Survey on the Future Aeronautical Communication System and Its Development for Continental Communications

• Published in: IEEE transactions on vehicular technology Vol. 62; no. 1; pp. 182 - 191
• Main Authors: Neji, N., de Lacerda, R., Azoulay, A., Letertre, T., Outtier, O.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01.01.2013; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Subjects: Aeronautical communications; Airports; Applied sciences; Circuit properties; Electric, optical and optoelectronic circuits; Electromagnetic compatibility; electromagnetic compatibility (EMC); electromagnetic interference (EMI); Electromagnetism; Electronic circuits; Electronics; Engineering Sciences; Equipments and installations; Europe; Exact sciences and technology; FAA; future communication system (FCS); Information, signal and communications theory; L-band; L-band Digital Aeronautical Communication System (L-DACS); Mobile communication; Mobile radiocommunication systems; radio frequency (RF); Radiocommunications; Satellites; Signal convertors; Telecommunications; Telecommunications and information theory; Europe; Mobile radiocommunication; L-band Digital Aeronautical Communication System (L-DACS); Wireless telecommunication; Microwave; L band; Electromagnetic compatibility; electromagnetic interference (EMI); Review; DA converter; electromagnetic compatibility (EMC); Radiofrequency; Electromagnetic disturbance; Aeronautical communications; Air flow; Traffic flow; UHF wave; Electromagnetic interference; Telecommunication system; Air traffic; radio frequency (RF); Digital communication; future communication system (FCS)
• ISSN: 0018-9545; 1939-9359
• DOI: 10.1109/TVT.2012.2207138

We present in this survey new technologies proposed for the evolution of the aeronautical communication infrastructure. Motivated by studies that estimate the growth of air traffic flow, it was decided to develop a future communication infrastructure (FCI) adapted to the future aeronautical scenario. The FCI development involves researchers, industrials, and aeronautical authorities from many countries around the world, and started in 2004. The L-band Digital Aeronautical Communication System (L-DACS) is the part of the FCI that will be in charge of continental communication. The L-DACS is being developed in Europe since 2007 and two candidates were preselected: L-DACS1 and L-DACS2. In this paper, we first describe the motivations of the FCI. We then give an overview of its development activities from 2004 to 2009. After that, we provide some insights about both preselected L-DACS candidates, at their physical and medium access layers. Finally, we address the challenges on the development of the FCI/L-DACS.