New entrants in the skies above us will stretch the capabilities of existing infrastructure  to maintain safety levels given the density and diversity of new vehicle types. One of the  key enablers of operational safety is the wide deployment of affordable and interoperable communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) capabilities across all types of airspace users. By introducing performance-based integrated communication, navigation, and surveillance (iCNS), it becomes easier to add new technologies while existing technologies  become more efficient.

The primary goal of FACT was to evaluate and demonstrate performance-based iCNS  using cellular networks such as 4G and 5G as a complement to existing CNS technologies to support airspace management and U-space services. Cellular technology meets many  of the critical needs of airspace users operating at low  altitudes by offering light weight, high bandwidth, low  power consumption compared to analogue transmitters/ receivers, and low prices. Addressing both existing and  new airspace users such as drones, the project aimed to  build a bridge between conventional airspace management  systems and the future automated, digital U-space  environment.

The project examined how new wireless technologies can be safely integrated into air-ground datalinks in the context of low altitude mixed air traffic. The operational evaluation  considered 4G/5G in terms of datalink performance and positioning in the context of selected  CNS functions; and went on to explore CNS safety enhancements for individual stakeholders including general aviation pilots, remote pilots of drones and air traffic control. Project partners completed an operational demonstration in Eskisehir in Turkey which focused on the coexistence of drones and general aviation including rotorcrafts with other airspace users within the controlled and uncontrolled airspace.

The project results indicate both opportunities and performance limitations of public cellular  networks when used for airborne operations with recommendations on where their use  within the iCNS concept is beneficial. Such evaluation is essential as cellular technology seems to meet the critical needs of many airspace users operating at low altitudes such as drones, UAM, and GA aircraft: light weight, low electric power consumption (compared to the existing analog transmitters/receivers), and low prices due to mass production.

Benefits

• Easier integration of new technologies
• Supports existing and new airspace users
• Performance-based requirements