80 likes | 305 Views
Next Generation Air/Ground Communications System (NEXCOM). Program Status Brief for ACP WG-C Montreal, Canada. Jim Eck Air/Ground Communications Team Lead Technical Operations Communications April 20, 2004. National Airspace System Air/Ground Communications Infrastructure.
E N D
Next Generation Air/Ground Communications System (NEXCOM) Program Status Brief for ACP WG-C Montreal, Canada Jim Eck Air/Ground Communications Team Lead Technical Operations Communications April 20, 2004
National Airspace System Air/Ground Communications Infrastructure 720 BUEC’sBack up Emergency Communications 346AirportTowers 1422 RTR’sRemote Transmitter Receiver 793 RCAG’sRemote Communications Air/Ground 175 TRACON’sTerminal Radar Approach Control • VHF and UHF ATC bands • Approximately 11,000 VHF assignments • Approximately 40,000 VHF and 10,000 UHF TX, RX & TCVRs • Dedicated networks for each operational environment • Limited restoral capabilities • Limited remote maintenance capability 21 ARTCC’s & 3 CERAP’sAir Route Traffic Control Center,Combined Center Radar Approach Control 1854 RCO’sRemote Communications Outlet 61 AFSSs, 14 FSSsAutomated Flight Service Stations, Flight Service Stations
Mission Need Statement #137 • In 1995, DOT/FAA approves the Mission Need Statement for the Next Generation A/G Communications System (NEXCOM). • Mission Need Statement #137 • Alleviate the spectrum congestion problem • Reduce maintenance costs of radio systems • Reduce A/G radio frequency (RF) interference and Increase security/channel control • Establish a communications path for data link for all users • Provide flexibility for future growth of services Need still valid - timing of investment being reconsidered
Current Realities • 9-11 / economics* • Rule deferred • Spectrum congestion currently anticipated • 2012 to 2016 • Program funding • Reduced in FY04 • Eliminated in FY05-07 • Restarted in FY08 * No International Agreement on Communications
Planned Program Activities* • Continue Multimode Digital Radio program • Continue Avionics development • Interoperability Testing with Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) • Joint Future Communication Study with EUROCONTROL • NAS Communications Evolution Plan • Spectrum Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) * Subject to Executive Council Approval
MDR Radio Interface Unit Ground Network Interface 01010101001 NEXCOM Program Elements Multimode Digital Radio (MDR) Certified Avionics Development Analog and digital voice/datain a single cockpit radio 2 analog and 1 digital mode in one radio Demo/Stakeholder Outreach Ground System Deferred Deferred Show NEXCOM system architectureand commercial avionics viability Rapid Preliminary Development Effort and Full Scale Development
Vocoder Certification • Vocoder certification to DO-178B level C • Seattle and Wichita ACOs agree approach • Certification data package to ACO Mar 2004 • First Reusable Software Component (RSC) certification package • Can be used on other radio systems (e.g. satellite radios) • Approved 14 April 2004 • DVSI provide certification package • Vocoder license, software and certification data package • Direct delivery to manufacturers • Final certification part of radio certification
Summary • US program funding long-lead items • Multimode Digital Radio Deployment • Avionics Development and Forward Fit • And exploring potential future interoperable communications solutions. • FAA/EUROCONTROL Future Communications Study • US/Japan Interoperability Testing