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Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B)
The ADS-B concept is based on aircraft (or other vehicles or objects) broadcasting a message on a regular basis,
which includes their position (such as latitude, longitude and altitude), and possibly other information. Other aircraft or systems can receive this information for use in a wide variety of applications.
The Advanced Technology Branch is supporting RTCA via special committee 186 (SC-186) in developing standards for ADS-B.
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ADS-B Project Page
Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC)
Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) is
an application used for the exchange of data communication messages
between the controller and pilot supplementing existing voice
communications. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
has defined an internationally coordinated standard for CPDLC in an
Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN)
environment.
The Advanced Technology Branch maintains a CPDLC test
bed; monitors CPDLC software development, manages and implements CPDLC test and evaluation activities;
acts
as the Associate Program Manager for Test (APMT) for CPDLC I and CPDLC
IA.
The Branch provides support to the Communications
Integrated Product Team (IPT) for End to End Infrastructure support.
This work entails the developing, integrating, and testing Voice Data Link
Radios in the laboratory and in flight test; updating and integrating ATN
Router test tools, providing and supporting Infrastructure testing
(Airborne, A/G, G/G),and monitoring and validating Conformance Test Suite
(CTS) development. An ATN Certification facility designed to the
hardware and software components of CPDLC is under development.
The Advanced Technology Branch conducts and supports
Ground and Airborne Human Factors (HF) studies.
This work entails reviewing and updating Ground and Airborne Human Factors
requirements and guidance; developing and maintaining the Ground Data Link
Display System Replacement Development Platform (D3P) and the airborne
Engineering Cockpit Simulator (ECS); and conducting Ground and Airborne HF
studies and demonstrations including CPDLC Operational Test and Evaluation
(OT&E) testing.
This work is in accordance with directives provided
by the FAA's Office of
Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance (AND) , the Aeronautical Data Link Team (AND-370) ,and the Office of Air Traffic Systems Development(AUA).
Also refer to the PDF document "CPDLC Program Support" .
Back to top CPDLC Data Management Home Page
Flight Information Service (FIS)
Flight Information Service (FIS) is a data link
service providing a request-reply function initiated by the flight
deck. A ground-based service provider can receive a downlinked
request for weather products, compile the requested information and uplink
it to the requesting aircraft for display. For further information:
Advanced Technology Product Team ACT-350 AIRDLPower Point Presentation
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Runway Incursion
The FAA is committed to reducing incidents and
accidents directly attributable to runway incursions and to improve
airport operations. Refer to the FAA's Runway Safety Program
(RSP) Home Page for further information.
The Advanced Technology Branch will be conducting
research into improving pilot/controller communications, and enhancements
in airport surface navigation aids.
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Safe Flight 21
Safe Flight 21 is a government and industry collaborative effort to deploy and evaluate
nine operational
enhancements that will meet the needs of the aviation industry and support the establishment of the Free Flight concept.
See the Official Safe Flight 21 Home Page for further information.
This work is in accordance with directives provided
by the FAA's Office of
Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance (AND)
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Tower Data Link Services
(TDLS)
Tower Data Link Services (TDLS) provides Airport
Traffic Control Tower personnel and pilots with an automated data link
communications capability that reduces workload and reduces voice
frequency congestion. See the Aeronautical
Data Link Products page for further information.
The Advanced Technology Branch is supporting the
current transition of TDLS to more modern hardware and software for
continued improved service availability. This includes
participating in the TDLS Joint Failure Review Board (JFRB), evaluating
TDLS software, porting TDLS to SCO Unixware, selection of hardware
platforms, conducting Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) ,
conducting Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and developing technical
manuals and supporting training activities. This work is in accordance with directives provided
by the FAA's Office of
Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance (AND) and the Aeronautical Data Link Team (AND-370)
Back to top TDLS at CPDLC Data Management Home Page
Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)
The Technical Center has been involved in many aspects of the development and implementation of TCAS for use in national and international airspace.
The Technical Center has conducted extensive flight testing and data evaluation of the surveillance hardware and software, as well as the collision avoidance (CAS) logic.
This information has been used in both the initial definition of system specifications through RTCA Incorporated, and the continued revisions to these
specifications.
Millions of computer simulated encounters have been conducted and analyzed. this information has been used to verify that the logic operates
as designed, and has also been used to characterize those types of encounters which would benefit from logic improvements.
The Technical continues to support TCAS by installing updated TCAS hardware and software
aboard our test aircraft to verify proper end-to-end operation of
manufacturers systems, and support to manufacturers in the testing and certification process. The TCAS group also performs data analysis on revenue-flight
data recorded to monitor the performance of TCAS in the national airspace.
Back to top TCAS Project Page
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