The Marconi IFR Aeroflex T1401 TACAN Accessory Unit Test Set is a specialized simulator for testing and calibrating TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) receivers and transmitters across air-to-air, ground-to-air, and inverse operational modes. It integrates with the ATC-1400A Transponder/DME Test Set to form a complete TACAN test system, supporting both manual operation and remote GPIB control. NATO-codified, the T1401 delivers precise bearing and DME simulation with programmable parameters for comprehensive airborne and ground navigation equipment verification.
Technical Specifications
• Bearing accuracy: ±0.2 degrees
• Bearing rate accuracy: ±0.1 degrees per second
• Bearing rate range: programmable in degrees per second
• Reply delay range: 25.0 to 89.9 ps in 0.1 ps steps
• Reply delay accuracy: ±0.1 ps
• X Channel pulse position: 62.0 µs
• Y Channel pulse position: 74.0 µs
• Pulse spacing (G/A X mode): 24.0 ps
• Pulse spacing (G/A Y mode): 15.0 ps
• TACAN interrogation timing: 24.0 ps (±0.1 µs) Y Channel
• Average rate: 0 to 3999 pulses per second in 1 Hz steps
• Main Reference Burst timing: 3.0 µs before first pulse
• Auxiliary Reference Burst timing: 3.0 ps before each A/A interrogation pulse pair
• DELTA F adjustment range: -3.9% to +3.9% of nominal in 0.1% steps
• 15 Hz modulation: variable
• 135 Hz modulation: variable
• Phase shift selection: 15 Hz and -135 Hz (or 135 Hz)
– Key Features
• Simulates TACAN transmitter for receiver and transmitter testing
• Air-to-Air, Ground-to-Air, and Inverse A/A test mode support
• Programmable bearing and bearing rate selection
• Programmable air-to-air interrogation rate
• Identification and Equalizer pulse pair generation in G/A mode
• X Mode pulse spacing operation without ATC-1400A
• Bearing determination capability in Inverse A/A Test Mode via 15 Hz modulated signal zero crossing timing
• Inverse SYNC signal generation at negative-going zero crossing for ground station bearing determination
• ARB and MRB pulse inhibition in Inverse A/A Test Mode
• Bearing/Reply Delay display with error messaging
– Typical Applications
• TACAN receiver and transmitter validation
• Navigation system calibration and verification
• Airborne equipment servicing and maintenance
• Ground-to-air and air-to-air navigation testing
– Compatibility & Integration
The T1401 interfaces with the ATC-1400A Transponder/DME Test Set to establish a complete TACAN testing platform. Remote control capability via GPIB bus enables automated test sequences and data acquisition.
