Emergency Beacons - The Next Generation Introduction
HR SMITH GROUP
Introduction
For many years, Emergency Beacons for aviation use were relatively
simple in design and operated on just two international distress
frequencies, transmitting an analogue modulated waveform that was
easily recognised and interpreted. Determining the location of an
activated beacon required a suitably equipped Search & Rescue
(SAR) aircraft operating within detection range of the beacon's
distress signal and capable of providing steering advice to the
pilot. Emergency beacons of this kind have seen extensive service
with civil and military authorities worldwide.
However, the combined range performance of emergency beacons and homing equipment demanded pre-knowledge of the general search area, and therefore often limited the effectiveness of SAR operations, especially in remote areas. Consequently, there was a clear need for an accurate global system for detecting and locating activated beacons. The introduction of the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system in 1985 provided this much needed capability. Although COSPAS-SARSAT provides a service for traditional distress frequencies, the signal formats do not identify the specific beacon or user and, moreover, are they highly prone to generating false alarms. The answer was a dedicated satellite frequency (406.025MHz) with a digitally coded message structure. The resulting developments in beacon technology not only greatly enhanced the effectiveness of Global SAR operations, but are also leading to new beacon developments and applications.
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