Which frequency range is commonly used for air-to-ground communications?

• A. VHF
• B. UHF
• C. SHF
• D. EHF

Answer: (B)

Air-to-ground communications rely on line-of-sight radio links, and the UHF band is the practical choice for this role. Its wavelengths are short enough to allow compact, rugged antennas on both aircraft and ground units, while still providing reliable propagation for battlefield distances and through urban terrain. UHF also supports secure, jam-resistant waveforms that military radios use, which helps maintain clear contact with air assets during close air support and other operations. Higher bands like SHF and EHF are geared toward high-capacity data links and satellite communications and require highly directional, specialized equipment, making them unsuitable for routine air-to-ground voice. VHF can be used in some systems, but UHF is the standard in most tactical air-to-ground communications due to interoperability and practical radio performance.