A Comparative Study on various Flight Termination System Technologies

Sushree Priyadarshini; Mohapatra Kumar Gourab; Utpal Mandal; Angshuman Roy

doi:10.14429/dsj.73.18334

Sushree Priyadarshini DRDO-Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Balasore, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6387-2912
Mohapatra Kumar Gourab DRDO-Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Balasore, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9406-343X
Utpal Mandal DRDO-Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Balasore, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2790-3093
Angshuman Roy DRDO-Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Balasore, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2127-062X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.73.18334

Keywords: Flight Termination System (FTS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), Enhanced Flight Termination System (EFTS), Autonomous Flight Termination System (AFTS)

Abstract

In a test range, a Flight Termination System (FTS) plays a prominent role in protecting range and flight personnel along with surrounding area population in case the flight vehicle is out of its trajectory range and possesses a threat to surrounding. An efficient FTS should posses high Signal to Noise Ratio, link robustness to ensure reliable communication between ground transmitting and onboard receiving systems and should be immune to interference. This article presents a detailed report on the requirement and features of FTS & technologies used in it. Techniques such as tone based, code based and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) are considered. Analysis of RF spectrum, gain and noise figure measurement and channel power are presented. Advanced methods like Enhanced Flight Termination System (EFTS) and Autonomous Flight Termination System (AFTS) are considered which show supportable and upgradable technologies, better range understanding, unique vehicle id & higher data rate. AFTS being self-reliant provides superior performance in terms of GPS, launch responsiveness, multiple flight vehicle control and auto pilot.