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.

Table of Contents:
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