Definition
The band of radio frequencies between 300 megahertz (MHz) and 3,000 MHz (3 gigahertz). In aviation, ultrahigh frequencies are used for military air-to-air and air-to-ground communications, the glide slope portion of the Instrument Landing System (around 329-335 MHz), distance measuring equipment (DME), and transponder replies.
Plain English
A range of radio waves higher in frequency than the VHF band used for normal civilian aircraft radios. UHF is used for certain specialized aviation systems, including military radios and parts of the instrument landing system.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of aircraft radios, navigation equipment, military communication, and electronic systems that identify or track aircraft.
Derivation
Ultra comes from Latin meaning 'beyond.' Ultrahigh frequencies sit beyond the very high frequency (VHF) band on the radio spectrum, which is why they are called 'ultra' high.
Why Pilots Care
These frequencies provide reliable short-range communications, especially for military aircraft or when lower bands are congested.
Intuition Check
“Ultrahigh” does not mean extra loud or extra powerful. It means the radio wave cycles very rapidly each second.
Example Sentence 1
The glide slope signal on an ILS approach is transmitted in the ultrahigh frequency band, while the localizer uses VHF.
Example Sentence 2
Some distance measuring equipment operates in the ultrahigh frequency band for accurate slant-range readings.