Aeroflight Communications and RF Navaids

Abstract

The Space Shuttle Program concept of a low cost, reliable and reusable orbital vehicle has proven to be a driving function in systems design and integration. Extensive use of existing designs to satisfy these requirements has been effectively employed in the aeroflight systems. Appropriate planning and a careful appraisal of maturity, cost, performance, vehicle burdens, and operational flexibility were completed prior to a system choice. The aerial navigation and landing systems selected for the orbital vehicle are described and their interfaces with the control and navigation system discussed.