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Edition 31 June 24, 2009
Eur 1.9 billion funding released for SESAR
The SESAR Joint Undertaking has signed 16 contracts totalling Eur1.9 billion for the creation of Europe’s future ATM system. The contracts kick start the execution of Europe’s SESAR modernization programme. The goal is to enable a threefold increase in capacity while at the same time improving safety by a factor of 10, reducing the environmental impact per flight by 10 percent, and cut the costs for air traffic management by 50 percent. The first phase of the programme runs until 2016, with the new solutions implemented progressively as they take form.
The key contributors are:
Air navigation service providers: AENA (Spain), DSNA (France), DFS (Germany), ENAV (Italy), NATS (En Route) Limited (United Kingdom) and NORACON (Northern Europe and Austria).
Ground and aerospace manufacturing industry: Frequentis, Indra, NATMIG, SELEX Sistemi Integrati and Thales.
Aircraft manufacturers: Airbus and Alenia Aeronautica. Airbus will be a major contributor to all operational work packages and act as the leader of the aircraft work package. As 'aircraft integrator', Airbus will define and develop future onboard ATM operations and capabilities.
Airports - AENA, SEAC (a consortium of six airport operators: ADP, BAA, Fraport, Munich, Schipol & Unique) and NORACON.
Airborne equipment manufacturers: Honeywell and Thales
Thales has been awarded funding from the SESAR JU of around Eur 120 million for the development phase, making it the largest contributor (after Eurocontrol). In the SESAR development phase, Thales will now participate, under the supervision of the SESAR JU, in all the work packages and in about 130 out of the nearly 200 individual projects already attributed. Thales has been selected to co-lead the three work packages dedicated to the development of the new generation of air traffic control systems, of the system wide information management system, which will be the backbone of the European ATM network, and of communication, navigation and surveillance technologies.
NATMIG AS was founded in 2007 by four of the North European ATM system suppliers; Airtel ATN of Ireland, Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems of Norway, Saab of Sweden and SINTEF of Norway. NATMIG, owned by 25 percent each of the industries involved, will run projects valued at Eur36 million that addresses all of the goals within SESAR; increasing the air traffic capacity, improving safety, reducing the environmental impact and cut the costs.
Saab’s contribution to SESAR will mainly focus on two areas, of which one is further development of the Remotely Operated Tower (ROT) concept that Saab launched earlier this year. The ROT system allows for traffic management at small and medium sized airports to be remotely controlled from a central site, thus reducing costs while at the same time enhancing security. Saab will also develop systems for queue management, as well as new airport control tower systems, and management systems to support the aircraft turnaround process at gate. The projects Saab will run are valued at Eur8.3 million, of which Saab invests 50 percent over eight years.
New standards organisation for SES
ETSI - officially recognized by the European Commission as a European Standards Organization – has created a new Technical Committee to develop aeronautical standards. The ETSI Board announced its decision to establish this new Technical Committee (TC AERO), whose work will focus primarily on supporting European initiatives in the air traffic management sector.
ETSI produces globally-applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), including fixed, mobile, radio, converged, aeronautical, broadcast and internet technologies and is. ETSI is an independent, not-for-profit association whose 766 member companies and organizations, drawn from 63 countries across 5 continents worldwide, participate directly in its work.
“This committee will deal with interoperability aspects of the European Air Traffic Management Network (EATMN) under the Single European Sky regulation,” said the organisation. “It will be responsible for developing, under Mandates from the European Commission (EC), European standards satisfying the essential requirements and/or Implementing Rules of the Single European Sky Interoperability Regulation (552/2004/EC). The Regulation gives standards a central role in achieving its objectives, and the standards to be produced by the new committee will be given the status of Community Specifications when referenced by the EC in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU). Under the terms of the Regulation, systems, procedures and constituents which meet Community Specifications are presumed to be compliant with the essential requirements and Implementing Rules.”
The first meeting of the Aeronautical Technical Committee will take place in September this year.
Call for “Clean Sky” research proposals
The Clean Sky programme managers have launched a call for proposals for aeronautical research and development (R&D) totalling over Eur25 million. Clean Sky is an EU wide collaborative private-public partnership, including the participation of SMEs, universities and research centres as well as of leading aeronautics manufacturers. This call is the first in what will be one of Europe’s biggest ever research projects, with Eur1.6 billion to be invested up to 2014.
“The new step taken today by Clean Sky highlights the joint commitment of the European Commission and the European air transport industry to develop breakthrough technologies to significantly reduce the impact of air transport on the environment and strengthen the competitiveness of this vital sector for Europe's economy,” stated EU Commissioner for Research Janez Potočnik.
