Aircraft and non-avionic CNS systems
EUROCONTROL is active in defining and validating the aircraft systems and non-avionic CNS elements necessary to support the SESAR operational improvements.
The main communications, navigation and surveillance (CNS) technologies in which EUROCONTROL is most active as part of the SESAR Programme include 4D trajectory management functions, aircraft separation assurance, approach functionalities and surface movement operations. The Agency is consequently focusing on:
- interoperability issues such as global interoperability and air-ground interoperability;
- consolidation of validation material for delivery to the regulatory and standardisation processes;
- coordination with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).
Validation of future aircraft systems and non-avionics CNS elements will be undertaken in SESAR Work Packages 9 (Aircraft systems) and 15 (Non-avionics systems).
Aircraft systems
The WP 9 effort focuses on the aircraft system elements covering the development and validation of the airborne enablers necessary to support operational improvements. They will be undertaken in the following steps:
- aircraft systems capable of supporting Initial 4D – air traffic situational awareness (ATSAW) - ASAS (airborne separation assistance system) sequencing and merging;
- aircraft systems capable of supporting 3D performance-based operations - ASAS separation;
- aircraft systems capable of supporting full 4D – self separation – (free routes).
Non-avionic systems
WP 15 will contribute to the ATM Master Plan achievement by delivering the components which incrementally increase performance, reliability/continuity, safety and security. It will also reduce costs through more efficient systems and also through the decommissioning of older technologies as required. Accordingly it will focus on:
- a new ground-ground and air-ground datalink subsystem supporting the future needs for en-route, TMA (terminal manoeuvring area) and airports, including the use of satellite communication;
- enhancing ground surveillance systems in support of ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance broadcast);
- navigation infrastructure based on GNSS (global navigation satellite system) and non-GNSS equipment with the required quality of service.
