Abstract: The Aircraft Air-To-Ground IP Tunnel System provides wireless communication services to passengers located onboard an aircraft by storing data indicative of the individually identified passenger wireless devices located onboard the aircraft. The Aircraft Air-To-Ground IP Tunnel System assigns a single IP address to each Point-to-Point Protocol link connecting the aircraft network to the ground-based communication network and creates an IP subnet onboard the aircraft. The IP subnet utilizes a plurality of IP addresses for each Point-to-Point link, enabling each passenger wireless device to be uniquely identified with their own IP address. This is enabled since both Point-to-Point Protocol IPCP endpoints have pre-defined IP address pools and/or topology configured, so each Point-to-Point Protocol endpoint can utilize a greater number of IP addresses than one per link.

Abstract: A wireless communications device may include a portable housing and a temperature-compensated clock circuit carried by the portable housing. The device may further include a wireless receiver carried by the portable housing for receiving timing signals, when available, from a wireless network, and a satellite positioning clock circuit carried by the portable housing. A clock correction circuit may be carried by the portable housing for correcting the temperature-compensated clock circuit based upon timing signals from the wireless network when available, and storing historical correction values for corresponding temperatures. The clock correction circuit may also correct the temperature-compensated clock circuit based upon the stored historical correction values when timing signals are unavailable from the wireless network, and correct the satellite positioning clock based upon the temperature-compensated clock circuit.

Abstract: A portable data link integration and communication unit and method that integrates and communicates data link information from an aircraft to a ground station is disclosed. The portable data link integration and communication unit a communication interface that facilitates communications with communication devices, and an integration and communication processing module that receives data link message information from one or more communication devices through the communication interface, integrates the received data link message information, converts integrated data link information into internet protocol information, and transmits the internet protocol information using the communication interface over a satellite network to the ground station for display to a user over a communications network.

Abstract: A spread-spectrum signal comprises a spreading waveform modulating a carrier wave and containing a real linear combination of a first waveform at a first waveform rate and a second waveform at a second waveform rate, the first waveform rate being distinct from the second waveform rate and both waveform rates being distinct and non-zero. The linear combination of the first and the second waveform is modulated with at least one binary sequence comprising a signal identification code.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tagging and identification device and system for tracking and monitoring sea vessels as they enter sea ports, estuaries and/or other channels. The tagging device of the present invention comprises a receiver, for receiving an underwater electromagnetic signal transmitted by an underwater beacon. An acoustic transmitter is provided for transmitting an identification signal to an acoustic receiver deployed nearby. The acoustic identification signal is transmitted after an electromagnetic trigger signal is received from the underwater beacon. The tagging and device may further comprise a memory device which can store data relating to position and time of the see vessel to which it is attached. The tagging and identification device of the present invention is covert, compact and is capable of extended active deployment without replenishment of batteries etc.

Abstract: A wearable, one-way transfer device component for use in a communications system that includes a first device coupled to a first communication network that receives and compiles global positioning data corresponding to the physical location of one or more objects, a first serial communication path for transmitting the global positioning data from the first device, the first serial communications path being unidirectional to prevent data from being transmitted to the first device, means for formatting the global positioning data received from the first serial path into a serial communication format, a second serial communication path for transmitting the formatted global positioning data to a second device associated with a second communication network, and a user replaceable means for providing power to the means for formatting the global positioning data.

Abstract: A communication system has a high altitude communication device that has an antenna for directing beams to a fixed cell pattern with a polarity of cells. A specific pattern of cells having the same communication resource is provided. Cells having the same resource may be separated. The antenna is shaped to suppress interference with locations having the same resource. The areas not having the same resource are not suppressed to allow the system to have maximum capacity and allow a smaller antenna aperture.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to customer premises equipment including a network access port configured to receive broadband digital network data from broadband wireless network access equipment, a broadcast access port configured to receive digital satellite broadcast data, and a unified access port configured to provide the broadband digital network data and the digital broadcast data via a coaxial cable.

Abstract: A system and method provide the ability to collect, store and transmit information statements concerning satellite communication system use. The satellite system may collect billing information, such as roaming data, network use in terms of both total time and total bandwidth and functionality utilized on a user by user basis. Further, the satellite system may collect network usage information from the totality of users of a satellite system. The billing information and network usage information may be collected and stored on-board satellite(s) in a network in a data structure including a database. This information may then be collected, organized and transmitted to a variety of users in the earth segment of the system.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting, processing, and selectively responding to radio frequency transmissions detected by at least one electronic signal observation device deployed above a geographic area.

Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.

Abstract: A wireless communication system for transmitting signals having a wireless positioning system being responsive to incoming signals for processing the same to generate coordinate information for determining the position of said wireless communication system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication system further includes a phase controller module being responsive to said coordinate information for controlling the phase of the output signals for transmission in a specified direction by performing beamforming, said wireless communication system for performing beamforming to increase the range of transmission of said output signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to enable a fixed or a mobile ground based slave stations (VSAT: Very Small Aperture Terminal) in a communication network to receive TDM transmissions from and transmit TDMA burst transmissions to one or more ground-based gateway stations in a networking system that employs one or more geosynchronous satellites. Each gateway station transmits on one or more forward TDM channels to the slave stations; however, one primary gateway acts as the master station at any given time which transmits the network control messages to the slave stations (VSATs) that control their TDMA transmission behavior on the network.

Abstract: Methods and systems for blanking a transmission signal to prevent blockage by a recurring obstruction, such as a plurality of helicopter rotor blades, are provided. An obstruction that may block a communication line of sight path is monitored. It is determined when the obstruction is expected to block transmission of a transmitted signal along the communication line of sight path based on monitoring when the obstruction blocks the communication line of sight path. A transmission blanking signal is generated, where the transmission blanking signal is configured to selectively stop transmission of the transmitted signal along the communication line of sight path when the obstruction is expected to block the communication line of sight path.

Abstract: An electronic radio system multifunction slice (100) for a electronic radio system (400). The slice (100) includes an antenna interface (102), several multi-band transceivers (106-112), a processor (104), and an avionics interface (114). The antenna interface (102) couples to the antenna preconditioners of the aircraft. The processor (104) is coupled to the multi-band transceivers (106-112) and antenna interface (102), and controls the transceivers (106-112) and antenna interface (102) to provide signal and data processing for at least two independent radio function threads. The processor (104) is also coupled to the avionics interface (114), which connects to the avionics network of the aircraft. Each multifunction slice 100 provides a programmable multifunction radio.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of assisting in the navigation of an aircraft comprising a step for updating a flight plan according to a new clearance originating from an air traffic control authority and received on board by a ground/onboard communication system. The clearance comprises an action conditional on the flight plan linked to a floating point of the path defined by a time constraint of the aircraft; on receipt of the new clearance, the update is performed directly by means of the FMS linked to the communication system. This is a predictive method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a communication device and a communication method of an underwater vehicle, which use an electromagnetic field (electromagnetic wave), having a higher propagation speed than that of an acoustic wave, for communication between an underwater vehicle and a mother vessel or the like so as to allow real-time control of the underwater vehicle and the like and further to make the communication little sensitive to noise and the like. The communication device performs wireless communication between an underwater vehicle in water and an object on land or on water, and is configured to compress data to be transmitted and transmit/receive the compressed data by the use of a low-frequency electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely downloading data from a selected one of a plurality of avionics line replaceable units (LRUs) on an aircraft. In one configuration, a method includes transmitting a message wirelessly to a receiver on the aircraft identifying an LRU having data to be downloaded; selectively switching a communication path from the identified LRU to an aircraft data services link (ADSL) dependent upon the identified LRU; and wirelessly downloading data from the identified LRU utilizing the selectively switched communication path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensing apparatus, a network system, and a controlling method on the basis of a satellite. A satellite-based sensing network system, comprising: a plurality of satellite transmitters that collect information on a peripheral environment and an operating state, and transmits it to peripheral satellites; a satellite wireless receiving/display device that directly receives and displays the information collected from the satellites; a ground control center that receives, stores, and analyzes the information collected from the satellites; and a management center that maintains and repairs the satellite transmitter based on the analyzed results.

