Abstract: A method for routing aircraft data link messages over a plurality of communications networks is disclosed. The method assigns at least one data link message routing service for an aircraft having a first message processing application based on prescribed criteria, the prescribed criteria comprising preferred networks of the plurality of communications networks. As a first preferred communications network becomes available, the method selects a first message route from the assigned routing service and transmits each of the data link messages on the first message route while the first message route satisfies the prescribed criteria. When the prescribed criteria changes over a plurality of flight phases of the aircraft, the method reassigns the at least one data link message route to continue data link message transmissions to and from the aircraft based on the latest prescribed criteria.

Abstract: A reconfigurable radio communications system is disclosed. The system comprises a digital data bus, a control bus, and first and second reconfigurable radio communication units responsive to the digital data bus and the control bus. Each of the first and second reconfigurable radio communication units further include a first and a second multifunction radio transceiver, with the first reconfigurable radio communication unit responsive to at least a first antenna, and the second reconfigurable radio communication unit responsive to at least a second antenna. Each of the first and the second multifunction radio transceivers of the first and the second reconfigurable radio communication units are operable to simultaneously transmit and receive data on at least two separate channels from different frequency bands.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting and receiving multiple radio frequencies simultaneously over a single antenna is provided. The apparatus comprises a transmitter signal combining apparatus configured to communicatively couple with a plurality of transmitters, wherein the transmitter signal combining apparatus is configured to output a transmission signal based on any signals received from the plurality of transmitters. The apparatus also includes at least one transmit/receive signal duplexer coupled to the transmitter signal combining apparatus and configured to provide the transmission signal to an antenna, wherein the antenna receives an incoming radio frequency (RF) signal. Additionally, the apparatus includes a signal separation apparatus coupled to the at least one transmit/receive signal duplexer and configured to receive the incoming RF signal and provide the incoming RF signal to at least one receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting and receiving multiple frequencies on a single antenna is provided. The apparatus includes a first transmitter configured to transmit signals on a first frequency to an antenna, and at least one receiver configured to receive signals on a second frequency from the antenna. The apparatus also includes a notch filter coupled to the first transmitter and configured to reject a component at the second frequency from a signal transmitted by the first transmitter.

Abstract: A meteor scatter communications system for communicating between a master station and one or more remote stations. In one exemplary embodiment, a broad beam transmitter probe signal is reflected from a meteor ionization trail to a remote station which then transmits a return data signal to the master station. The master station receiver has a plurality of antennas and a receiver beam forming network which forms a plurality of narrow beam receive signals, one of which has a high gain and corresponds to the narrow beam signal which illuminates the meteor trail and contains the reflected return data signal from the remote station. The master station processor selects such one narrow beam signal for processing the data therein.