The Challenges of C-Band Missile Telemetry

Abstract

The differences between S-band and C-band systems are summarized in the context of missile telemetry. The most important challenges of C-band operation are identified: for air-to-air and airto- surface systems, the relative small size of these missiles limits their ability to source additional DC power and handle increased heat loading due to potentially less-efficient C-band telemetry transmitters. For surface-to-air systems, the prospect of reduced link margin and potential tracking problems associated with narrower beamwidth antennas are the dominant issues for interceptor type systems whereas the power and heat issues associated with less-than-unity telemetry transmitters are the dominant issues for anti-air warfare systems. The potential problems for C-band telemetry of surface-to-surface systems appear to be more like the fixed-wing aircraft issues, many of which have been resolved.