Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management Research Articles

Avionics Systems Panel Research and Innovation Perspectives

As current, large-scale research and development initiatives are reshaping the future of aviation and space operations, avionics systems are becoming cyber-physical and progressively evolving into a variety of autonomous, intelligent, and closed-loop human-machine systems. This article provided the IEEE Aerospace & Electronic Systems Society (AESS) Avionics Systems Panel (ASP) views on avionics systems evolutionary pathways, with an identification of key research challenges and industry-focused innovation opportunities. The ever-increasing density of air traffic and the rise of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are prompting a rapid evolution of communication, navigation, surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) and avionics (CNSþA) technologies that will provide unprecedented enhancements in terms of safety and efficiency, thus unleashing additional airspace and airport capacity. Several of the underlying CNS technologies have already hit the market, while other more advanced capabilities and decision support systems are still being researched and developed. The methodological transition to performance-based operations (PBO) is also a quantum shift that will have profound impacts on aviation equipment mandates and standards with very tangible benefits in terms of airspace capacity, safety, access modalities, prioritization, and overall fairness. The PBO transition is well underway for navigation equipment standards and operational arrival/ departure procedures, whereas communication and surveillance equipment is still currently following legacy mandates/ equipage schemes.

BRUNEI COMMUNICATION NAVIGATION SURVEILLANCE/AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (CNS/ATM) SYSTEM OF SYSTEMS: CASE STUDY OF AN ATM PROJECT

ABSTRACTNational air traffic management (ATM) systems generally evolve over time and can often be considered as an evolving integration of multiple pre‐existing systems that have been supplied by different vendors through various upgrades. This article describes a major upgrade to the Brunei Communication Navigation Surveillance /Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) system that was commissioned in 2016. This was a very successful project and insights on this success are provided from organizational, technical, and human perspectives

Vigilancia Dependiente Automática (ADS-b) en Colombia

En este artículo se presentan las actuales tecnologías usadas para la prestación de los servicios de navegación y vigilancia aeronáutica en Colombia. También, se realiza una breve descripción del concepto Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM), haciendo énfasis en la tecnología Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B), con lo que se busca analizar las ventajas y desventajas que trae consigo su implementación, teniendo en cuenta las condiciones de tránsito aéreo y geografía colombiana. ADS-B es la tecnología mediante la cual las aeronaves, vehículos de aeródromo, y otros objetos pueden automáticamente transmitir y/o recibir datos de identificación, posición en cuatro dimensiones, y datos de los sistemas de posicionamiento y navegación. El objetivo principal de este artículo es presentar el estado del servicio ADS-B en Colombia, y mostrar cuáles son las tecnologías que están siendo usadas para su implementación.

항행시스템 성능향상을 위한 강인한 필터링 알고리즘

CNS/ATM(communication navigation surveillance / air traffic management)의 감시 분야에서는 ADS-B(automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast) 시스템, MLAT(multilateration) 시스템, WAM(wide area multilateration) 시스템이 구축되고 있다. ADS-B, MLAT, WAM 시스템의 항공기 추적 성능이 기존의 레이더에 비해 매우 우수하지만 여전히 오차를 포함하고 있다. 따라서 본 논문에서는 차세대 항행시스템의 오차를 줄이고 항공기 추적 성능을 높일 수 있는 필터링 알고리즘을 제안하였다. 필터링 알고리즘 중에서 가장 유용하다고 알려진 IMM(interacting multiple model) 필터를 개선한 Robust IMM 필터를 사용하였으며, ADS-B, MLAT, WAM 시스템 등의 차세대 항공기 추적 시스템에 적용하였다. Robust IMM 필터는 항공기 추적성능을 향상시킬 뿐만 아니라 항공기 위치 데이터가 손실되더라도 필터에서 계산한 추정값을 이용하여 지속적인 위치 추적을 가능하게 한다. 필터링 알고리즘을 차세대 항행시스템에 적용했을 때 평균 19.21%의 성능향상이 있었다. Among various fields of the CNS/ATM, the surveillance field which includes ADS-B system, MLAT system, and WAM system is implemented. These next generation systems provide superior performance in tracking aircrafts. However, They still have error. In this paper, filtering algorithm is proposed in order to enhance aircraft tracking performance of ADS-B, MLAT, and WAM systems. The proposed method is a Robust Interacting Multiple Model filter, called Robust IMM filter, that improves IMM filter. The Robust IMM filter can not only improves the aircraft tracking performance but also track aircraft continually using estimates calculated from the filter when data losses occur. The simulation results of the proposed aircraft tracking methods show that the filtering data provides a better performance up to an average of 19.21%.

