Complete Command / Flight Termination Systems — Ground-Based and Airborne

WV Communications is the world’s leading supplier of airborne and ground-based command / flight termination equipment. WV offers a broad line of products that make up a command / turnkey Flight Termination System, from the control subsystems to the high power amplifiers. From high-power systems with multiple control sites to portable systems controlled via the front panel of the unit, WV can meet every customer’s requirements. Since WV controls all aspects of the design — from hardware to firmware development — and manufactures all system components in house, we can meet any specific customer requirement, be it a custom hardware requirement or a particular control feature.

Control Subsystem

WV’s latest generation of FTS is based entirely on Ethernet communications. As part of the control subsystem, WV has designed and manufactured a number of Flight Termination Panels (FTP), FTS Control Processors (FCP), and FTS Status & Control Panels (FSC), with each unit operating using firmware written entirely in assembly language. No real-time operating system of any kind is used. Each of these units has been designed based on specific requirements; however, the versatility of the firmware is such that the units can be configured for numerous operating scenarios.

FTS Programming System (FPS)

Based on inputs from numerous FTS operators, WV has developed the application software for its FTS Programming System (FPS). The FPS software can be loaded onto any personal computer, operates on a DOD-approved Linux platform, and allows the system operator to configure the FTS to support the mission requirements. The FPS provides all of the system programming and data logging / strip chart functions; however, it is not a flight-critical piece of equipment. The FPS is not required while a mission is in progress.

Transmitter Subsystem

As part of the transmitter subsystem, WV offers a full suite of Command Exciter/Encoders (CEE) and Command Verification Receiver/Decoders (CVR), with units capable of supporting all formats — IRIG, Hi Alpha (Secure), and EFTS modes — in a single unit. Units are available that support a single mode or any combination of all three modes.

Power Amplifiers

WV has a variety of power amplifiers to meet any customer requirement, from 20W to 200W amplifiers that can be embedded in the Exciter chassis to stand-alone rack-mounted amplifiers ranging in power from 500 to 10,000 watts.

Ground-Based Turnkey System

A fully redundant 1kW system is shown in an optional portable container. Starting from the top container:

• FTP / FCP / Exciter / Ethernet Switch (not visible)
• Verification Receiver
• HPA Controller
• High Power Amplifier
• Power Supply

Airborne FTS System

WV also configures airborne flight termination products into turnkey systems. A typical airborne FTS system consists of one or more 200W strings in a fully redundant configuration, packaged in an airborne flight termination redundant pod.