Project’s activities were organized into two iterations of technical design and operational definition process each of which being documented in a package of three deliverables: Concept of Operations, Functional architecture, and System requirements. Each design step was followed by a block of validation activities, the latter one being focused on the project’s operational demo. In addition, business aspects of the explored CNS approach were analyzed in parallel.
Project’s technical evaluations of 4G/5G performance covered primarily the following characteristics measured mostly in public networks:
• End-to-end communication performance for selected ATM applications, namely: Traffic surveillance through regular position reporting over cellular network, FIS/TIS services provided over cellular network, Ground alerting service to relevant vehicles.
• Evaluation of possible improvements of link availability (on airspace users’ side)
• Impact of network load on quality of service
• Positioning capabilities in currently deployed 4G/5G networks
For operational demo, the project implemented CNS enablers (both airborne and on the ground) allowing to demonstrate the following applications for GA, rotorcrafts, and drones:
• Situation awareness applications enabled by cooperative traffic surveillance based on vehicle’s position reporting over cellular network and ADS-B.
• Conformance monitoring & alerting functions which are essential for efficient use of trajectory-based strategic deconfliction.
• Emergency voice link between ATCo (Air Traffic Controllers) and remote pilots.
Project operational demo was successfully performed in July 2022 at Eskisehir using Cessna 172S, Sikorsky S76 B helicopter, and two drones, with active involvement of ATC centre.
Project’s results and conclusions indicate that despite its performance limitations, the use of public 4G/5G network can improve safety in uncontrolled airspace and project provides some practical recommendations how to mitigate potential risks and performance limitations.
Within the project, validation activities applicable to dedicated 5G networks were very limited, however, based on dedicated workshops, analysis of 3GPP standards (Releases 16 and 17), and literature survey, dedicated 5G networks have clearly potential to support even safety critical CNS applications in terms of communication and positioning capabilities. Nevertheless, building such type of infrastructure will require a sufficiently strong business case as well as a clear spectrum strategy. Addressing these two aspects through a coordinated approach across all involved stakeholders will be critical for successful exploitation of this technology for aerial operations.
Project’s activities and results were presented at multiple major conferences/events including SESAR Innovation Days 2021 and 2022, EU Drone Days in 2022, Airspace World 2023, or Joint CNS Stakeholders Platform (JCSP) meeting. In addition, an Advisory Board workshop was organized by the project in 2021. Three scientific papers were prepared at the end of the project.
