EFFECTS OF AIRBORNE TRANSPONDER ANTENNA LOBE SWITCHING ON EN ROUTE (PCD) AND TERMINAL (BDAS) BEACON REPLY PROCESSING

The comparative performances of switching top and bottom transponder antennas versus the bottom antenna alone, in target detection by ARTS III and by PCD, were investigated in order to determine which of the two antenna configurations is preferable. A variety of military aircraft participated, performing climbouts, orbits, straight and level segments, and descents, in order to expose a wide range of aspect angles to the interrogator. The frequency of occurrence of lost targets, particularly of consecutive lost targets, was found to vary considerably from one aircraft type to another. Analysis of the reduced data provides a reasonable basis, however, for concluding that, to maximize average probability of detection, the bottom antenna is better in the terminal area but switching antennas are better for En Route application. (Modified author abstract)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/FAA033241062
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Report on ATC Surveillance/Communication Analysis and Planning.
• Corporate Authors:

  Lincoln Laboratory

  Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  Lexington, MA  United States  02173
• Authors:
  • Day, E H
  • Pannell, J H
• Publication Date: 1974-1-29

Media Info

• Pagination: 184 p.

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00056912
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• ISBN: FAA-033-241-062
• Report/Paper Numbers: ATC-18 Final Rpt
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FA72WAI-242
• Files: NTIS
• Created Date: Jul 22 1974 12:00AM