A Summary of Spectrum Utilization and a Frequency Allocation Plan for the Integrated Communications Navigation Identification (CNI) System

Utilization of the radio frequency spectrum from 108 MHz to 1660 MHz for airborne radio navigation, air traffic control, and related communications and identification CNI purposes is examined with a view to identifying the most appropriate course of action to be followed in obtaining radio frequency allocations. On the basis of political, economic and electromagnetic compatibility considerations, combined with the necessity for the evolutionary introduction of CNI, an initial decision to concentrate TACAN operations on a lesser number of channels and reassigning the vacated spectrum space to CNI appears feasible in the 960-1215 MHz Aeronautical Radionavigation band. The 1535 MHz - 1660 MHz portion of the spectrum appears attractive for an ultimate consolidation of spaceaeronautical mobile and CNI concepts. Formal frequency allocation action at the United States national level to support these judgments is urged.