Sensis and Thales ATM Australia have been shortlisted in Airservices Australia's nationwide auto- matic dependent surveillance - broadcast (ADS-B) programme, writes Emma Kelly.
In September the Australian air traffic services provider released a request for tender (RFT) for the supply of 20 ADS-B ground stations to be installed across the country and operational from late 2005. The stations will provide radar-like surveillance separation services using Mode S-based ADS-B to aircraft above flight level 300 (30,000ft/9,150m).
Airservices received five bids in response to the RFT, says Greg Dunstone, technical specialist and ADS-B programme manager. Demonstrations of the shortlisted ADS-B equipment are planned for next month, with final selection in February.
Airservices has worked with both Sensis and Thales in the past. Sensis supplied the ADS-B ground station for the service provider's ongoing ADS-B trial in the Burnett Basin region of Queensland, while the country's air traffic management system, the Australian Advanced Air Traffic System (TAAATS), comprises Thales' Eurocat 2000 ATM system.
ADS-B processing and display capabilities have been integrated into TAAATS to support the Burnett Basin trial, which involves one ground station and general aviation and regional aircraft. However, the operational phase of the trial has been held up by air traffic controller training because the trial has coincided with the implementation of Australia's National Airspace System which has required controller training.
Meanwhile, the Australian ATM Strategic Planning Group has established an Australian ADS-B implementation team to ensure the the co-ordination of ADS-B activities being undertaken by Airservices, airlines and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Source: Flight International
