SURVEY AND ANALYSIS OF LONG-DISTANCE COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES
Abstract
Various means of providing a reliable communication system for air traffic control (ATC) in the North Atlantic in the 1970's was investigated. The study indicated that considerable improvement in the adequacy and reliability of communication with over-ocean aircraft (during the interim period before 1970) could be obtained by the adoption of an optimized hybrid system utilizing High Frequencies (in both ground wave and ionospheric modes); Very High Frequencies (present communication band in both line-ofsight and tropospheric scatter modes) ; and Low Frequencies (ground-to-air). However, the study also indicated that the only economically and operationally feasible technique which will fully satisfy the near-future requirements for communication to over-ocean aircraft and which will be at all adequate for post-1970 requirements, is one which utilizes active satellite relays. The study further indicated that, for the communication function alone, synchronous (or 24-hour period) satellite orbits are superior to other orbits when economics and operational procedures are considered. This system, which provides the necessary area coverage and access time at a reasonable cost, also protects the large capital investment of the airline operators in VHF communications equipment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0603865
Entities
People
- George W. Mcclure
- John C. Dute
Organizations
- University of Michigan