Aeronautical Radio Communication Systems and Networks

Preface xvii

Dedications xviii

About the Author xviii

Revisions, Corrections, Updates, Liability xix

Book Layout and Structure xix

1 Introduction 1

1.1 The Legacy 1

1.2 Today and the Second Generation of Equipment 1

1.3 The Future 3

1.4 Operational and User Changes 3

1.5 Radio Spectrum Used by Aviation 4

1.6 Discussion of the Organizational Structure of Aviation Communications Disciplines 6

2 Theory Governing Aeronautical Radio Systems 9

Summary 9

2.1 Basic Definitions 10

2.2 Propagation Fundamentals 11

2.3 Power, Amplitudes and the Decibel Scale 14

2.4 The Isotropic Power Source and Free Space Path Loss 15

2.5 Radio Geometry 19

2.6 Complex Propagation: Refraction, Absorption, Non-LOS Propagation 25

2.7 Other Propagation Effects 37

2.8 Modulation 38

2.9 Shannon’s Theory 62

2.10 Multiplexing and Trunking 62

2.11 Access Schemes 66

2.12 Mitigation Techniques for Fading and Multipath 71

2.13 Bandwidth Normalization 77

2.14 Antenna Gain 80

2.15 The Link Budget 87

2.16 Intermodulation 88

2.17 Noise in a Communication System 92

2.18 Satellite Theory 93

2.19 Availability and Reliability 99

Further Reading 104

3 VHF Communication 105

Summary 105

3.1 History 105

3.2 DSB-AM Transceiver at a System Level 110

3.3 Dimensioning a Mobile Communications System–The Three Cs 113

3.4 Regulatory and Licensing Aspects 123

3.5 VHF ‘Hardening’ and Intermodulation 125

3.6 The VHF Datalink 126

Further Reading 143

4 Military Communication Systems 145

Summary 145

4.1 Military VHF Communications – The Legacy 145

4.2 After the Legacy 146

4.3 The Shortfalls of the Military VHF Communication System 147

4.4 The Requirement for a New Tactical Military System 147

4.5 The Birth of JTIDS/MIDS 147

4.6 Technical Definitionof JTIDS and MIDS 148

5 Long-Distance Mobile Communications 157

Summary 157

5.1 High-Frequency Radio – The Legacy 157

5.2 Allocation and Allotment 158

5.3 HF System Features 158

5.4 HF Datalink System 162

5.5 Applications of Aeronautical HF 163

5.6 Mobile Satellite Communications 165

5.7 Comparison Between VHF, HF, L Band (JTIDS/MIDS) and Satellite Mobile Communications 175

5.8 Aeronautical Passenger Communications 175

Further Reading 175

6 Aeronautical Telemetry Systems 177

Summary 177

6.1 Introduction – The Legacy 177

6.2 Existing Systems 178

6.3 Productivity and Applications 182

6.4 Proposed Airbus Future Telemetry System 183

6.5 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles 185

7 Terrestrial Backhaul and the Aeronautical Telecommunications Network 187

Summary 187

7.1 Introduction 187

7.2 Types of Point-to-point Bearers 188

8 Future Aeronautical Mobile Communication Systems 201

Summary 201

8.1 Introduction 202

8.2 Near-term Certainties 202

8.3 Longer Term Options 210

Further Reading 219

9 The Economics of Radio 221

Summary 221

9.1 Introduction 221

9.2 Basic Rules of Economics 221

9.3 Analysis and the Break-even Point 222

9.4 The Cost of Money 222

9.5 The Safety Case 225

9.6 Reliability Cost 226

9.7 Macroeconomics 227

10 Ground Installations and Equipment 229

Summary 229

10.1 Introduction 229

10.2 Practical Equipment VHF Communication Band (118–137 MHz) 233

10.3 Outdoor 245

11 Avionics 259

Summary 259

11.1 Introduction 259

11.2 Environment 259

11.3 Types of Aircraft 268

11.4 Simple Avionics for Private Aviation 272

11.5 The Distributed Avionics Concept 273

11.6 Avionic Racking Arrangements 282

11.7 Avionic Boxes 284

11.8 Antennas 294

11.9 Mastering the Co-site Environment 301

11.10 Data Cables, Power Cables, Special Cables, Coaxial Cables 303

11.11 Certification and Maintaining Airworthiness 303

Further Reading 304

12 Interference, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Spectrum Management and Frequency Management 307

Summary 307

12.1 Introduction 308

12.2 Interference 308

12.3 Electromagnetic Compatibility 314

12.4 Spectrum Management Process 318

12.5 Frequency Management Process 322

Further Reading 324

Appendix 1 Summary of All Equations (Constants, Variables and Conversions) 325

Appendix 2 List of Symbols and Variables from Equations 333

Appendix 3 List of Constants 335

Appendix 4 Unit Conversions 337

Appendix 5 List of Abbreviations 339

Index 345