Clean Sky's objective is to demonstrate and validate the technology breakthroughs needed to reach Europe's key environmental goals for air transport for 2020: these are 50% reduction of CO2 emissions through drastic reduction of fuel consumption; 80% reduction of NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions; and 50% reduction of external noise.
For more details see: http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm
EASA takes over JAA safety role
The Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) has handed over its aviation safety portfolio to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Cologne, Germany. The JAA Training Organisation (JAA-TO) will continue with training activities as a Dutch foundation and associated body of ECAC (European Civil Aviation Conference).
US Airways Airbus A320 in “narrow miss” at Boston Logon
A US Airways Airbus A320-200 with 84 passengers and five crew narrowly missed a collision with a construction truck on June 18 at Boston Logon airport. The aircraft was accelerating on takeoff on runway 15R, when the truck entered the runway, reportedly without clearance. The incident is under investigation.
FAA installs runway safety warning system at LAX
LAX has installed an automated red-light system which warns pilots if it is unsafe to enter or cross a runway. The USD7 million Runway Status Lights system has been bought by LAX but is being installed and maintained by the FAA. The system is connected to LAX's ground radar system; the lights turn red if the ground radar detects a potential conflict between two aircraft or an aircraft and a vehicle.
American begins AIRE demonstrations
American Airlines is participating in the Atlantic Interoperability Initiative to Reduce Emissions (AIRE) programme. The Paris-Miami route is being used to test technology and procedures to reduce carbon emissions and save fuel on scheduled flights. Measures include single-engine taxi on departure and arrival, continuous climb out and descent, optimised routing over water, and a tailored arrival. Bob Reding, American's Executive Vice President – Operations said: "Utilising NextGen technology is a crucial part of American's overall environmental and fuel savings efforts. These efforts have already yielded fuel savings of more than 110 million gallons annually and reduced our carbon emissions by 2.3 billion pounds in 2008." In 2009, American aims to save 120 million gallons of jet fuel and reduce its carbon emissions by 2.5 billion pounds
US examines flexible use of military airspace
The FAA and US Air Force are exploring ways for civil flights to regularly use airspace normally reserved for the military. The Adaptive Airspace Concept is designed to relieve delays on commercial and general aviation flights when thunderstorms, a large number of flights or other constraints limit the number of planes that can pass through commercial airspace.
Europe trials electronic coordination between centres
In 2010, Eurocontrol, together with skyguide and its subsidiary Skysoft-ATM will launch live trials of a new system which introduces large scale electronic coordination between controllers working in different centres.
By introducing cross-border tactical screen-to-screen controller coordination, SYSCO – or System Supported Coordination, will limit the need for telephone communication to occasional complex coordination needs or emergencies. This will reduce workload for controllers, and will also remove some of the errors that can occur when voice communication is used between centres. The trials will take place between Geneva and Zurich centres under the Eurocontrol FASTI programme. Germany and Italy are also preparing to implement SYSCO. Urs Ryf, COO of skyguide said: “Skyguide has already been able to increase its capacity by over 20 per cent in the last two years as the result of the implementation of its new stripless system in Geneva UAC which includes internal electronic coordination and conflict detection support for controllers. The eventual implementation of SYSCO between Zurich and Geneva plus the introduction of the stripless concept in Zurich will lead to further significant gains”.
Skyguide is currently investigating a two-hour shut-down of the SYSCO system in Geneva, on the evening of June 18. During the time of shutdown, the upper airspace traffic was rerouted over the neighbouring States, as agreed with the European Central Flow Management Unit (CFMU) and with adjoining air traffic control centres.
Eurocontrol publishes Single Sky guidance document
Eurocontrol has published a document to show how the agency will contribute the European ATM Master Plan that endorsed by the European Council in March 2009. The Strategic Guidance in Support of the Execution of the European ATM Master Plan replaces the ATM strategies that previously existed within Eurocontrol. A PDF version of the document is available on the Eurocontrol website: http://www.eurocontrol.int/sesar/public/standard_page/Strategic_Guidance.html
Asia measures ADS-B benefit
A cost-benefit study published by CANSO’s Asia Pacific office has identified potential savings of over USD4 million and 10 million lbs of CO2 a year following ADS-B implementation in the South China Sea. The savings were identified as a result of reduced separation on seven routes staring in 2013. The initial phase includes ADS-B stations in Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore from 2010, supporting radar-like separation for suitably equipped aircraft. The results suggest a benefit/cost ratio of 2.7 net present value of USD46.4m and payback year of 2018.
Georgia opens new centre
Sakaeronavigatsia announced transfer of ATC operations to a new building in May, following completion of the new centre by SELEX-SI. New equipment includes two area sectors, three approach positions, two planning positions and supervisor; plus military coordination and two reserve consoles. The new tower position was completed at the start of 2009. BULATSA provided training for controllers and technical staff.
