SYNCHRONOUS-SATELLITE SERVICE FOR AERONAUTICAL FLIGHT TESTING - AN INDIAN MODEL

Abstract

One of the fastest methods of flight testing prototype aircraft and other aerospace vehicles is to use real-time tele-links. This method, has cutshort flight development cost, time and effort considerably. However, there are certain shortcomings in this methodology, such as, limited range, multipath effects, capability to test only one aircraft at a time, using auto-track systems, limiting the scene of activity to one centre etc. Opening other flight test centre in the country would mean duplication. With the daunting prospect of flight testing supersonic fighter aircraft in the 90’s, it becomes necessary to think of alternatives. This presentation describes a synchronous satellite system concept, as a suitable alternative for the Indian environment. It is concluded that in the Indian context, an operational system based on this concept is absolutely feasible and that a follow-up system would be a Domestic MILSAT communication network that apart from serving the flight test needs, meets the service requirements of other military aeronautical agencies in India.