Datalink Security in the L-band Digital Aeronautical Communication System LDACS for Air Traffic Management

Abstract

The communication systems, currently being used for air traffic management and air traffic control, need to be modernized to support the sustainable growth of European air traffic. The Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR) program foresees digital datalink technologies as an important building block for this goal. Digital communication technologies shall reduce the load on legacy analog systems and enable new performance-oriented automated services. The L-band Digital Aeronautical Communications System (LDACS), currently in development in SESAR, is a corner stone of this future communication infrastructure. LDACS is a cellular broadband system sharing many technical features with 3G and 4G wireless communications systems. However, the specification of LDACS does not cover cyber-security, yet. Datalink security would therefore rely solely on higher layer mechanisms. In this paper we argue that datalink security in layer 1 and 2 of LDACS would significantly contribute to the overall security of the aeronautical telecommunication network by introducing additional layers of security. We present the major outcomes of a threat analysis of the system. Based on this analysis we discuss possible cyber-security options for LDACS and recommend to add cyber security functions in the link management entity and sub-network protocol of LDACS.