Multi-source ADS-B for reduced Separation Minima - Results from the Salsa Project

Kurzfassung

SALSA is a European exploratory research project relating to a multi-source Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system with a strong focus on space-based ADS-B (SB ADS-B). Such a system has the potential to provide global and continuous air traffic surveillance in order to overcome the prevailing surveillance constraints in non-radar airspace (NRA). In particular, applied to the reduction in separation minima it will bring significant benefits to Air Traffic Control (ATC)/Air Traffic Management (ATM) operations with improved aircraft surveillance. SALSA provides a preliminary assessment of the procedural impact and also the potential impact to flight safety due to the revised minima and the system configuration. This presentation summarizes results of the SALSA project. It gives an overview of the surveillance sensors and systems available in the current ATM environment, as well as a description of the separation minima standards supported by the different surveillance sensors. Building on that, the state-of-the art of space-based ADS-B is presented and the perspectives of SB ADS-B in the near term are given highlighting the implementation options with their projected performance capabilities and roadmaps as well as the applicable regulatory environment. Currently separation minima in oceanic areas are based on the Communication, Navigation and Surveillance means available within the respective airspace. As aircraft navigational performance (characterized through RNP levels) has improved, separations have been reduced in non-radar oceanic airspace, respectively. Improved surveillance performance through multi-source ADS-B has the potential for further improvements, but latency in communication capabilities may impose some constraints on what can be achieved. In addition, with enhanced surveillance and reduced separation minima in oceanic areas the air traffic and hence the workload of the controllers will increase. Some initial findings and discussions on these issues will be presented elaborating also compensating measures.