Protection Method for Data Communication between ADS-B Sensor and Next-Generation Air Traffic Control Systems

Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) systems utilize digital technologies, satellite systems, and various levels of automation to facilitate seamless global air traffic management. Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), the core component of CNS/ATM, broadcasts important monitoring information, such as the location, altitude, and direction of aircraft, to the ground. However, ADS-B data are transmitted in an unencrypted (or unprotected) communication channel between ADS-B sensors and Air Traffic Control (ATC). Consequently, these data are vulnerable to security threats, such as spoofing, eavesdropping, and data modification. In this paper, we propose a method that protects the ADS-B data transmitted between ADS-B sensors and ATC using Simple Public Key Infrastructure (SPKI) certificates and symmetric cryptography. The SPKI certificates are used to grant transmission authorization to the ADS-B sensors, while symmetric cryptography is used to encrypt/decrypt the ADS-B data transmitted between the ADS-B sensors and ATC. The proposed security framework comprises an ADS-B sensor authentication module, an encrypted data processing module, and an ADS-B sensor information management module. We believe that application of the proposed security framework to CNS/ATM will enable it to effectively obviate security threats, such as ground station flood denial, ground station target ghost injection, and ADS-B data modification.

Real-Time Trajectory Optimisation Models for Next Generation Air Traffic Management Systems

This paper presents models and algorithms for real-time 4-Dimensional Flight Trajectory (4DT) operations in the next generation Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) systems. In particular, the models are employed for multi-objective optimisation of 4DT intents in ground-based 4DT Planning, Negotiation and Validation (4-PNV) systems and in airborne Next Generation Flight Management Systems (NG-FMS). The assumed timeframe convention for offline and online air traffic operations is introduced and discussed. The adopted formulation of the multi-objective 4DT optimisation problem includes a number of environmental objectives and operational constraints. In particular, the paper describes a real-time multi-objective optimisation algorithm and the generalised expression of cost function adopted for penalties associated with specific airspace volumes, accounting for weather models, condensation trails models and noise models.

IMM 필터를 활용한 Multilateration 정확도 향상에 관한 연구

국제민간항공기구, ICAO(International Civil Aviation Organization)에서는 CNS/ATM(Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management)을 21세기 표준항행시스템으로 채택하기로 결의하였다. 이에 따라 ICAO 회원국은 관련 기술개발 및 인프라 구축에 박차를 가하고 있다. CNS/ATM의 항공 감시분야에서는 ADS-B(Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) 시스템과 더불어 Multilateration이 구축되고 있다. Multilateration은 레이더 설치 및 운용이 곤란하거나 항공기 감시 사각지대를 보완하기 위해 설치하는 시스템으로 TDOA(Time Difference Of Arrival)를 이용하여 레이더에 비해 매우 정확하다. 본 논문에서는 레이더 시스템에 널리 사용되는 IMM(Interacting Multiple Model) 필터를 Multilateration에 적용하여 보다 정확한 항공기 위치 획득을 가능하게 하였다. 성능분석 결과, IMM 필터를 적용한 Multilateration이 기존의 Multilateration에 비해 공항 인근에서는 38.37%, 공항 10마일 부근에서는 20.86% 정확한 것으로 분석되었다. CNS/ATM(Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management) was adopted as a standard navigation system of 21st century. Therefore, ICAO(International Civil Aviation Organization) members are developing the technology and infrastructure of CNS/ATM. ADS-B(Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) system and Multilateration system are being implemented in the surveillance field of CNS/ATM. Multilateration system is installed in order to complement radar system and to surveil blind areas. Also, Multilateration system using TDOA(Time Difference Of Arrival) is more accurate than radar. In this paper, we applied an IMM(Interacting Multiple Model) filter which is widely used in radar systems to the Multilateration data in order to improve the reliability of the Multilateration data. Comparisons with the original Multilateration data and the Multilateration data with the IMM filter show that the ADS-B data with the IMM filter provides a better performance: 38.37% near the airport, 20.86% around 10 miles of the airport.

A safety assessment methodology applied to CNS/ATM-based air traffic control system

In the last decades, the air traffic system has been changing to adapt itself to new social demands, mainly the safe growth of worldwide traffic capacity. Those changes are ruled by the Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) paradigm , based on digital communication technologies (mainly satellites) as a way of improving communication, surveillance, navigation and air traffic management services. However, CNS/ATM poses new challenges and needs, mainly related to the safety assessment process. In face of these new challenges, and considering the main characteristics of the CNS/ATM, a methodology is proposed at this work by combining “absolute” and “relative” safety assessment methods adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in ICAO Doc.9689 [14], using Fluid Stochastic Petri Nets (FSPN) as the modeling formalism, and compares the safety metrics estimated from the simulation of both the proposed (in analysis) and the legacy system models. To demonstrate its usefulness, the proposed methodology was applied to the “Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcasting” (ADS-B) based air traffic control system. As conclusions, the proposed methodology assured to assess CNS/ATM system safety properties, in which FSPN formalism provides important modeling capabilities, and discrete event simulation allowing the estimation of the desired safety metric.

