ATS-UHF Experiment for Aircraft Communication

The VHF repeater experiment is an active frequency translation repeater which was launched as a part of the experimental payload of the Applications Technology Satellites ATS-1. A follow-on experiment is planned for A TS- C. The VHF repeater experiment using an eightelement electronically despun phased array antenna, will demonstrate the feasibility of providing a continuous voice communication link between ground control stations and aircraft anywhere within an area covered by the satellite. Both government and the civilian air carriers will be active participants in the experiment. It is anticipated that the qualitative and quantitative data resulting from the VHF experiment will contribute to development of future large scale satellite relay air control communication systems. In recent years jet air travel has increased to the point where a flight between the United States and another continent is not uncommon. A flight that spans oceans is accepted not only as safe but as the only way to travel. With the introduction of supersonic transports, the volume of air traffic will increase significantly