Chapter 7 — Communications
Communications for Operation HARDTACK were planned and installed
to provide:
essential air navigational aids for safe and efficient
operation of aircraft; rapid and dependable communications with agencies
both outside and inside the Test Area; control and precision positioning
of all aircraft participating in a test event.
Other factors which had
to be evaluated in planning communications and electronics (C & E)
facilities were the heavy atmospheric radio noise on high frequencies,
the very humid climate and the highly corrosive atmosphere present in
the EFG,
During Operation NEWSREEL aircraft were controlled over a much
greater range than during previous tests.
This control situation was
complicated by the complete loss of all sky wave radio propagation which
occurred simultaneously with detonation of the high altitude devices.
A
more complete discussion of all Task Group 7.4 communications is presented
in the following paragraphs.
The responsibility for providing and operating all ARTC communications
and air navigational aids for Task Group 7.4 was delegatedto the AACS
Communications Element.
ARTC traffic for flights outside the test area
was transmitted to Kwajalein Center using one (1) voice circuit on the
high frequency single side band system.
Early difficulties in maintain~
ing contact on this circuit made it necessary to establish a back-up
radio circuit from Eniwetok Approach Control to Kwajalein Center.
Air
route traffic for weather islands, such as flight plans for resupply
aircraft was transmitted through the Weather Island "Weather and Rad-Safe"
net.
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