Abstract: A method and a system for the acquisition and tracking of BOC(m,n) modulated codes, m/n equal to an integer, in which a correlation function is calculated of the BOC(m,n) modulated code received from a remote transmitter with a code wa locally generated at a receiver terminal according to one from the following the relationships: wa(?)=c(?n)?a·[prn(?n+Tc/2)?prn(?n?Tc/2)] wa(?)=c(?n)?a·[prn(?n+nTc/2m)?prn(?n?nTc/2m)] wa(?)=c(?n)?a·[prn(?n+nTc/4m)+prn(?n?nTc/4m)] wa(?)=c(?n)?a·[prn(?n+3nTc/4m)+prn(?n?3nTc/4m)] w(?)=[prn(?n+nTc/4m)+prn(?n?nTc/4m)] w(?)=[prn(?n+nTc/2m)?prn(?n?nTc/2m)] wherein c(?) is a local replica of the BOC modulated pseudo-random noise code with delay ?n, PRN(?) is a replica of the unmodulated pseudo-random noise code, and a is a predetermined weight coefficient, and the correlation function being at the base of an acquisition test function whereby a code acquisition is recognized for a value of the test function being higher than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A wireless network arrangement includes an enclosure having a hindrance to wireless communication. The hindrance includes a fixed barrier and/or a space for accommodating a moveable barrier. At least three wireless electronic nodes are wirelessly and communicatively coupled to each other. A broadcast range of the nodes is greater than a largest dimension of the enclosure. The hindrance is disposed between a first one of the nodes and a second one of the nodes. The at least three nodes are positioned within the enclosure such that a wireless signal communication path wirelessly and communicatively couples the first one of the nodes to the second one of the nodes. The communication path is non-intersecting with the hindrance. The communication path passes through at least a third one of the nodes. The communication path is formed exclusively of a plurality of joined linear segments. Opposite ends of each linear segment are disposed at corresponding ones of the nodes.

Abstract: A method for wirelessly communicating data between a plurality of avionics units on an aircraft and a data communication apparatus. The method includes wirelessly communicating download data for one avionics unit from the data communication apparatus to an aircraft data services link in the aircraft; automatically switching a communication path from the aircraft data services link to the avionics unit responsive to the download data; and electronically communicating the download data from the data communication apparatus to the avionics unit via the automatically switched communication path.

Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.

Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling TCP/IP access includes receiving a request from a requestor for data transmission over a satellite communication channel, determining whether the request for data transmission has collided with a separate request for data transmission, if the request for data transmission has collided with a separate request for data transmission, then accepting the request for data transmission, else, temporarily denying the access to the satellite communication channel, determining the priority of the requestor and the number of users on the satellite communications channel, determining the access to the satellite communication channel of the requestor based on the priority of the requestor and the number of users on the satellite communication channel, and monitoring access to the satellite communication channel based on the priority of the requestor and the number of users on the satellite communication channel.

Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing information and for communication in a high-speed vehicle having a plurality of coupled units, including at least one server unit that is provided in one unit of the vehicle and is set up for making information available and for communication, a plurality of radio access points which are provided in different units and are designed for data communication with data-processing devices via radio, a data network which connects the server unit to the radio access points in terms of communication, and which has wireless communications links between adjacent coupled units.

Abstract: A method of disrupting communications reception of a target radio receiver. A plurality of transmitters transmit a noise signal toward the target radio transceiver. Each of the plurality of transmitters has a receiver associated therewith A first transmitter ceases transmitting a noise signal at a pre-determined time. A receiver associated with the first transmitter receives information from another of the plurality of transmitters when the first transmitter has ceased transmitting the noise signal. The first transmitter resumes the transmission of the noise signal after the information has been transmitted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for direct communication between aircraft for one or more embodiments are adapted to receive tactical and strategic information related to proximate aircraft for improved flight planning. The systems and methods presented herein may be implemented, for example, in a first aircraft having a data link component adapted to process information, a storage component adapted to store information related to the first aircraft, and a communication interface component adapted to directly communicate with a second aircraft via a communication link. The first aircraft may include a user interface component adapted to interact with the data link component to retrieve information related to the first aircraft from the storage component, generate a request message with the information related to the first aircraft, and communicate with the communication interface component to directly transmit the generated request message to the second aircraft via the communication link.

Abstract: A flight information communication system has a plurality of RF direct sequence spread spectrum ground data links that link respective aircraft-resident subsystems, in each of which a copy of its flight performance data is stored, with airport-located subsystems. The airport-located subsystems are coupled by way communication paths, such as land line telephone links, to a remote flight operations control center. At the flight operations control center, flight performance data downlinked from plural aircraft parked at different airports is analyzed. In addition, the flight control center may be employed to direct the uploading of in-flight data files, such as audio, video and navigation files from the airport-located subsystems to the aircraft.

Abstract: A receiver for receiving a radio frequency signal includes a filter, a calculator, and an adjuster. The filter has an adjustable passband and passes the received radio frequency signal within the passband so as to generate a filtered signal. The calculator calculates a signal-to-noise ratio of the received radio frequency signal based on the filtered signal. The adjuster adjusts the passband of the filter in such a manner that the calculated signal-to-noise ratio becomes maximum.

