Coupling and vulnerability of CNI systems to an onboard RF source

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Technical Center and Veridian's Veda Operations have investigated avionics' response to onboard intentional electromagnetic interference (EMI). Many other aerospace organizations have previously performed applicable research in areas similar to this goal, however, several basic questions about coupling remained unanswered. This paper presents further refined analysis and conclusions from data gathered during testing and modeling of a CV-580 and B-727 aircraft. Coupling paths and path loss information between an intentional internal radio frequency (RF) source and aircraft receivers and antennas at frequencies between VHF and Global Positioning System (GPS) are provided.