User-Programmable Airborne L-Band Transmitter Boosts Extended Range Flight Test Capabilities

Key Takeaways

Curtiss-Wright introduces the TTS-9610, a customizable airborne L-Band multi-mode transmitter for flight test programs.
The transmitter features state-of-the-art IRIG-106-23 modulation, high efficiency, and programmable power for reliability and flexibility.
The TTS-9610 supports extensive range operations while optimizing data accuracy, making it suitable for missile and launch vehicle tests.

Innovative Airborne Transmitter for Flight Testing

Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division has launched the TTS-9610, an advanced airborne L-Band multi-mode transmitter designed to meet the rigorous demands of flight testing. This innovative transmitter incorporates state-of-the-art IRIG-106-23 modulation, emphasizing its suitability for complex and time-sensitive aerospace applications.

The TTS-9610 is particularly noteworthy for its flexibility, allowing for customization according to the unique specifications of various flight test programs. Key features include user programmability for center frequency and low-density parity-check (LDPC) encoding, setting it apart in terms of performance. The built-in high-efficiency power amplifier chain ensures the highest power efficiency available in the industry.

Brian Perry, senior vice president and general manager of Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division, commented on the importance of reliable data transmission during test flights, stating, “Aerospace test flights, which are both costly and time critical, demand reliable, accurate transmission of data to the ground from the airborne test platform.” He stressed that the TTS-9610’s combination of reliability and efficiency positions it as a top choice for aerospace test programs.

The transmitter employs LDPC linear error correction, utilizing rapid encoding and decoding algorithms that enhance the accuracy of data transmission over potentially noisy channels. This capability, paired with programmable power settings, extends the operational range without the need for increased power consumption. The TTS-9610 also features a low-power mode catering to pre-flight checkouts, effectively reducing self-heating and RF radiation, thus prolonging the transmitter’s lifespan.

Thermal management is a focal point of the TTS-9610’s design, optimizing heat dissipation for improved reliability during usage. Additionally, it features an RS-232 interface, facilitating easy reconfiguration with standard IRIG-106 commands.

This new transmitter is particularly ideal for extended range flight testing applications related to missile and launch vehicle operations. The TTS-9610 integrates seamlessly into existing data acquisition systems, effectively supporting data transmission from various systems, including MnACQ, MCDAU-2000, and MDW-2020.

Overall, the TTS-9610 embodies a significant advancement in airborne transmission technology, promising enhanced data integrity, operational flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for challenging aerospace test missions.

The content above is a summary. For more details, see the source article.