TriaGnoSys — Technology Up In The Air…

TriaGnoSys is heading a consortium selected by the SESAR Joint Undertaking to investigate the technologies required to support air traffic management (ATM) concepts and communications infrastructures for the next 20 years, with air traffic in Europe expected to double by 2025, according to the latest EUROCONTROL forecast. The Wireless Communication Study (WiComS) consortium was selected by the SESAR Joint Undertaking for its expertise in ATM operations, aeronautical regulation and spectrum management, competence in simulation and test-bed performance assessment for future ATM systems, and aeronautical telecommunications systems, as well as its experience in the management and delivery of EC and ESA projects. Other members are Audens ACT, Rainer J Koll Consulting and ATMOSPHERE.

According to Patrick Ky, Executive Director of SESAR, current ATM communications are no longer adequate. Addressing the European Parliament recently, he said, “Air Traffic Control still uses basic technologies like VHF radio or terrestrial navigation aids, which were developed 50 or 60 years ago. We are now reaching a stage where these basic technologies cannot support the required air transport transformation.” The first element of WiComS’ remit is to refine the future need for communications services for all phases of the flight, in support of the future SESAR Concept of Operations (ConOps). The second is to verify that the technologies currently identified to support the multi-link concept — namely direct air-to-ground and air-to-air connections, satellite-based connectivity, and the ground-based airport segment — are the correct ones and the third, to identify any other technologies that could be appropriate. The final stage is to investigate potential suppliers, both from the aviation sector and outside. The work on WiComS started in January 2010 and will be concluded in September, with the first element being delivered in April.