An Advanced Propagation Tool for Satellite ATM and Aeronautical Communications

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present the development of a new software tool for the analysis of propagation effects on satellite-to-aircraft communications, valid for frequencies between VHF and Ka-band, and which takes into account the following technical/scientific issues: • modifications induced on the aircraft antenna pattern by its installation on the platform (due to interaction with the structural elements of the platform) and corresponding short delay additional multipaths, including in the case of moving elements (e.g. helicopter blades), • geometry of the trajectory and aircraft dynamics during movements including attitude, • surface scattering effects for sea and ground surfaces, including vegetation layers, • atmospheric effects due to troposphere at different altitudes and ionosphere.