Abstract: Provided is a satellite broadcasting terminals. The satellite broadcasting terminal includes: a first antenna receiving a radio signal of a first band or a second band; a second antenna receiving a radio signal of a third band; a first stream demodulating unit demodulating a first stream signal received through the first band; a second stream demodulating unit demodulating a second stream signal received through the second band; a playing unit playing the demodulated first or second stream signal; and a gap filler receiving unit selectively providing the first stream signal to the first stream demodulating unit in response to a radio signal intensity of the third band, the first stream signal being received through the third band.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact mobile reconnaissance device that is designed to be deployed in hostile, dangerous, or difficult to access environments, to absorb shocks, to be resistant to adverse environmental conditions, and to transmit video and audio streams related to events at which it has been deployed to a remote receiver and display unit.

Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.

Abstract: A method to reduce latency in a data link communication is provided. The method includes compressing a data packet to be uplinked from a ground station to an aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (ACARS) in an aircraft and determining a packet size of the data packet. The aircraft communications addressing and reporting system is configured to receive packets having a packet size less than or equal to a first threshold packet size. An Iridium router based unrestricted digital inter-working connectivity solution data service is implemented to uplink the compressed data packet if the packet size exceeds a second threshold packet size. A short burst data service is implemented to uplink the compressed data packet if the packet size is less than or equal to the second threshold packet size.

Abstract: An onboard-equipment control apparatus controls activation of an onboard apparatus such as an air conditioner and termination of the operation of the onboard apparatus in order to prevent an onboard battery from running out of residual electric charge in advance. Upon detection of a state in which an onboard radio apparatus is not capable of receiving a termination command from a cellular phone or the cellular phone is not capable of transmitting a termination command to the onboard radio apparatus while the air conditioner is in operation, the onboard-equipment control apparatus forcibly terminates the operation of the air conditioner even before a termination condition is satisfied. Thus, the onboard battery can be prevented in advance from running out of accumulated electric charge required for operating the activated air conditioner thereafter.

Abstract: An aircraft wireless data communication system includes an aircraft computer/server in communication with a plurality of aircraft systems. Access to the aircraft systems via the computer/server is available in real-time via wireless communication with a ground-based computer system. The ground-based computer system includes a computer that can be accessed from one or more networks of computers. Each authorized computer user on an airline, manufacturer, or supplier network has remote real-time access to the aircraft computer/server. Properly authorized remote users can: perform comparisons between the aircraft actual configuration identity and an aircraft authorized configuration identity; perform system diagnostic testing; view system status and parameters; collaborate with users from local and remote organizations using real-time aircraft data; and upload and download software and data to and from aircraft systems.

Abstract: A system and method of transmitting data from an aircraft includes a PC card that acquires aircraft data and transmits the aircraft data over a radio frequency communications signal into the skin of the aircraft, which radiates the radio frequency communications signal to a location remote from the aircraft.

Abstract: Changing the seating configuration when there are wired connections to each seat is difficult. A wireless transmission system and method communicate wirelessly while also preventing interference with the ground communication system. The wireless transmission system wirelessly transmits data signals inside the aircraft, and has an altitude zone identification arrangement for determining in which of N altitude zones the aircraft is flying, access points that can transmit the data signals wirelessly on any one frequency band selected from among M frequency bands, client units for receiving the data signals, and a selection unit for selecting one of the M frequency bands based on the altitude zone in which the aircraft is flying. The altitude zone identification arrangement includes an aircraft altitude detection unit and system control unit, and the selection unit includes the system control unit.

Abstract: A shock-triggered warhead fragment transmitter is described. The transmitter is designed to radiate a pulse upon either detonation of the warhead or impact of the fragment with the target. The pulse energy is obtained by shock de-poling of a ferroelectric material and is radiated using a dipole antenna. Detection of the radiated pulses may be used to confirm detonation of the warhead and determine the time and location of the detonation and facilitate battle damage assessment.

Abstract: A tracking system and associated methods for locating animals, such as wounded/downed game animals or non-game animals such as research animals, and/or projectiles configured to be shot at an animal are disclosed. The system includes a transmitter and one or more radio frequency reflectors that are coupled to a projectile. After the projectile is shot, a user utilizes the transmitter to locate the reflector. In some cases, the reflector is integrally coupled to the projectile to allow the user to locate the projectile. In other cases, the reflector is selectively coupled to the projectile so as to be removed from the projectile and attached to the animal when the projectile hits the animal. In such cases, the user may use the transmitter to locate the animal. In still other cases, at least one reflector is integrally coupled to the projectile while another is selectively coupled to the projectile. Accordingly, the user can locate the projectile and the animal.