IATA revises 2009 forecasts downwards
IATA announced revised forecasts at its annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur in June. Airline losses are expected to reach USD9 billion in 2009, compared with USD10.4 billion in 2008. Passenger demand is likely to continue to fall, reaching 2.06 billion passengers – eight per cent less than the 2.24 billion recorded in 2008. Cargo will suffer a 17 per cent drop from 40.1 million tones in 2008 to 33.3 million tones in 2009. Overall revenues are forecast at USD448 billion compared with USD528 billion in 2008.
IATA awarded The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) the IATA Eagle Award for the best air navigation service provider, and the Vietnam Air Navigation Services Corporation (VANSCORP) won the most improved ANSP. Cathay Pacific Airways CEO Tony Tyler was appointed IATA chairman for one year, succeeding Samer Majali, CEO of Royal Jordanian Airlines.
Industry
FAA selects Northrop Grumman NOVA solution
The FAA has awarded Northrop Grumman a contract under the Low Cost Ground Surveillance (LCGS) programme to upgrade airport surveillance at small and medium sized airports. The contract is for Reno Airport, Nevada, and includes options for installation at additional airports. Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems is supplying its NOVA 9000 solution. The system processes and integrates surveillance data to give graphical views of aircraft and vehicles in the airport movement area, and has been installed in more than 40 airports in more than 20 countries.
Harris acquires SolaCom
Harris Corporation has agreed to purchase SolaCom Technologies air traffic control business. Harris is purchasing the ATC product line of SolaCom including the Liberty-STAR Voice Communications System (VCS), the IRENA (Integrated Radio Equipment and Network Adaptor) product line, and network routing and circuit adaptation solutions.
Indra expands South American presence
Indra reports two contracts worth Eur7.4 million to supply ATC systems to Panama and Ecuador. ICAO awarded Indra a second phase contract to complete modernization of Panama’s ATC infrastructure including a Mode S secondary radar at Balboa. Phase one included ground-to-air VHF communications at Balboa centre, and ATC and automated weather observation systems (AWOS) at Tocumen International airport in Panama City. Furthermore, the main Panamanian airports: Enrique Malek, Bocas del Toro, Gelabert and Howard will be equipped with Indra's SDC-2000 digital communications systems as well as with VHF systems. Three of these airports, Enrique Malek, Bocas del Toro and Howard, will also be equipped with AWOS and related aeronautical systems.
Meanwhile, Indra will supply its Aircon 2100 and SDC-2000 digital communications to upgrade approach control at Quito Airport, Ecuador under a contract from the Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics. Indra will also install a simulation system to support training of controllers and technicians.
FAA spends USD137.8 million on programme support
The FAA Air Traffic Organization has awarded four companies contracts for programme management and financial support for its modernization programme worth a total of USD137.8 million. The team led by Northrop Grumman Information Systems won a contract worth up to USD33.9 over four years for program planning, execution, implementation, cost, and financial support to the FAA. The company will also perform program management activities including scheduling, metrics, risk management, performance analysis, and maintenance and operations support. Work on the contract will take place primarily in Washington, DC, with additional services conducted at the FAA Logistics Center, Oklahoma City; the Technical Center in Atlantic City; and airports throughout the country.
Meanwhile IT specialist Apptis Inc won a contract worth up to USD34 million over four years for programme planning, execution, implementation, and cost & financial assistance. The Apptis team includes subcontract partners: A3 Technology, Inc. (A3T), Aerospace Engineering and Research Associates, Inc. (AER), Cummings & Associates, Inc. (CAA), Cobec Consulting, Inc., T3 Technologies, LLC, Tantus Technologies, Inc., Advanced Engineering & Services, ITT Corporation, IBM, and Tecolote Research, Inc.
ICAO designates a Naverus PBN supplier
ICAO has registered Naverus as a Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) supplier. Naverus provides PBN solutions designed to meet the global need for improved airspace efficiency including PBN procedures and support services. Under the designation, ICAO can refer member PBN requests to Naverus.
Vaisala wins dropsondes contract
Vaisala and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have signed a five-year supply contract for the delivery of next generation GPS dropsondes used for hurricane reconnaissance, hurricane research and storm track forecasting by the US National Hurricane Center. The estimated value of the deal is USD9.2 million. Martti Husu, Senior Vice President of Meteorology Business Area in Vaisala said: "The new design of the dropsondes has been developed by NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) and they selected Vaisala's calibrated radiosonde sensor modules for use in the new design. The contract strengthens the successful co-operation that we have with one of the world's leading research institutes in this field."
