RFI effects analysis of an airport-installed HF transmitter on aircraft COMM/NAV receivers

Abstract

Modern commercial aircraft increasingly depend on radio communication and navigation (COMM/NAV) aids in flight, and particularly when performing instrument landings. A medium-power high-frequency (HF) transmitter, installed in the Ben-Gurion (Tel-Aviv) International Airport was a source of concern, due to the possible radio frequency interference effects to essential airborne COMM/NAV systems, when most needed. An analysis based on a realistic scenario is presented, indicating that although the receivers' performance will be somewhat degraded, they will operate satisfactorily and provide a reliable COMM/NAV performance in flight and for landing. These results have been substantiated by actual measurements of COMM/NAV airborne receivers.<>