High Frequency Global Communications System

The High Frequency Global Communications System (HFGCS) is a network of single sideband shortwave transmitters of the United States Air Force which is used to communicate with aircraft in flight, ground stations and some United States Navy surface assets. All worldwide receiving and transmitting sites in the HFGCS system are remotely controlled from Andrews Air Force Base and Grand Forks Air Force Base. Before 1 October 2002 it was known as the Global High Frequency System (GHFS).

HFGCS stations tend to operate in the aviation bands clustered around 5, 6, 8 and 11/12 MHz, although other frequencies are in use. The primary HFGCS voice frequencies are 4724.0 kHz, 6712.0 kHz, 6739.0 kHz, 8992.0 kHz, 11175.0 kHz, 13200.0 kHz and 15016.0 kHz. In addition to the HFGCS, U.S. aircraft frequently use Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) HF stations (13927.0 kHz) and Canadian Forces HF stations (11232.0 kHz) to relay messages. Various other discrete frequencies are available, and used, as part of the HFGCS network and are not listed here.

One common use for the HFGCS is to place telephone calls from the aircraft in flight by means of the Defense Switched Network (DSN) to an Air Force base to obtain local weather conditions, to arrange for refueling, and to inform the base of the number of passengers and crew. The HFGCS also carries Emergency Action Messages.[1]

In addition to EAMs, the HFGCS also carries a few different types of messages. A higher priority code for orders is a Skyking Message, which is a time sensitive message for orders that need immediate attention. Force Direction Messages (FDM's) are also sent through the HFGCS, although it is impossible to tell whether the message is an FDM or just another EAM being read.[1] The sign off 'Colour Bar' is currently being used (2016) at the end of the transmission.

Although transmissions are often single sideband (SSB), the use of the ALE transmission mode is more and more common. HFGCS complements the use of satellite communications between aircraft and ground stations.

Stations of the HFGCS Network[1]

Closed Stations

Bayonne Global (Bayonne, NJ) A former USTRANSCOM station operated by the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) from 1989 to 1999.

References
  1. "The HF-GCS and Emergency Action Messages". October 2014. Retrieved October 28, 2014.

Further reading
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