AN/ARS-6(V) Guidance System

OPERATIONAL CONCEPT
COMPONENTS
DATA SUMMARY
VARIANTS/UPGRADES

OPERATIONAL CONCEPT

PLS consists of two essential components: the airborne AN/ARS-6(V) guidance system, which is mounted inside the rescue helicopter, and a handheld radio/transponder carried by the survivors.

The survivor's radio remains silent until contacted by the airborne AN/ARS-6, which sends bursts of coded radio transmissions to the handheld radio. The survivor then responds by transmitting a Pseudorandom Noise (PN) coded message back to rescue personnel, who in turn, can use voice communications to verify the survivor's identity. The aircraft system will process the messages and compute the distance and steering direction to the survivor.

The radio signals are very difficult for hostile forces to intercept or jam, allowing aircrews to perform their task safely, successfully and rapidly.

AN/ARS-6(V) COMPONENTS

The AN/ARS-6(V) PLS consists of the following components:

Receiver-Transmitter (RT): Contains the System Processor Module, Range Computation Module, Receiver, Transmitter and the System Power Supply. All range and steering computations are performed in this assembly for output to the Control Display Unit (CDU), which formats the data for display on the Remote Display Unit (RDU).

Mounting Base: Provides a shock isolated mount for the Receiver-Transmitter.

Control Display Unit (CDU): Provides the operator interface to the system for data entry and mode control. The CDU can store up to nine ID codes for each survival radio, and also performs functions such as continuous interrogation, burst (covert) interrogations on cockpit command, homing and two-way communications.

Remote Display Unit (RDU): Mounts on the aircraft instrument panel and displays range and steering commands to the survivor when operating in the transpond modes. In the homing mode, the RDU displays steering commands only.

Antenna Switching Unit (ASU): Contains a relay which alternates one of the blade antennas between transmit and receive under the control of the transmit keyline.

Antenna Set: A matched pair of UHF blade antennas, utilized in conjunction with the ASU and two phase-matched coaxial cables provide the ± 4 degree steering accuracy of the PLS.

AN/ARS-6(V) Data Summary

GENERAL:
Frequency Range: 225 MHz to 300 MHz

Available Channels: 3000 in 25 kHz steps

Modulation: AM voice, BPSK/00K (transpond)

Built-in-Test: 5-second self test

Number of Survivors: Stores up to 9 six-digit ID codes

Antenna Coverage: Two matched UHF blades (omnidirectional)

Displays:
Dichroic (white on black) LCD
10,000 ft-candle sunlight readability
Full NVG compatibility

Operating Modes (any channel):
Transpond with AN/PRC-112(V) or equivalent radios (simultaneous
range and direction)
Homing to PRC-90s, ELT's or any AM, CW or FM source in the
operating band
High-quality AM voice communications

RECEIVER:
Type: Dual conversion superheterodyne
Sensitivity: -113 dBm
Selectivity: 70 kHz IF
Audio Output: +17 dBm (150W impedance - compatible with standard ICS)

TRANSMITTER:
Average Power Output: 10 watts
Spectrum: Nominal 60 dB down at ± 1 MHz from the carrier frequency (transpond mode)
Audio Output: +17 dBm (150W impedance - compatible with standard ICS)

PHYSICAL:
Receiver-Transmitter: Size - 12.5" x 7.6" x 7.8" Weight - 21.8 lbs.
Antenna Switching Unit: Size - 5.7" x 7.6" x 1.3" Weight - 2.3 lbs.
Antenna Set: Size - 9.0" x 4.6" x 2.0" Weight - 1.5 lbs.
Control Display Unit: Size - 4.0" x 5.75" x 3.0" Weight - 2.9 lbs.
Remote Display Unit: Size - 1.5" x 3.0" x 1.9" Weight - .6 lbs.
Operational Temperature: -40 C° to + 55 C°
Storage Temperature: -57 C° to +85 C°
MTBF: 2843 hours
Power Required: 4.5 Amps (max) at 28 Vdc

VARIANTS/UPGRADES

The AN/ARS-6(V) can operate as a stand-alone system that can be installed on any aircraft with connections limited to aircraft power and the voice intercom system. It can also be installed as a data bus system using ARINC 429 or MIL-STD-1553 bus controllers and displays that support an integrated cockpit design.

When PLS is installed as a data bus system, range and steering data can be automatically transferred to the onboard navigation system. This sets the survivor's position as a "way-point."

The navigation system can direct the pilot to the survivor via a flight director display, which has proved to be a very successful tool on several of the military's most sophisticated aircraft. The MIL-STD-1553 or ARINC 429 systems can be ordered in this configuration; stand-alone systems can be upgraded at a later date, with either interface available as a plug-in circuit card.