Clocks for Airborne Systems

Norman Houlding

Abstract:	Because of the need for an accurate clock for future airborne systems such as IFF, MITRE has investigated the potential performance of compact oscillators. .In particular, extensive testing of rubidium oscillators manufactured by Efratom has been performed for more than two years. The results indicate that an accuracy of better than 10 microseconds should be achievable in tactical aircraft provided that appropriate measures are adopted to counter. the many environmental factors.In a favorable environment a stability of better than 5 x 10 -" for one day is achievable with present commercial units, but improvements are required to suit operation in an aircraft. Results of sonic vibration tests show promise, but further investigation is required. With further development of rubidium controlled clocks the ultimate limitation on time accuracy in aircraft will probably be associated with time dissemination, maintenance difficulties and doctrinal hurdles.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 13th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting December 1 - 3, 1981 Naval Research Laboratory Washington, DC
Pages:	505 - 526
Cite this article:	Houlding, Norman, "Clocks for Airborne Systems," Proceedings of the 13th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Washington, DC, December 1981, pp. 505-526.
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