Innovative Aircraft Landing Aid Transmission Technology

Carrier landings are among the most difficult aviation procedures for a military pilot. Accomplishing these landings at night or in bad weather requires the most reliable navigation systems available. The AN/SPN-41 transmitting set, which assists pilots in their final approach to a carrier landing, suffers from component failures and parts obsolescence, reducing its availability. Resolving these issues is a key element in extending the service life and reducing the operational costs of the AN/SPN-41. Performance and capability enhancements in the form of more versatile pulse code options and controlled RF power are also desired to increase the capability and operational flexibility of this critical landing system. Phase I of this SBIR, completed by Diversified Technologies Inc. (DTI) in the fourth quarter of 2006, focused on developing key circuit techniques to properly drive the existing magnetron. In a previous Phase II effort, DTI designed, built, and tested three complete transmitter assemblies. During this proposed Phase II effort, DTI will complete the design and production readiness tasks, and support qualification testing by the Navy. This will allow the unit to move directly into production in Phase III.