Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE AET2213

 
TITLE Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS)

 
UM LEVEL 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 6

 
DEPARTMENT Institute of Aerospace Technologies

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit begins by introducing the fundamental concepts and theory of aeronautical communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) systems. It then builds on these concepts to discuss various types of CNS systems.

The study-unit covers:
- Signal theory (time and frequency representation, Fourier Series, convolution, etc.);
- Analog and digital modulation schemes;
- Radio propagation (LOS, etc.) and link budgeting;
- Antennas;
- Noise;
- Error detection and error correction;
- Principles of navigation;
- Radar theory;
- Analog and digital terrestrial communications;
- Satellite communications;
- Terrestrial navigation;
- Inertial navigation;
- Satellite navigation;
- Radar applications;
- Cooperative surveillance;
- Emerging communication, navigation and surveillance systems.

Study-unit Aims:

- To introduce the fundamental concepts of signal theory;
- To discuss various analog and digital modulation schemes;
- To explain how radio waves propagate through the atmosphere;
- To describe the various types and characteristics of antennas;
- To explain the effect of noise on radio systems and present error detection/correction techniques;
- To introduce the principles of navigation;
- To introduce radar theory;
- To discuss the operation of terrestrial and satellite communication systems;
- To discuss the operation of terrestrial, inertial and satellite navigation systems;
- To discuss the operation of various cooperative and non-cooperative (radar-based) surveillance systems;
- To discuss emerging communication, navigation and surveillance technologies.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Discuss the relationship between the time and frequency domain representation of signals;
- Describe the response of different types of filters;
- Explain how radio waves carry information and travel through the atmosphere;
- Highlight the characteristics of different types of antennae;
- Explain how radio systems are affected by noise and how transmission errors can be detected and corrected;
- Discuss the basic principles of navigation;
- Explain the fundamentals of radar;
- Describe the operation of the key components of various communication, navigation and surveillance systems;
- Identify the strengths and limitations of terrestrial and satellite communication systems;
- Identify the strengths and limitations of terrestrial, inertial and satellite-based navigation systems;
- Identify the strengths and limitations of cooperative and non-cooperative surveillance systems.

2. Skills
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Assess the impact of noise and the environment on the performance of a radio communication, navigation or surveillance system;
- Compare the CNS capabilities of different categories of aircraft;
- Select appropriate CNS systems for a particular application or mission;
- Apply knowledge and understanding of CNS systems to flying skills and airmanship.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main texts:
- Nebylov, A., and Watson, J., Aerospace Navigation Systems, 2016, Wiley.
- Stacey, D., Aeronautical Radio Communication Systems and Networks, 1st Edition, 2008, Wiley.
- Stimson, G.W., Introduction to Airborne Radar, 3rd Edition, 2014, SciTech Publishing.

Supplementary texts:
- Slim Ben Mahmoud, M. et al, Aeronautical Air-Ground Data Link Communications, 1st Edition, 2014, Wiley.
- Helfrick, A., Principles of Avionics, 8th Edition, 2013, Avionics Communications Inc.
- Moir, I., Seabridge, A., Jukes, M., Civil Avionics Sysems, 2nd Edition, 2013, Wiley.

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES Pre-Requisite Study-units: AET1911, AET1912 (AET1904 or AET1903)

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
SP Yes 10%
SP Yes 20%
Examination (1 Hour) SP Yes 30%
Assignment SP Yes 40%

 
LECTURER/S

 

 
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The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit