SR-71

Data Collection

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The SR-71 could be fitted with one of a variety of sensors depending on the needs of the mission. Surveillance cameras and radar packages could be installed in one of the SR-71's many equipment bays and detachable nose. These components worked in coordination with each other to gather, record and deliver information in near real-time. An almost unbelievable feat at that time.

By varying the nose and payload areas, the SR-71 could be configured for various types of reconnaisance. Camera and radar packages provided their own unique view of the target, enabling personnel to view and interpret the data with a high degree of accuracy.

Most missions needed several components installed in their companion hardware located in other bays. Most bays were specifically designed to house a certain type of equipment and the necessary connections to the aircraft systems.

26 Dec 2020

Data Link System

Author: SR Admin / Categories: Sensors / Rate this article:

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The data link system accepts digital inputs from ASARS-1 and digital and analog ELINT imputs from the EMR. ASARS and/or ELINT data is recorded and, when flight path permits, downliked in near-real-time, recorded for later playback and downlink or recorded for later playback and ground download.

Components - The system includes a down-looking antenna and various electronic components for ground station uplink connection and data transmission. A digital cassette recorder system (DCRsi), consisting of an electronics unit and a tape transport unit, provides for recording and playback of ASARS and ELINT data. The antenna is located below the C-Bay, data link system electronic components are located in the C-bay and DCRsi components are located in the L-bay.

Operating Modes - Three modes: record and near-real-time downlink data to ground station, record data then downlink at later time and record data only.

Recording Time Capacity - DCRsi records only when data is received. Capacity for recording ASARS and/or ELINT data is approximately 1hr total; about 2,000 nautical miles along track coverage.