scope:

The purpose of this MIL-STD is to establish, in the most economical manner, interoperability and performance parameters necessary to ensure interoperability among long-haul and tactical digital facsimile equipment. The technical parameters established by this MIL-STD represent a set of minimum interoperability and performance characteristics, which may be exceeded to satisfy specific requirements.

This MIL-STD is not intended to serve as a stand-alone, comprehensive reference containing all technical parameters and other details required for the design of new equipment or the preparation of specifications. Therefore, parameters for such items as size and weight limitations, connectors, cable assemblies, or power supplies are not in this MIL-STD. These parameters and other design details have to be established, based on specific requirements, and have to be carefully tailored in accordance with the policies of DODI 5000.2, Part 10c.

The purpose of this MIL-STD is not to inhibit advances in communications technology. Such advances are facilitated by not specifying the technology that should be used in the design and development of digital facsimile systems to meet the required standards.

This MIL-STD provides technical interoperability and performance parameters for two forms of digital facsimile equipment. The first form is designated Type I and/or Type II, which are interoperable with Type I and Type II NATO tactical digital facsimile equipment, respectively, and provide a digital output signal. The second form is designated ITU-T Group 3 facsimile equipment, in accordance with Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 147 and FIPS 148, and provides an analog output signal.

This MIL-STD is mandatory within DOD in the design, development, and acquisition of facsimile equipment. It is not intended that existing equipment and systems be immediately converted to comply with the provisions of this MIL-STD. New equipment and systems, and those undergoing major modification or rehabilitation, shall also conform to this MIL-STD.

Application of this MIL-STD shall be tailored in accordance with DODI 5000.2. Based on identified requirements, the following applies:

a. Facsimile equipment designated only for digital output shall, at a minimum, comply with Type I and/or Type II requirements.

b. Facsimile equipment designated only for analog output shall, at a minimum, comply with ITU-T Group 3 (FIPS 147 and FIPS 148) requirements.

c. Facsimile equipment designated for both digital and analog output shall, at a minimum, comply with both Type I and/or Type II (see sections 4 and 5) and ITU-T Group 3 (FIPS 147 and FIPS 148) requirements.

d. When a ITU-T Group 3 analog output facsimile requires interface with a digital output facsimile, that interface shall, at a minimum, comply with the Type I and/or Type II requirements.

The parameters and other requirements specified in this MIL-STD are mandatory system standards if the word shall is used in connection with the parameter value or requirement under consideration. Nonmandatory design objectives are indicated in parentheses after a standardized parameter value or by the word should in connection with the parameter value or requirement under consideration. For a definition of the terms system standard and design objective, see Federal Standard 1037 (FED-STD 1037).