A Study of the Communications Requirements for a 1985 to 2000 Operational Aeronautical Satellite System. Volume I: Atlantic Ocean Area. Phase 1.

Abstract : A study was conducted to determine the number of communications channels required by an operational aeronautical satellite system during the period 1985-2000. Seven alternative operating scenarios have been considered, and the communications channels required by each have been evaluated. The evaluation entailed (1) the characterization of present oceanic communications traffic, (2) the estimation of future communications traffic as an extension of present-day traffic, and (3) the generation of operating scenarios and the determination of the number of communications channels required. The effort concentrated on air-to-ground and ground-to-air communications and incorporated the views of major international air carriers. Channel requirements were based on the assumption that a single control point would be used to control the use of channels, and calculations excluded any spare channels for system backup, emergency alerts or dedicated continuous broadcast purposes.