Aviation RF Link

Quick calculation of the forward link from a ground station to an aircraft

General

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The program Aviation RF Link allows quick calculation of the forward link from a ground station to an aircraft. Based on the RF power of the ground station, the tool calculates the distance with a given field strength to be achieved at the aircraft antenna or calculates the field strength at a given power and distance to the aircraft.

The tool calculates the path loss based on line-of-sight (LOS) conditions and does not take into account multipath propagation on the ground.

In addition to the RF path, the tool calculates the radio horizon based on the given height of the aircraft and the ground station. If the calculated LOS is lower than the distance that can be achieved with the given radio conditions, this is indicated by a red dot on the LOS tab. In this case, the radio horizon is the limiting factor and not the RF link budget.

The line of sight is calculated in accordance with ICAO Annex 10 Vol. V.

The default for the antenna gain of 2.14 dBi corresponds to an omni directional antenna.

The default for the field strength of 75 uV/m corresponds to the ICAO recommendation for minimum reception at the aircraft antenna.

Quick start

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To start calculation, just select a row by touching it and change a specific value.

After touching the "Return" button, the dependent values are calculated automatically.

If any value other than distance is changed, the distance is recalculated. If distance is changed, the field strength is recalculated.

If you change a unit, the corresponding numerical values are converted. For example: 1 mW yields 0 dBm if the unit is changed from mW to dBm. Also conversion between feet and meters, and between nautical miles and kilometers is performed.