ReConTTA: A State-Of-The-Art Telemetry Tracking System

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss key features of a Remotely Controllable Telemetry Tracking Antenna (ReConTTA) system which, truly, represents the current state-of-the-art. The ReConTTA system is planned to support flight testing of all current and future generation aircraft at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC), Edwards Air Force Base, California. System features to be discussed include: (1) The Antenna Group including Radial Scanning (RADSCAN). (2) The Local Control Group and its interface with the down converting, r-f switching, receiving, diversity combining, and microwave data-link equipment. (3) The Remote Control Group and its interface with microwave and ground station processing equipment. Several examples will be presented, illustrating the capabilities of the ReConTTA system, including the following: (1) Remote control operations utilizing computer control. (2) Broadband frequency coverage from 1435-2400 Mhz. (3) Low tracking angle performance.