This Solution was formerly  part of PJ.14-03-04-W1

Aircraft navigate primarily using satellite-based signals, supported by ground-based infrastructure where needed. A prolonged outage of GNSS constellations, such as Galileo, has the potential to limit the ability of aircraft to take advantage of precise PBN procedures, impacting flight efficiency and airspace capacity.

SESAR is developing alternative position, navigation and timing (A-PNT) as a technical enabler to support PBN/RNP operations in case of extended GNSS degradation or outage. The candidate solution comprises enhanced distance measuring equipment (eDME) with capability to support more stringent A-PNT requirements. The technology is based on a coupling of the on-board interrogator and ground-based transponder equipment to provide a smooth and seamless implementation path and improved frequency band usage. The eDME equipment is expected to support more stringent RNP and improve spectrum efficiency, for example reducing L-band congestion. It anticipates minimum change to the on-board and ground hardware.

The research aims to introduce, in addition to the actual range capability (interrogation-reply), a pseudo-ranging (one way ranging), and to ensure that the additional capability is fully backward compatible in order to support seamless implementation.

BENEFITS

Improved cost efficiency

Enhanced safety