High Intensity Radio Transmission Area

HIRTAHIRTA

High Intensity Radio Transmission Areas

PURPOSEPURPOSE

• To ensure aircrewmembers understand:– what HIRTA is, how to avoid and recognize.– Responsibilities.– How and what to report suspected HIRTA encounters.– HIRTA Messages– Maps

HIRTAHIRTA

• HIRTA sites create electromagnetic interference (EMI)

• The microwave area of the spectrum can affect aircraft navigation and controls

• Modern aircraft (fly by wire, advanced navigation/communication equipment) are susceptible to EMI

EXAMPLES OF EMI ANOMALIESEXAMPLES OF EMI ANOMALIES

• Un-commanded control movements (AFCS inputs)

• Unexplained illumination of caution/advisory lights with or without degradation or loss of corresponding system or component

• All incidents that cannot be confirmed as material or mechanical failure/malfunctions should be reported as EMI anomalies.

RESPONSIBILITIESRESPONSIBILITIES

• Briefing Officers - Ensure mission briefings cover HIRTA/EMI related anomalies and stand-off distances for those missions flown in the vicinity of known HIRTA/EMI sites.

• Pilots - Maintain a working knowledge of HIRTA/EMI flight procedures. Report suspected EMI encounters via classified Abbreviated Aircraft Accident Report (AAAR)

ReportingReporting

• When an anomaly occurs, the following information will be reported via classified routing:– Aircraft type– Location– Altitude– Sequence of events– Outcome

HIRTA MessagesHIRTA Messages

• Updated as necessary, or annually.

• Can be downloaded off of secure web sites via STU-III or SIPERNET

• Your TACOPS Officer will maintain a current listing of HIRTA sites in the ASET room.

TRAININGTRAINING

• All aviators must be briefed annually on HIRTA/EMI awareness, known locations, and reporting procedures.

MAPSMAPS

• HIRTA sites may be marked on maps but must not be labeled as such. (i.e., a symbol to indicate a tower may be placed on the map)

SUMMARYSUMMARY

• HIRTA/EMI can cause serious problems with modern aircraft

• Aviators must be familiar with known HIRTA/EMI locations and maintain proper standoff/altitude clearances.

• Aviators must understand how to recognize EMI and report incidences.