1. ….Airplanes …As a Network….
Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS)
….Airplanes …As a Network….
A Presentation to Interested Participants
Jan 22, 2003 by
Ralph Yost
Innovations Division, ACB-100
William J. Hughes Technical Center
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2. Airborne Internet….SATS and Beyond
Mobile connectivity is a growing technology in our society today. Its growth is fueled by the desire of people to remain connected to "the network" even while traveling. From wireless LANs at home and the office to wireless connectivity with Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), people are utilizing new methods to extend the traditional network connectivity that originated with a wire to a computer.
The idea of using these same mobile connectivity principles has found its way into aviation…and is being applied to comm, nav. & surveillance functions.
The concept of basic network connectivity could be used to connect other mobile vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, and trains. Network connectivity could be obtained between vehicles and a ground network infrastructure, thus enhancing their ability to process data relative to their operation.
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3. The Genesis of an idea……Airborne Internet
The Small Aircraft Transportation System is a safe travel alternative, freeing people and products from transportation system delays, by creating access to more communities in less time.
The idea of an Airborne Internet was produced as a result of NASA's Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS) program planning. The SATS program needed Airborne Internet to accomplish its performance goals. Program planners identified the need to establish a robust communications channel between aircraft and the ground network. But the utility of Airborne Internet has the potential to extend beyond the SATS program.....It could open up a whole new set of operating capabilities, safety and efficiency for tomorrow’s transportation industry.
The Genesis of an idea……Airborne Internet
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4. SATSLabs and A.I. Each SATSLab has some level of interest in A.I.
The level of interest in A.I. Varies between the Labs
Virginia SATS Team
Maryland SATS Team
Southeast SATS Team
North Carolina & Upper Great Plains SATS Team.
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5. SATS Operational Capabilities
To Be Demonstrated in 2005
Higher Volume Operation at Non-Towered/Non-Radar Airports.
Enable simultaneous operations by multiple aircraft in non-radar airspace at and around small non-towered airports in near all- weather.
Lower Landing Minimums at Minimally Equipped Landing Facilities
Provide precision approach and landing guidance to small airports while avoiding land acquisition and approach lighting costs, as well as ground-based precision guidance systems such as ILS.
Increase Single-pilot Crew Safety and Mission Reliability.
Increase single-pilot safety, precision, and mission completion
En Route Procedures and Systems for Integrated Fleet Operations.
Provide simulation and analytical assessments of concepts that integrate SATS-equipped aircraft into higher en route air traffic flows and controlled airspace.
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6. Airborne Internet….Beyond SATS …..and out into the horizon
Why should A.I. Be limited to SATS?
SATS will receive greater benefit from A.I. development and application if A.I. is expanded beyond the realm of SATS
Why should A.I. be limited to General Aviation?
Why should A.I. be limited to Aviation?
Other modes have the potential to benefit: railroad, automobile/truck/highway, maritime
The greater the interest in the development of A.I., the greater the benefit to all
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7. Why an Airborne Internet Forum?
Leverage resources.
Join our common interests to form a greater whole
Establish a legal entity for possible funding of A.I. development
Collaborate to produce guidelines and standards that will provide a roadmap to FAA certification (GS&Cs)
Individual contributors to this process will enjoy possible early business opportunities in A.I.
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8. The Cycle of Revolutionary Advances in Technology
R&T Development & Evaluation Phase
Initial Acceptance Phase
Transition development
International endorsement
Deployment Phase
System
Maturity Phase
Idea is proposed,
briefed,
funding sought
System Deployment
Maturation
System
Development
Airborne
Internet
Evolution
Airborne Internet
Development
Proof of Concept
Revolution
2002
2007
2012
2017
2022
20XX
Airborne Internet has the potential for greater impact in aviation
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9. A.I. Application Example: Surveillance Radar Augmentation
A/C tracking depends on secondary surveillance radar
Transponders in A/C reply to ground interrogations from surveillance radars. ATC has positive knowledge of A/C position, altitude, etc. B
Outside of radar coverage ATC has no positive knowledge of A/C position, altitude, etc.
Use checkpoint reporting
Provide an analytical assessment of the impact of automated flightpath management systems designed to facilitate operations at non-towered airports and in non-radar airspace on the integration of SATS equipped aircraft into the higher en route air traffic flows and controlled terminal airspace.
Current System:
Technology:
Analog technology foundation
Dual function transponder
Line of sight
Provide aircraft altitude, range, ID code
Extensive processing can provide flight trend prediction
Goal
Limitations:
Flight coverage is geographic dependant
Low altitude gaps
Many GA airports not covered
Radar dependant airspace. Radars are installed as airspace traffic density increases (e.g. NE U.S.)
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10. The History of Secondary Surveillance Radar Technology
British Develop radar for air defense (preWWII)
CAA deploys ASR-1
FY 1950
System
Maturity Phase
System Refinement
ATCBI-6
Monopulse SSR
Mode S
DATALINK
Early Deployment
DABS/ADSEL
Secondary
Surveillance
Life Cycle
Early Develop.
ATCRBS
First ASR antenna at Smithsonian
1930
1940
1950
1970
1990
20XX
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ARTS, 1975

11. Network Aircraft as we do Computers Graphic courtesy of CNS Inc.
A Possible Solution?
Network Aircraft as we do Computers
Graphic courtesy of CNS Inc.
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12. KEY REQUIREMENTS: Reliable Connection to Network
Current aviation voice comm is VHF
- Continue to use VHF but add Satellite
- Use BOTH to maintain mobile connectivity to a network
- Provides equipment and frequency diversity
- Spectrum efficient
- Report GPS/WAAS position data continually to network
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13. Flight Tracking at All Altitudes
- Provides potential ATC participation to ALL aircraft
- Coverage: Ground up
- Includes Gulf of Mexico, Oceanic, entire continental U.S.
High Altitude Sector
En Route
Low Altitude Sector
Transition
Airspace
GND
Graphic courtesy of CNS Inc.
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14. Airborne Internet Accomplishment Summary
Task 1: Conducted technology assessment, NAS Infrastructure assessment, built first AI Demo set for proof of concept. (completed Jan 2002)
Task 2: Produced interface description document, conduct AI demos, add NOTAMs capability. (May-Sept 2002)
Task 3: Upgrade NASA LARC D.I.F. trailer to AI capability, add a/c system, Network Application Service Interface Document, Functional Description Document, tech note on interface to Harris ADS-B mapping system.
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15. Potential Benefits
Data transfer and applications available to commercial and GA
Spectrum efficient: many functions over a single/dual frequency
Minimizes the number of radios and antennas on an aircraft
Voice over IP
Provide ATC coverage to aircraft using non-radar covered airports
No ground equipment required at airport
Surveillance augmentation includes Gulf of Mexico and Oceanic
ATC Flight following to more GA aircraft
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16. For more information: Ralph Yost Innovations Division, ACB-100
William J Hughes Technical Center
Atlantic City Airport, NJ 08405
(609)
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