Toward Harmonized Aircraft Communication

CORDIS News

The European Union is funding a project that seeks to merge a full range of aircraft communications applications and services into a coherent digital architecture. Modern aircraft networks often combine decades-old analog communications and a separate satellite-based system, which makes cockpit communications complex and inefficient, says Markus Werner of project partner TriaGnoSys.

The Seamless Aeronautical Networking through integration of Data links Radios and Antennas (SANDRA) project is considering ways to coordinate cabin crew operations, in-flight and on-ground passenger services, air traffic management, and security services.

The four main areas that would require integrated solutions include service, network, radio, and antenna-based systems. The researchers say in the next 10 years there will be a shift from voice communications between air traffic controllers and pilots to air traffic control management systems based on data communication between computers.

……………

‘We use digital communications in every facet of our lives. Just look at the number of people who have smartphones and tablets. But often aircraft rely on a combination of decades-old analogue communications and a separate satellite-based system, making cockpit communications both complex to use and inefficient.

“SANDRA is bringing cockpit communications into the 21st century by simplifying the process for pilots and providing the platform for many more advanced services,” Werner says. The project partners report that a trial of a new avionic communication system in June was a success. …..    Report

DCL:  This is a big application area for CEP. I’ve featured it in my lectures for years. But similar efforts to modernize air traffic control in the USA get constantly scaled back and stymied in Congress by budget wars. Perhaps the Europeans will lead the way. We need it!