Military Traffic Movements: Exploring ADS-B and AIS Activity
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Chapter 1: Introduction to ADS-B and AIS
In our regular tracking activities, we stumbled upon some intriguing platforms in motion. We decided to capture screenshots to share our findings. For those unfamiliar with our previous discussions on ADS-B, it's quite straightforward. ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast) and AIS (Automatic Identification System) are open-source protocols aimed at tracking assets in both the air and sea.
These systems are detected by satellite receivers and terrestrial tracking stations. Since these protocols are publicly accessible, we can track assets either directly with devices like an RTL-SDR dongle or indirectly through web tracking services like Flightradar and Vessel Tracker, which provide the necessary positional data.
Section 1.1: Aircraft Movements
Our first platform is a considerable distance from its usual station. The Royal Australian Air Force's E-7 Wedgetail, tail number A30–001, is operating alongside a 767 transport aircraft. This movement is particularly noteworthy as it’s quite far from its typical location, detected near Fairbanks, Alaska.
USAF E-7 Wedgetail, Callsign MTCH01, Tail# A30–001
Next, we examine a USAF E-6 Mercury, registration 163918, and callsign ALID06. Let's get an overview of the Mercury.
Input: Provide a summary of the E-6 Mercury
Output: The E-6 Mercury serves as an airborne command post and communications relay aircraft based on the Boeing 707–300.
Summary of the E-6 Mercury:
- Role: Airborne command and control
- Manufacturer: Boeing
- First Flight: February 19, 1987
- Introduction: August 1989
- Status: Ceased production, currently in service
- Primary User: United States Navy
- Total Units Built: 16
- Development: A derivative of the commercial Boeing 707
- Features: Long-range, air-refuelable with four CFM-56–2A-2 engines
- Mission: Provides survivable and reliable airborne nuclear command and control
- Communication System: Includes a very low-frequency communication system with dual trailing wire antennas.
USAF E-6 Mercury, Reg: 163918, Call: ALID06
Next, we have a USAF SAM-588. While its exact mission is unclear, SAM indicates a Special Air Mission, typically associated with VIP transport. President Biden used a Boeing 757 with this call sign during his visit to Kyiv. SAM588 is currently traveling from Honolulu to the continental United States.
USAF B737–700, Reg: 02–0042, Call: SAM588
Another notable platform is the Boeing P-8 Poseidon, which is designed for anti-submarine warfare. Although its registration and callsign are unknown, it is equipped with radar, sonar, and surveillance systems, as well as a weapons bay for naval mines and missiles. This aircraft has traversed the entire continental United States and is often deployed in Europe and the South China Sea.
P-8 Poseidon is effectively a combat-ready airliner. Source: Boeing.com