APPROXIMATE CALCULATION OF RF ATTENUATION FOR A LIFTING RE-ENTRY VEHICLE,
Abstract
The effect of ionized air on electromagnetic waves is investigated to compare some crude predictions with some experimental data and to offer a possible solution to the communications blackout problem with re-entry vehicles. The author restricts himself to the normal shock and far-field calculations in order to show that a fairly good approximation can be obtained from a rather simple-minded approach to a flow field analysis. A drastic reduction in RF signal attenuation is shown to be possible by reducing the wedge angle and increasing the sharpness of the nose. The consequent approach suggested is to design the transmitter housing in the shape of a thin wedge with a sharp leading edge. The housing would be mounted in a forward direction on a control surface of a lifting re-entry vehicle (or, if necessary, on an extension to the control fin) so that it protrudes through the vehicle shock layer. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 11, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0413514
Entities
People
- F.a. Vicente
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation