ATS-5 multipath/ranging/digital data L-band experimental program. Phase 1: Experimental program-aircraft communications/surveillance via satellite at L-band

A program definition study (phase 1) for an experimental flight test program intended to establish the capabilities and limitations of an L-band aeronautical satellite system has been completed. Three experiments are defined: aircraft position surveillance via satellite, voice and digital communications via satellite, and multipath propagation characterization. The test program was designed to use the NASA ATS-5 satellite, scheduled for launch in August 1969, and two FAA airplanes, a KC-135 and a DC-6B. Ground terminals were to be located at the NASA Mojave facility in California and at the FAA NAFEC facility near Altantic City, N.J. Descriptions of the aircraft experimental L-band antennas and functional requirements for the airborne and ground-based terminals are given. Due to failure of the ATS-5 satellite to achieve proper stabilization in orbit, the test program and hardware described herein were extensively revised prior to implementation and flight test as described in subsequent program phases.