Communications Subsystem

The Communications subsystem consist of three 1,000 watt HF transmitters and receivers. These are used to provide long range voice communications between the deployed aircraft and the ARIA Operations Control Center (AOCC) at Edwards AFB, California, for flight-following and mission updates during aircraft deployments.  Three AN/ARC-164 UHF and one AN/ARC-186 VHF transceivers are used to provide line of sight air to air and air to ground voice communications.

A 200-watt UHF DAMA satellite terminal provides plain text and encrypted voice communications either line of sight or via satellite.  Narrowband data retransmission is accomplished through a 1,000-watt UHF satellite terminal.  A six channel INMARSAT terminal is also installed to provide plain text and encrypted voice and data communications via satellite to the public telephone network.

Data retransmission to the launch agency via satellite allows instantaneous analysis of critical events onboard the spacecraft. The ARIA uses the FLTSAT (Navy fleet satellites), AFSATCOM (Air Force satellites), LES (Lincoln experimental satellites) and UFO (UHF follow-on satellites) satellite systems during satellite voice communications and data retransmission.  Data bandwidth is limited by ability and priority for scheduling satellite time. Typically, maximum allowable satellite bandwidth is 25 kHz, but occasionally a very high priority mission may enable a bandwidth of 50 kHz or more.

The Remote Command and Control/Flight Termination System  (RCC/FTS) and PMEE interphone systems is also checked out and maintained by the Communications subsystem operator.

Internally and externally generated audio signals can be routed through several different systems, depending on mission requirements.  Each crew station provides interphone capabilities to allow operators to communicate with other crewmembers or external parties with appropriate patching by the communications operator. 

The audio patch panel, Collins model 256Z-3, allows the operator to manually interface the HF's, UHF's, VHF, SATCOM's, and aircraft interphone audio circuits in nonstandard configurations. It also provides an audio oscillator, dBm meter, and test points for testing and calibration of T/R and interphone audio circuits and squelch controls.

In addition, a radio to radio relay via satellite or air to air or ground can be established using multiple combinations of radio sets and modes of operation. 

The AIC-18 interphone system is divided into two loops - aircraft and PMEE - but the two can be interconnected. The PMEE loop capabilities have been expanded by the addition of a 376R-19 control indicator at the mission commander's station and a 376R-21 control indicator at the communications operator's station. Pushbutton switches in these units allow the respective operator to establish additional unique interphone circuits.

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