Abstract: A flight information communication system has a plurality of RF direct sequence spread spectrum ground data links that link respective aircraft-resident subsystems, in each of which a copy of its flight performance data is stored, with airport-located subsystems. The airport-located subsystems are coupled by way communication paths, such as land line telephone links, to a remote flight operations control center. At the flight operations control center, flight performance data downlinked from plural aircraft parked at different airports is analyzed. In addition, the flight control center may be employed to direct the uploading of in-flight data files, such as audio, video and navigation files from the airport-located subsystems to the aircraft.

Abstract: A shock-triggered warhead fragment transmitter is described. The transmitter is designed to radiate a pulse upon either detonation of the warhead or impact of the fragment with the target. The pulse energy is obtained by shock de-poling of a ferroelectric material and is radiated using a dipole antenna. Detection of the radiated pulses may be used to confirm detonation of the warhead and determine the time and location of the detonation and facilitate battle damage assessment.

Abstract: A flight information communication system has a plurality of RF direct sequence spread spectrum ground data links that link respective aircraft-resident subsystems, in each of which a copy of its flight performance data is stored, with airport-located subsystems. The airport-located subsystems are coupled by way communication paths, such as land line telephone links, to a remote flight operations control center. At the flight operations control center, flight performance data downlinked from plural aircraft parked at different airports is analyzed. In addition, the flight control center may be employed to direct the uploading of in-flight data files, such as audio, video and navigation files from the airport-located Subsystems to the aircraft.

Abstract: Provided are an automatic operation system for automating satellite control operation, a method thereof, and an automatic satellite ground control system using the same. The object of the present research is to provide an automatic operation system that can reduce operation manpower and cost by automatically operating an entire satellite ground control system, which requires a plurality of operators to be properly operated, all the times, a method thereof, and an automatic satellite ground control system using the same. The satellite ground control system of the present research includes: a mission timeline receiving unit, an operation procedure editing unit, an operation procedure analyzing and code transforming unit, an operation procedure executing unit, a subsystem process state monitoring unit, and an access managing unit for providing interface with each of the subsystems.

Abstract: A flight information communication system has a plurality of RF direct sequence spread spectrum ground data links that link respective aircraft-resident subsystems, in each of which a copy of its flight performance data is stored, with airport-located subsystems. The airport-located subsystems are coupled by way communication paths, such as land line telephone links, to a remote flight operations control center. At the flight operations control center, flight performance data downlinked from plural aircraft parked at different airports is analyzed. In addition, the flight control center may be employed to direct the uploading of in-flight data files, such as audio, video and navigation files from the airport-located subsystems to the aircraft.

Abstract: A flight information communication system has a plurality of RF direct sequence spread spectrum ground data links that link respective aircraft-resident subsystems, in each of which a copy of its flight performance data is stored, with airport-located subsystems. The airport-located subsystems are coupled by way communication paths, such as land line telephone links, to a remote flight operations control center. At the flight operations control center, flight performance data downlinked from plural aircraft parked at different airports is analyzed. In addition, the flight control center may be employed to direct the uploading of in-flight data files, such as audio, video and navigation files from the airport-located subsystems to the aircraft.

Abstract: A low profile mobile in-motion antenna and transmit/receive terminal system for two-way “VSAT” type satellite communication using FSS service, preferably in Ku band, supporting at the same time TV signal reception from the same satellite or a separate DBS satellite located at the same or nearby geo-stationary orbital position.

Abstract: A satellite network [100] includes backbone satellites [110]. The backbone satellites [110] act as routers for data units transmitted through network [100]. The backbone satellites [110] communicate with one another through inter-satellite links [111]. The satellite network [100] may further include user satellites [120] and ground stations [140]. The user satellites [120] may communicate with the backbone satellites [110] through omni-directional links [112].

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention provides a record of the performance of an aircraft engine. A plurality of sensors sense engine conditions and generate engine data. A ground data link unit is positioned within the aircraft and receives the engine data and stores the engine data within an archival data store. A wideband spread spectrum transmitter that can be part of a transceiver downloads the engine data to a ground based spread spectrum receiver that can be part of a transceiver, and receives the wideband spread spectrum communication signal from the aircraft. It demodulates the wideband spread spectrum communication signal to obtain the engine data.