Author
Rice, William A.Affiliation
National Range Operations DirectorateIssue Date
1982-09
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Copyright © International Foundation for TelemeteringCollection Information
Proceedings from the International Telemetering Conference are made available by the International Foundation for Telemetering and the University of Arizona Libraries. Visit http://www.telemetry.org/index.php/contact-us if you have questions about items in this collection.Abstract
The Drone Formation Control System (DFCS) was developed by IBM, Federal Systems Division in 1976 under contract to the US Army White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) to provide precise automatic closed-loop control for multiple target aircraft. The unique DFCS distance measuring equipment (DME) data link allows for both range measurement and the transmission of both command and telemetry data on a single frequency (915 MHz). The DFCS is controlled by a federated chain of microprocessors linked to a large scale IBM System 360 Model 75. The unique data link embedded in a system totally driven by software allowed the DFCS to be modified for automatic control of multiple ground targets as well as aerial targets. This paper briefly describes the DFCS and the modifications performed for ground target control. The DFCS RF modulation/demodulation technique is emphasized.Sponsors
International Foundation for TelemeteringISSN
0884-51230074-9079