Total precision surveillance
Developed as a viable low-cost alternative to conventional radar, space-based automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) can monitor and control aircraft with greater precision and in areas of airspace that have no radar coverage today. Because of its high precision capabilities, ADS-B has the potential to maximise airspace through the reduction of separation between aircraft.
The SALSA project evaluated the performance and value of ADS-B in the context of enhanced surveillance and revision to separation standards in the non-radar airspace. Specifically, the project looked at what conditions required for the introduction of lower separation minima on transoceanic flight routes, particularly between Europe and the US, where traffic density is considerably high during morning and evening peak periods.
By combining space-based ADS-B with other sources of surveillance based on ground, air and oceanic relays, SALSA developed a system-of-systems approach. It found that space ADS-B when augmented with the enhanced controller-pilot data links can maximise the use of enhanced surveillance and the operational benefit of revised separation minima.
The project provided recommendations on satellite-based air traffic surveillance using ADS-B and its application to reduced separation minima which could be used as the basis for further developments and eventual later certification.
Key recommendations include further study into the:
- Maturity/viability assessment of space ADS-B, including the service availability monitoring
- Impact of CPDLC availability and recommendations
- Impact of navigational and surveillance integrity and recommendations
- Maturing validation models – collision risk, prediction, operator interfaces
Benefits
- Improved safety
- Increased airpsace capacity
- Increased flight efficiency
