PJ14 EECNS

Essential and efficient communication, navigation and surveillance integrated system

Developing communication, navigation and surveillance technologies to support future ATM system operational services.

Within SESAR2020, project (PJ) 14 - EECNS (Essential and efficient communication navigation and surveillance integrated system) is researching the next generation of CNS (communication navigation and surveillance) technologies in a manner focused on the needs of the Single European Sky (SES), whilst taking account of the global nature of the aviation industry.

PJ 14 aims to develop and improve solutions which will support the future ATM global system and according to the timeframe addressed by the ATM Master Plan, mainly in:

  • surface data sharing to let a huge data exchange for effective and efficient airport operations and awareness;
  • new data communications infrastructure to reduce the air traffic controllers (ATCOs) workload avoiding misunderstandings and improve efficiency;
  • collaborative air traffic management to support the ATCOs, pilots, airport operators to improve situation awareness;
  • optimisation of capacity, flexible use of airspace and turn-around operations to avoid congestion in ATM domain.

All the activities performed in the project are developed at European level in order to avoid a fragmented approach and to ensure the interoperability as depicted in the ICAO Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP). The CNS technologies support the GANP in terms of airport operations, globally interoperable system data, optimum capacity and flexible flights. The main stakeholders are fully involved to ensure that all the operational needs are duly considered.

Benefits

Communications

This project will develop multi-link technologies which will underpin the future communications infrastructure (FCI) concept. FCI facilitates the digital transfer of flight‑critical data and voice communications between aircraft and ground ATM services in a resilient, secure and timely manner; it also provides interoperability and coordination with military flights. This, in turn, will facilitate ATM automation, reducing both pilot and air traffic controller workloads so that they can focus more on value-added tasks.

Navigation

In navigation, satellite navigation-based robust positioning will be developed for all phases of flight, taking advantage of signals from multiple constellations, including Galileo. There will be a strong emphasis on providing final approach guidance for low approach minima. The development of terrestrial navigation systems will be explored to ensure that resilient performance-based navigation services are available from spectrum-efficient systems in order to mitigate the vulnerabilities of satellite navigation.

Surveillance

In surveillance, solutions will be developed to enhance, harmonise and integrate cooperative and emerging non-cooperative sensors, advanced multi-sensor data fusion capabilities, security‑related functionalities together with the methods and tools for surveillance performance monitoring. This is in line with a performance-based surveillance (PBS) approach. In the integrated EECNS solution, all CNS developments will be benchmarked and aligned in order to ensure that the solutions are consistent in terms of:

  • robustness;
  • spectrum use;
  • interoperability;
  • operational service quality for all airspace users, including the military.

Our role

Given our unique CNS, spectrum and drone expertise, we make a substantial contribution to the SESAR 2020 Work Programme.

In addition, EUROCONTROL’s working arrangements, providing two-way consultations on all technical and decision-making levels (such as Communication, Navigation, Surveillance Steering Groups, the CNS Team and the Agency Advisory Board), capture the buy-in of all aviation stakeholders. We provide:

  • an international, regional, national and local perspective on CNS spectrum drivers and constraints;
  • competence/skills and experience from CNS ground, airborne and space applications and equipment;
  • impartiality vis-à-vis industrial interests and developments;
  • established platforms for exchanges and interfaces with international/governmental bodies in charge of global harmonisation and standardisation (such as EUROCAE, RTCA and ICAO) and safety (EASA);
  • a wealth of civil-military technical and operational expertise, reinforced by the ability to coordinate with national military organisations, NATO and EDA, the European Defence Agency.

As such, EUROCONTROL can generate global coherence, architecture consistency and interoperability in CNS development, so helping to meet stakeholder requirements.

Partners

LEONARDO, AIRBUS, DLR (AT-One), LPS SR (B4), Naviair/COOPANS, DASSAULT, DFS, DSNA, FREQUENTIS, HONEYWELL SAS, INDRA, AIRTEL (NATMIG), NATS, THALES AIR SYSTEMS SAS, THALES AVIONICS SAS, NLR (AT One), ON (B4), IAA/COOPANS, CCL/COOPANS, SINTEF (NATMIG), PANSA (B4), ANS CR (B4), ACG (COOPANS), LFV (COOPANS), HC (FSP), ATOS (FSP), SAAB (NATMIG).

Background

Performance requirements for communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) systems are becoming increasingly complex and demanding. They need to be considered as part of an integrated and holistic system of systems, one which includes:

  • air and ground CNS solutions;
  • convergence towards common infrastructure;
  • a unified concept of operations, where possible.

In parallel, CNS systems and infrastructure for both air and ground must take a more business- and performance-oriented approach, using resources efficiently so as to deliver the capability required in a cost-effective and spectrum-efficient manner.