Vaisala Dropsondes measure pressure, temperature and relative humidity as well as profiles of the wind fields derived from GPS signals. These specialized meteorological sensors are designed to cover a complete range of atmospheric conditions. Dropsondes are released from aircrafts flying at altitudes anywhere from near the sea surface to their maximum operating capability, and they are mainly used for targeted observations over the ocean. They provide data for severe storm trajectory and intensity prediction.
Luciad supplies surveillance graphics software
Eurocontrol and Thales Security Solutions & Services have selected Luciad to provide the software components for the graphical user interface prototype of the next-generation Surveillance Analysis Support System for air traffic control Centre (SASS-C). SASS-C is a performance assessment system of surveillance infrastructures that provides standardized methods and tools for the analysis and evaluation of trackers and sensors. The system has been developed for Eurocontrol member states and is widely distributed to civil and military navigation service providers and industrial partners. The future implementation of the LuciadMap Terrain Analysis capability in the SCAS/CAPT Suite will make it possible for users to study the effect of terrain obstruction on the radar’s performance, to optimize the use of existing radars, and to plan the installation of new radars.
Surveillance data merged from multiple sources
Comsoft reports two ARTAS development projects are now on the verge of operational use. The new ARTAS version supporting WAM & ADS-C (AWA) has passed acceptance tests by Eurocontrol. This is the evolution of the ARTAS V7A1 baseline to the new ARTAS version V8A. Comsoft has also developed the Patch Set 3 (PS3) that delivers the latest enhancements to the V7A1 software version.
With V8A the tracker now supports Wide Area Multilateration sources and ADSC services. Once implemented, ARTAS can process information from the latest surveillance technologies in addition to data from conventional sensors. The launch of the final AWA release is expected by September 2009.
Meanwhile Comsoft reports factory acceptance test for its AIM solution for the Vietnam Air Navigation Services Corporation (VANSCORP) under a contract awarded in December 2008.
Serco renews Dubai contract
Serco Group reports a USD245million 10-year contract renewal to provide air traffic services to Dubai Airports Company, where the company has operated for the last 40 years. Services include aerodrome and approach radar services and airspace procedure design. Serco is installing a new 3D 360-degree air traffic control tower simulator to help plan for future traffic growth, including development of Maktoum International Airport as it develops over the next ten years to reach its annual capacity forecast of 160 million passengers.
MIDCAS awarded UAS military mid-air collision avoidance system contract
The MIDCAS consortium, composed of 13 European industries, has been awarded the MID-air Collision Avoidance System contract by the European Defence Agency, EDA, on behalf of the contributing member states (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden, appointed as lead nation). The value of the contract is approximately Eur50 million and the project will last for four years. The overall objectives of MIDCAS are to demonstrate the technology for a sense and avoid system for unmanned air systems (UAS) to be able to fulfil the requirements for traffic separation and mid-air collision avoidance in non segregated airspace and, in close cooperation with European organizations, to provide the technical background for them to establish a sense and avoid standard.
“The project brings together 13 of the leading European aerospace industries who will gather the multiple European initiatives on sense and avoid to achieve a coherent route forward, supported by the European Defence Agency’s route map to unmanned aircraft system traffic insertion,” said Lennart Sindahl, Executive Vice President for Saab AB and head of the business segment Aeronautics.
The MIDCAS project major goals are:
Support for progress on standards based on European knowledge coordinated with European stakeholders
A mid-air collision avoidance system functional design
Safety assessment based on extensive simulations supported by flight test validations
A Sense and Avoid system demonstrator for use in flight demonstration
In-flight demonstration starting with manned aircraft followed by real UAS flights during a total of four flight test campaigns with the intention to achieve final UAS flights in non-segregated airspace.
The MIDCAS consortium is composed of the following co-contractors: Saab AB (appointed as coordinator); Alenia Aeronautica S.p.A; Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co. KG; Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. in der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft; EADS Deutschland GmbH; ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH; Galileo Avionica S.p.A; INDRA SISTEMAS S.A; Italian Aerospace Research Centre CIRA S.c.p.A; Sagem (Safran Group); Selex Communications S.p.A; SELEX Sistemi Integrati S.p.A; THALES Systèmes Aéroportés S.A.
Egis to support implementation of approaches with EGNOS satellite vertical guidance, ADS-B
Egis Avia, as a leader of a consortium formed with Airbus Transport International (ATI), the French air navigation service provider (DSNA) and PiLDo Labs has been contracted by Eurocontrol to provide support in the promotion and operational implementation of APV EGNOS procedures.
And in partnership with the French Air Navigation Service Provider (DSNA) and Airbus, Egis has been contracted by Eurocontrol to support the validation process and potentially the implementation of the ATSA-SURF application. This project aims at assessing the impact of its use by pilots on air traffic control through real-time simulations, technical studies and flight tests with an Airbus aircraft. The purpose is to assess the technical and operational feasibility of the application and its expected benefits.
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