Aeronautical Radio Communication Systems and Networks

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.

Autorentext

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'.

Zusammenfassung
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.

Inhalt

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 SystemThe 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 (118137 MHz)...