Communications system using high altitude relay platforms
First Claim
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1. A communications system for transferring signals between ground-based stations, said system having a stratospheric airborne link which comprises:
- an airborne platform positioned at a predetermined altitude in the stratosphere, wherein said platform is a single stage, turbocharged, piston-powered aircraft;
at least one spot beam antenna mounted on said platform for sending a signal between a first ground-based station and said platform using a carrier in a first frequency range;
an airborne antenna mounted on said platform for passing said signal between said platform and a second ground-based station using a carrier in a second frequency range; and
a communications relay unit mounted on said platform for converting carrier frequencies for said signal between said first frequency range and said second frequency range, and for transferring said signal between said spot beam antenna and said airborne antenna to establish communications between said first and second ground-based stations.
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Abstract
A communications system includes a single stage, turbocharged, piston-powered aircraft that is positioned to fly in the lower stratosphere (41,000 ft.). A first link for the system is established between the aircraft and a subscriber on the ground, and a second link is established between the aircraft and a telecommunications base station. With the aircraft in position, communications between the subscriber and another party is then established over the first and second links, and through the base station.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A communications system for transferring signals between ground-based stations, said system having a stratospheric airborne link which comprises:
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an airborne platform positioned at a predetermined altitude in the stratosphere, wherein said platform is a single stage, turbocharged, piston-powered aircraft;
at least one spot beam antenna mounted on said platform for sending a signal between a first ground-based station and said platform using a carrier in a first frequency range;
an airborne antenna mounted on said platform for passing said signal between said platform and a second ground-based station using a carrier in a second frequency range; and
a communications relay unit mounted on said platform for converting carrier frequencies for said signal between said first frequency range and said second frequency range, and for transferring said signal between said spot beam antenna and said airborne antenna to establish communications between said first and second ground-based stations. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A communications system for transferring signals between ground-based stations which comprises:
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a first link for sending a signal between a first ground-based station and an airborne platform using a carrier frequency in a first frequency range, wherein said airborne platform is positioned at a predetermined altitude in the stratosphere, and wherein said platform is a single stage, turbocharged, piston-powered aircraft;
a second link for passing said signal between a second ground-based station and said airborne platform using a carrier frequency in a second frequency range; and
a means mounted on said airborne platform for converting carrier frequencies for said signal between said first frequency range and said second frequency range to interconnect said first link with said second link. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for transferring signals between ground-based stations which comprises the steps of:
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positioning an airborne platform at a predetermined altitude in the stratosphere, wherein said platform is a single stage, turbocharged, piston-powered aircraft;
sending a signal over a first link between a first ground-based station and said platform using a carrier in a first frequency range;
passing said signal over a second link between said platform and a second ground-based station using a carrier in a second frequency range; and
transferring said signal between said first link and said second link at said airborne platform to establish communications between said first and second ground-based stations. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification