Please explain the purpose of operation: |
Measure air-to-ground (AG) channel characteristics in the C frequency band using a wideband (40 MHz) constant-envelope linear FM chirp signal.
Airborne testing will be accomplished with a Ground Station (GS) transmitting from a site at Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL) and a receiver in a general aviation aircraft (likely a Gippsland G8) piloted by the Civil Air Patrol (CAP).
We are requesting one frequency (5240 MHz) to be used in the Cleveland area;s our NASA sponsor is at Cleveland’s Glenn Research Center (GRC). This is a project led by Mosaic-ATM, with the University of South Carolina as subcontractor. Since AAM aircraft are envisioned to fly at low altitudes (e.g., 500-3000 feet AGL) near and within urban areas, the Cleveland metropolitan area represents an excellent test site since it has both large buildings and a nearby body of water, Lake Erie, from which very strong multipath reflections will occur. Laboratory and terrestrial field testing will be completed before the flight tests. The flight testing will take place on two consecutive days, with two flights planned per day. Each flight is expected to take approximately 30-60 minutes. NASA will aid in coordination with local FAA, ATC (at Cleveland Hopkins, CLE), BKL, and others to ensure all air traffic safety procedures are strictly followed. Measurements consist of transmission of our 40 MHz signal from the GS to the aircraft (one-way). |