COMPARATIVE COST ANALYSIS OF MICROWAVE AND WIRE LINE RADAR REMOTING TECHNIQUES
Abstract
Comparison is made of the cost to the FAA, of wireline remoting of digitalized radar and beacon data (and beacon only) to Air Route Traffic Control Centers with the costs for microwave remoting of the same information in analog form. The second technique includes facilities for subsequent converting of the data to digital form at the center. The costs considered are those not yet sunk or committed, i.e., future costs. Costs for both methods alone, and for a mixed system, are developed for each of two nationwide remoting networks - that presently programmed including new links for which the FAA may be committed through F.Y. 1964, and a hypothetical network to provide radar coverage to 5,000 ft MSL or 3,000 ft above the terrain, whichever is higher. Costs are developed for each microwave repeater and terminal pair of each link, based on individual variations in terrain and hardware requirements. The investigation concludes that the difference in cost between the two transmission methods is small. Where a difference does exist it geneally favors the wireline technique. In cases of extreme link length and/or very difficult terrain, wireline is considerably less costly. For the great majority of all other links, if non-cost considerations are of any appreciable importance, costs should probably not govern any ultimate decision.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0403655
Entities
People
- John W. Drake
- Robert L. Schein