Advanced Radio
and Radar
Part 8
Types of Radar
Introduction
We have already looked at
Precision Approach Radar,
Instrument Landing Systems
and
Digital Resolution Direction Finding.
We will now look more closely
at a variety of other of equipment
used in the RAF,
to see how and where they are used.
Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN)
A Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) beacon
operates as a transponder
by providing regular transmissions
of bearing information.
The beacon identity and range,
is available within 200 miles.
One TACAN can give accurate
bearing, distance
and identification information,
to 100 aircraft
simultaneously.
Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN)
Distance Interrogation Signals (DIS)
are sent to the beacon.
The ground installation contains
a transmitter/receiver and an antenna array,
which immediately re-transmits
back to the aircraft.
Cockpit instruments indicate the range
and bearing of the beacon from the aircraft,
calculated by the time taken
between transmission and reception.
Airfield Communications System
Mascot Minicomms was established
as a system of communication
to give controllers access to both
radio and landline communications.
Mascot Minicomms is the interface between
many different communications systems
and enables ATC controllers to "patch" together
different support agencies.
For example, in the event of an emergency,
a pilot using the aircraft’s radio,
can talk directly to a doctor
using a telephone in a hospital.
STCICS
The Strike Command
Integrated Communications System
provides specific services to its ‘users’ including:
a. Scheduled broadcasts giving:
1) Meteorological information.
2) Airfield states (i.e. either “open” or “closed”).
b. Flight watch – the initial radio contact,
for aircraft that are entering UK airspace.
c. Message switching and relay.
Defence Communications Network
The DCN is a tri-service common network
for communications.
The types of information carried on the DCN are;
operational, meteorological and administrative.
This network is a modern communications system
and uses computers to encrypt messages,
so if they should be intercepted
they are unreadable without the code.
The DCN is similar to the civilian telex system,
it is worldwide and uses HF radio,
long-distance cables and satellites.
UK Air Defence Ground Environment
UKADGE is a network of radars
(both fixed and mobile)
that cover the whole of the UK and its airspace.
Land radar, ships and AEW aircraft,
all input information to the system
that provides a large scale picture
of the UK’s airspace.
The control centre then has information needed
to make a judgement of any threat
and how to deal with it.
UKADGE is one of the worlds most modern
data processing & communication systems.
Fixed Telecommunications System
The RAF FTS is important because it supports
UKADGE in the defence of UK airspace.
If a target is detected,
a central control decides action to be taken.
The RAF FTS ensures good communications
between all agencies and authorities.
The system provides for 3 areas:
a. Voice – person to person (either secure or not)
b. Recorded messages – written orders or signals
(achieved via DCN - Defence Communications Network).
c. Data – transfer of data on dedicated lines.
Fixed Telecommunications System
The RAF FTS consists of –
Boxer
a network of Service-owned lines
and information links
that carry information all round the country.
It includes fibre optic, microwave
and satellite links.
Uniter
provides the switching and terminal equipment
which allows the user
to communicate information to a receiver.
Check of Understanding
What does TACAN stand for?
Tactical Air Navigation
Tactical Communications Network
Technical Communications Navigation
Terminal Approach Navigation
Check of Understanding
A pilot receives distance, bearing
and which other information from TACAN?
Altitude Details
Height Information
Beacon Identification
Azimuth Location
Check of Understanding
A pilot receives distance, beacon identification
and which other information from TACAN?
Bearing
Height
Azimuth
Elevation
Check of Understanding
What does STCIC stand for?
Strike Command Integrated
Communications System
Support Command Integrated
Communications System
Strike Command Internal
Communications System
Support Command Internal
Communications System
Check of Understanding
What is the system that can link an
ordinary telephone to an aircraft’s radio?
Mascot Minicomms
Boxer
RAF FTS
Uniter
Check of Understanding
What information does STCIC supply?
Scheduled broadcasts,
flight watch & message switching
Unscheduled broadcasts,
flight watch & message switching
Scheduled broadcasts,
flight watch & message relays
Unscheduled broadcasts,
flight watch & message relays
Check of Understanding
What does DCN stand for?
Data Communications Network
Data Control Network
Defence Communications Network
Defence Control Network
Check of Understanding
What types of information is carried
on the DCN ?
Operational, Meteorological
and Administrative.
Meteorological Information
and Airfield States
Bearing, Distance
and Identification Information
Transfer of Data
on Dedicated Lines.
Check of Understanding
What is the air defence system
used in the UK called?
UK Defence of Air & Ground
Environment
Air Defence Ground
Environment (UK)
UK Air Defence Ground
Environment
Air Defence (UK) Ground
Environment
Check of Understanding
How does UKADGE achieve its aim?
By only using airborne radars
to cover UK airspace
By only using mobile radars
to cover UK airspace
By only using fixed radars
to cover UK airspace
By using fixed & mobile radars
to cover UK airspace
Check of Understanding
What three areas does the RAF FTS cover?
Video, recorded message and data
Voice, recorded data and faxes
Voice, recorded messages and data
Voice, records and data
Check of Understanding
The data links on the RAF FTS include . . .
Microwave, HF radio & satellite
HF radio, fibre optic & satellite
Fibre optic, microwave & satellite
HF radio, radar & satellite
Check of Understanding
What are the two RAF FTS
sub-systems called?
Boxer & United
Baxter & United
Boxer and Uniter
Baxter & Uniter
Advanced Radio
and Radar
End of Presentation