U.S. Air Force in European Airspace: Planning Future CNS/ATM Capabilities

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) relies on Communication Navigation Surveillance / Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) equipment for capabilities that allow its aircraft to use civil airspace and interact with air traffic control services. The resulting ability to interoperate with air traffic control systems around the world is critical to support the USAF’s global, multifaceted mission, but entails large expenditures in equipment acquisition, integration, and training. It is important to understand the trade-offs that the USAF must make in assessing the value of specific CNS/ATM capabilities. In this paper, we describe a model-driven analysis to assess operational impacts related to CNS/ATM capability. The analysis accounts for planned USAF CNS/ATM capabilities by aircraft type vis-à-vis airspace regulations and operational restrictions that are expected to be encountered in specific geographic regions. Two layers of interactions are investigated: first, within the USAF enterprise: between the Combat Air Forces (CAF) assets and the Mobility Air Forces (MAF) assets and, second, between the USAF and civilian ATM. The content is unclassified.The model-based analysis framework can support enterprise decision processes. It provides a means for addressing specific issues as the CNS/ATM roadmap evolves. This framework can extend current models for the area of operations by providing added realism for what is now assumed to be unhindered aircraft availability.

Mission Effectiveness and European Airspace: U.S. Air Force CNS/ATM Planning for Future Years

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) uses the term Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) for capabilities that allow its aircraft to use civil airspace and air traffic control services. The resulting ability to interoperate with air traffic control systems around the world supports the USAF's global, multi-faceted mission, but entails great expense in on-board equipage and training. It is important to understand the trade-offs that the USAF must make in assessing the value of specific CNS/ATM capabilities. In this paper, we describe a model-driven analysis to assess mission effectiveness. The analysis is accomplished via a five-step process involving military route generation, simulation of the civilian airspace activity, simulation of delay events for military flights, and evaluation of several figures of merit. The software modules used for these activities were a combination of existing packages and some newly-developed programs. The analysis accounts for planned USAF CNS/ATM capabilities by aircraft type, as well as any airspace and operational restrictions that might be encountered in specific geographic regions when the aircraft does not have the required capabilities. Two layers of interactions are investigated: first, within the USAF enterprise, specifically, between the fighter and tankers assets and, second, between the USAF and civilian ATM.

Methodical and algorithmic issues of constructing four-dimensional flight routes for long-range aircrafts

A universal iterative method for constructing four-dimensional optimal flight routes for long-range aircraft was developed for the case of limitations imposed on airspace use. The method and algorithms for tracking flight routes and plans are designed for services planning air-traffic flows and air-traffic and airline-crew control centers, with the current tendency of increased awareness of all air-traffic members, which is one of the main objectives of implementing prospective conceptions of Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM).

Use of service history for certification credit for COTS [avionic software

Much has been written in the last ten years about how the use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components would revolutionize the aerospace industry avionics, communication, navigation, surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) as well as global air traffic management (GATM). Civil aviation authorities around the world have been faced with numerous requests to certify aircraft containing increasing percentages of COTS components, much of it never designed or intended for use in the safety critical environment of an aircraft. Product service history is one method for demonstrating that such software is acceptable for use. In theory, product service history would seem to be a fairly simple concept, both to understand and to apply. However, in practice, such use has proven extremely problematic, as questions of how to measure the historic performance and the relevance of the provided data have surfaced. This paper elaborates a research effort funded by the United States Federal Aviation Administration to collect, analyze, and synthesize what is known and understood about applying product service history. The effort is limited to the topic of software product service history as applied in the certification of airborne systems and equipment.

The AMELIA Air Traffic and Radar Simulator and Its Use in the Assessment of Costs and Benefits of Future Air Traffic Scenarios

An air traffic and radar simulator, AMELIA, which has been developed at the University of Iceland, is described in this paper. The simulator has several application areas, as a training tool for air traffic controllers, as a test tool for radar data processing systems and as a tool for calculating costs/benefits associated with various types of airspace organization.Three case studies are then presented in this paper, in which the simulator is used to assess some of the costs or benefits associated with different future air traffic scenarios. The first case study addresses the operational benefit of locating radars in Greenland for air traffic control, thereby forming a continuous bridge of radar coverage across the North Atlantic. Scenarios associated with current traffic and separation standards, future traffic and current separation standards, and future traffic and RVSM (Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum) are compared with and without radar’s coverage in Greenland. Results indicate that substantial operational benefits can be expected, as aircraft can be given more economical flight profiles. The second case study is a comparison of communication option costs associated with ADS (Automatic Dependent Surveillance) implementation in the North Atlantic. Results here indicate that a combined VHF/satellite data link is much more economical than solely relying on satellite data link in areas with substantial VHF coverage. The third study is an ongoing one and addresses the benefits of the future CNS/ATM (Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management).

Air traffic implementation in the Asia-Pacific region

With the 21st century just around the corner, demands for air transport in the Asia and Pacific regions will increase further. Taking into account the opening of new airports and expansion of existing ones, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Shangai and Kimpo, it is estimated that the North Pacific traffic volumes will be 1.7 times greater by the year 2000 compared to that of 1992, and 2.9 times greater by the year 2010. In dealing with such traffic in that region use of the new Communications Navigation Surveillance Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) through Multi-Function Transport Satellite (MTSAT) system is indispensable.