The Operational Pre-D for the Atlantis Missile Range

Abstract

This newly-developed receiving and predetection recording system currently being integrated into the Atlantic Missile Range should prove of considerable interest to the telemetry systems engineer. The system, designated TRKI-12, will become part of the familiar "Range Rehabilitation Program." The TRKI-12 is capable of handling up to twelve simultaneous telemetry signals of any known or projected telemetry format. Frequency-translation methods used enable recording and reproduction of high bit-rate PCM and other wide-bandwidth signals with minimum distortion. A wideband FM recording method gives true DC to 500-kc bandwidth recordings. The system incorporates a diversity reception and combining concept enabling optimum combination of telemetry data from diversity antenna systems without undesirable byproducts or need for special phase-correction. The description herein, which includes design constraints and limitations for a system of this type, should yield information of concern to the range user and should be especially useful in establishing efficient and economical range interfaces.