control workstation
- Timing and synchronisation unit
- Antenna assembly
- Power-conditioning system
- Interconnecting cables
- Deployment accessories
- Mission-planning software
- Operator documentation
- Maintenance documentation
- Factory Acceptance Test
- Site Acceptance Test
- Operator and maintainer training
Environmental characteristics
| Operating temperature | −20 °C to +55 °C, configurable |
|---|---|
| Storage temperature | −30 °C to +70 °C |
| Relative humidity | Up to 95%, non-condensing |
| Dust and water protection | According to selected enclosure |
| Shock and vibration | Ruggedised for transportable deployment |
| EMI/EMC | Designed for applicable defence requirements |
| Installation environment | Open site, shelter, rooftop or vehicle/trailer platform |
Standards and design alignment
- MIL-STD-810 environmental testing
- MIL-STD-461 electromagnetic compatibility
- JSS 55555, where contractually applicable
- Relevant electrical-safety standards
- Customer-defined cybersecurity requirements
- Applicable aviation, spectrum and test-range regulations
Final compliance depends upon the selected configuration and contractual qualification plan.