Microwave Landing System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the fan-shaped horizontal approach zone provided by the azimuth transmitter of a Microwave Landing System typically set to?

+ or – 60° of the runway centre-line

+ or – 30° of the runway centre-line

+ or – 50° of the runway centre-line

+ or – 40° of the runway centre-line (correct)

Which method does the Microwave Landing System use to indicate distance from the runway threshold?

Measurement of frequency shift between the MLS azimuth and elevation transmissions

Timing the interval between reception of secondary radar pulses from MLS

Timing the interval between transmission and reception of primary radar pulses

A DME co-located with the MLS transmitters (correct)

What principle of operation does the Microwave Landing System utilize?

Lobe comparison of scanning beams

Frequency comparison of reference beams

Time referenced scanning beams (correct)

Phase comparison directional beams

Which of these is a major ground-based component of a Microwave Landing System?

Separate azimuth and elevation transmitters, DME facility Signup and view all the answers

What azimuth coverage does a notified MLS installation typically provide?

<ul> <li>or – 40° about the nominal course line out to 20 NM</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

What type of scanning beam system does the Microwave Landing System utilize?

Time referenced scanning beam system Signup and view all the answers

In an MLS system, the time elapsing between the TO scan and FROM scan at the aircraft position is:

Directly proportional to the angular position of the aircraft Signup and view all the answers

Microwave Landing Systems form guidance signals using which of the following?

Time referenced scanning beams Signup and view all the answers

How many channels does a microwave landing system operate on in the frequency band?

200 channels in the band 5.03 GHz to 5090 GHz Signup and view all the answers

What is the designation of the scanning beam used in the MLS system?

Time reference scanning beam (TRSB) Signup and view all the answers

How is distance on MLS measured?

Using co-located DME Signup and view all the answers

What frequency band does Microwave Landing System (MLS) operate in?

SHF Signup and view all the answers

Which components make up the Microwave Landing System?

An azimuth transmitter and an elevation transmitter operating on a shared frequency with a DME Signup and view all the answers

How does the Microwave Landing System allow aircraft to fix their position accurately?

Via timing the passage of two scanning beams integrated with DME Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the azimuth and elevation beams in MLS is accurate?

The azimuth beam provides lateral guidance while the elevation beam provides vertical guidance Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of co-located DME in the context of MLS?

To enhance the precision of position fixing by providing distance data Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of the Microwave Landing System (MLS) over the Instrument Landing System (ILS)?

Can be installed where ILS is not feasible Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic correctly defines the transmitter setup of an MLS installation?

One azimuth transmitter at the approach end, one elevation transmitter at the upwind end, two frequencies Signup and view all the answers

What is the coverage angle and distance provided by the MLS on either side of the centerline?

20 deg; 40 nm Signup and view all the answers

In which frequency band does the MLS operate?

SHF Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of MLS?

Requires the same equipment as ILS Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the number of ground installations of MLS is correct?

No restrictions on number due to unlimited frequency channels Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes the effect of heavy precipitation on MLS?

Remains largely unaffected Signup and view all the answers

Which advantage is unique to MLS when compared to traditional landing systems?

Installation flexibility in various terrains Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Microwave Landing System (MLS) Overview

MLS is advantageous in inhospitable terrain compared to other systems.
It operates with azimuth and elevation transmitter on a shared frequency.
Offers selective access ability for precise navigation in various conditions.

Coverage and Range

Provides coverage of ±40 degrees on the azimuth to a distance of 20 nautical miles.
Can achieve extensive azimuth coverage due to the integrated design of its transmitters.

Installation Characteristics

MLS installation uses a combined azimuth and elevation transmitter located at the upwind end of the runway.
It operates within the super high frequency (SHF) band.

Operational Principles

Operates on time-referenced scanning beams to determine aircraft position.
The distance to the runway threshold is gauged using a DME co-located with MLS transmitters.
Time intervals between scans inform the aircraft's relative position to the runway.

Ground-Based Components

Major components include separate azimuth and elevation transmitters along with a DME facility.
Unlike ILS, MLS installations can be placed where ILS is impractical.

Guidance Signals and Technology

The system employs guidance signals formed from time-referenced scanning beams.
The MLS scanning beam is known as the time reference scanning beam (TRSB).

Frequency and Bandwidth

Operates on one of 200 channels across the frequency band of 5.03 to 5.09 GHz.
Signals are transmitted in narrow beams, enhancing precision in location tracking.

Measurement Techniques

Distance is determined by co-located DME alongside the azimuth and elevation systems.
It achieves three-dimensional accuracy in aircraft positioning through timing intervals of scanning beams.

Additional Features

MLS azimuth coverage is established at ±40 degrees for operational efficiency.
Microwave technology used minimizes the impact of geographical constraints on installation.

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Description

This quiz provides insights into the Microwave Landing System (MLS), highlighting its advantages in challenging terrains and its operational mechanisms. Learn about its coverage capabilities and the integrated design that allows precise navigation with a specific focus on azimuth and elevation. Test your knowledge of this advanced landing system!