UPLINK TELEMETRY: A LOGICAL EXPANSION OF FLIGHT TEST DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM CAPABILITIES

Abstract

A reliable telemetry uplink, operating simultaneously and compatibly with normal downlink telemetry, will provide the flight test community with a versatile and flexible means of managing airborne data acquisition systems. This paper recommends incorporation of telemetry uplink capabilities into data acquisition systems employed in aircraft developmental flight testing. Potential applications are discussed, including: • In-flight real-time, reformatting of an airborne data system. • Time code synchronization. • Merging of external data sources into onboard data streams. • Presentation of ground processed data to the pilot via cockpit displays. • In-flight programming of flight-test-peculiar equipments, e.g. flutter excitation controllers. Reduced downlink telemetry bandwidths, higher mission productivities, and decreased pilot workloads are expected benefits. The results of an ongoing, McDonnell Aircraft Company, (MCAIR), funded (IRAD*) uplink development and evaluation program are presented, including the ground-based segments integrated into an autotracking antenna system. Alternatives also are discussed for integration of telemetry uplink systems into normally used test facilities, contractor and government operated.