Aeronautical Radio Communication Systems and Networks

by Stacey, Dale

• ISBN13: 9780470018590
• ISBN10: 0470018593
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-03-31
• Publisher: WILEY

Summary

Typically, there are over twenty radio systems on board the average commercial jet aircraft dealing with communication, navigation and surveillance functions. Very high frequency (VHF) air-to-ground communication is usually the main method of information and control exchange between pilot and air traffic control. Satellite and high frequency radio links are used to complement this system for long range or oceanic information exchanges. Other communications systems are required between the airline operation centre and the pilot and sometimes between the passengers and the ground.A comprehensive guide to current systems, networks and topologies, this book covers application requirements for communication and related radio-navigation and surveillance functions in aeronautical systems. There is also an insight into future possibilities as technologies progress and airspace operation and control scenarios change.Ideal for civil aviation authorities, airspace management providers and regulatory organizations, Aeronautical Radio Communication Systems and Networks will also appeal to aircraft and radio equipment manufacturers and university students studying aeronautical or electronic engineering.Key features: Provides a broad and concise look at the various communications systems on board a typical aircraft from a theoretical, system level and practical standpoint with worked examples and case studies throughout. Considers all types of aircraft from light aircraft to large commercial jets and specialised supersonic aircraft. Looks at existing airport radio communication infrastructure and proposals for new very high bandwidth radio applications within the airport environment. Provides a complete list of formulae for engineering design analysis and quick checks on system performance or interference analysis.

Author Biography

Since becoming a Chartered Engineer, Dale Stacey has worked as a Radio Systems Engineer and Project Manager for over 15 years. During this time, his projects have included the design, installation, operation, maintenance, and network management of systems such as microwave radio links, VHF (very high frequency)/UHF (ultra high frequency) mobile systems, GSM and private mobile systems and VSAT (very small aperture terminal) satellite systems. More recently, he has concentrated on radio systems used in the aviation industry. He has consulted to Eurocontrol, ICAO, IATA and various international government and aeronautical organizations. He currently runs a 2-3 day course on 'Aeronautical Radio Networks'.

Table of Contents

Preface

Dedications

About the Author

Revisions, Corrections, Updates, Liability

Book Layout and Structure

Introduction

The Legacy

Today and the Second Generation of Equipment

The Future

Operational and User Changes

Radio Spectrum Used by Aviation

Discussion of the Organizational Structure of Aviation Communications Disciplines

Theory Governing Aeronautical Radio Systems

Summary

Basic Definitions

Propagation Fundamentals

Power, Amplitudes and the Decibel Scale

The Isotropic Power Source and Free Space Path Loss

Radio Geometry

Complex Propagation: Refraction, Absorption, Non-LOS Propagation

Other Propagation Effects

Modulation

Shannon's Theory

Multiplexing and Trunking

Access Schemes

Mitigation Techniques for Fading and Multipath

Bandwidth Normalization

Antenna Gain

The Link Budget

Intermodulation

Noise in a Communication System

Satellite Theory

Availability and Reliability

Further Reading

VHF Communication

Summary

History

DSB-AM Transceiver at a System Level

Dimensioning a Mobile Communications System-The Three Cs

Regulatory and Licensing Aspects

VHF 'Hardening' and Intermodulation

The VHF Datalink

Further Reading

Military Communication Systems

Summary

Military VHF Communications - The Legacy

After the Legacy

The Shortfalls of the Military VHF Communication System

The Requirement for a New Tactical Military System

The Birth of JTIDS/MIDS

Technical Definitionof JTIDS and MIDS

Long-Distance Mobile Communications

Summary

High-Frequency Radio - The Legacy

Allocation and Allotment

HF System Features

HF Datalink System

Applications of Aeronautical HF

Mobile Satellite Communications

Comparison Between VHF, HF, L Band (JTIDS/MIDS) and Satellite Mobile Communications

Aeronautical Passenger Communications

Further Reading

Aeronautical Telemetry Systems

Summary

Introduction - The Legacy

Existing Systems

Productivity and Applications

Proposed Airbus Future Telemetry System

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Terrestrial Backhaul and the Aeronautical Telecommunications Network

Summary

Introduction

Types of Point-to-point Bearers

Hybrid Network

Future Aeronautical Mobile Communication Systems

Summary

Introduction

Near-term Certainties

Longer Term Options

Further Reading

The Economics of Radio

Summary

Introduction

Basic Rules of Economics

Analysis and the Break-even Point

The Cost of Money

The Safety Case

Reliability Cost

Macroeconomics

Ground Installations and Equipment

Summary

Introduction

Practical Equipment VHF Communication Band (118-137 MHz)

Outdoor

Avionics

Summary

Introduction

Environment

Types of Aircraft

Simple Avionics for Private Aviation

The Distributed Avionics Concept

Avionic Racking Arrangements

Avionic Boxes

Antennas

Mastering the Co-site Environment

Data Cables, Power Cables, Special Cables, Coaxial Cables

Certification and Maintaining Airworthiness

Further Reading

Interference

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