UHF Telemetry Systems Design for The Edwards High-Range

Abstract

A systems design analysis for the Edwards High-Range UHF telemetry receiving station network is described which takes into account reliability, availability, design adequacy, and initial and operating costs. Alternate High-Range configurations investigate the utility of sites using omnidirectional, sector, and steerable antenna systems in both the manned and unmanned modes of operation. In the analysis, reliability, availability, and design adequacy are combined as a measure of system effectiveness in a manner that permits the system design to be selected on the basis of maximum system effectiveness for a given total systems cost. Finally, an operational guideline is presented that permits the future programming of the range operation and expansion to be premised on probable losses incurred due to down-time.