The project has demonstrated consistent progress towards its scientific and technical objectives through a solid management and coordination framework, effective regular meetings, continuous liaison with SESAR 3 JU, shared repositories and systematic quality control.
From a technical perspective, the consortium conducted an extensive analysis of current and future air-ground communication networks, identifying key limitations such as latency, coverage, and continuity. Based on these results, operational and system requirements were defined through consultations with pilots, air traffic controllers, and stakeholders. These requirements formed the basis for realistic operational scenarios and use cases, establishing the foundation for ATMACA’s conceptual operations and validation.
The ATMACA communication protocol was designed and implemented to enable secure, reliable, and continuous aeronautical data exchange over IP-based networks. The protocol was developed in modular architecture using modern techniques for session management, mobility, and multilink operations, and was successfully tested through simulations demonstrating high performance and compliance with international standards.
The project advanced the design of several Air Traffic Services applications. The GRO concept was simulated with real flight data to assess environmental and operational benefits. The Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) and Data Link Context Management (DLCM) applications reached detailed design stages, ensuring interoperability with existing ATM systems.
Human Machine Interface (HMI) requirements were also defined for tower and en-route controllers as well as for pilots. Initial mock-ups were developed using user-centred design methods, with feedback gathered from pilots and air traffic controllers.
Finally, integration and validation planning began earlier than scheduled to align with SESAR 3 JU recommendations. The validation roadmap and Evaluation and Reporting Plan (ERP) were drafted, preparing the ground for upcoming testing and demonstration activities.
Overall, the project achieved a strong technical foundation, successfully connecting the conceptual, protocol, and application layers of IP-based ATM communication, setting the stage for system integration and validation in the next phase.
