Enabling technology
Airborne and ground networked communication systems will increasingly use digital technology and protocols, employing terrestrial and satellite networks to connect all air traffic management subsystems.
The primary navigation system will be satellite-based, with terrestrial back-up area navigation solutions like DME/DME (multiple distance measuring systems), on-board inertial navigation systems, and precision approach systems like instrument landing systems and microwave landing systems to mitigate against a potential full blackout of satellite navigation services.
New surveillance systems based on ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast) will increasingly provide improved 4D-trajectory information, and controllers will have tools that can predict potential conflicts up to 20min ahead.
Source: Flight International
