HF Communication Trials with BOAC Aircraft on the Polar Route.

• Main Author: Sudworth,J. P.
• Other Authors: ROYAL AIRCRAFT ESTABLISHMENT FARNBOROUGH (ENGLAND)
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1971
• Subjects: Radio Communications; *COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT; POLAR REGIONS; RADIO TRANSMISSION; ARCTIC REGIONS; AIR TO SURFACE; HIGH FREQUENCY; UNITED KINGDOM; Arctic; Rae
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0729228; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0729228

Results are presented from a series of trials over a twelve month period between BOAC Boeing 707 aircraft on the polar route to Tokyo and Cove Radio Station (RAE). Long term frequency predictions proved successful in maintaining a high level of successful contacts (94% of calls) at ranges up to 2200 nautical miles during day and night. Graphs are presented of the variation of recieved signal levels over the year at different ranges, together with the distribution of fading depths and periods. The results show that, for most of the hear, although adequate for the transmission of routine voice messages, signal to noise ratios on the air-to-ground link leave little in hand for more complex traffic. Directional receiving aerials are essential. (Author)