Welcome
7
Copyright 2010 by AirNav Systems
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (also called ADS-B) is a system by which airplanes
constantly broadcast their current position and altitude, category of aircraft, airspeed, identification,
rate of climb or descent - over a dedicated radio datalink. This functionality is known as "ADS-B out"
and is the basic level of ADS-B functionality.
The current ADS-B system was developed in the 1990s though its lineage dates back to the 1960s. It
relies on data from the Global Positioning System, or any navigation system that provides an
equivalent or better service. The maximum range of the system is line-of-sight, typically less than 200
nautical miles (370 km).
The ADS-B transmissions are received by air traffic control ground stations, and all other ADS-B
equipped aircraft within reception range. Reception by aircraft of ADS-B data is known as "ADS-B in".
The initial use of ADS-B is expected to be by air traffic control and for surveillance purposes and for
enhancing pilot situational awareness. An ADS-B ground system potentially costs less than
conventional radar and permits higher quality surveillance of airborne and surface movements. ADS-B
is effective in remote areas or in mountainous terrain where there is no radar coverage, or where
radar coverage is limited. The outback of Australia is one such area where ADS-B will provide
surveillance where previously none existed. ADS-B also enhances surveillance on the ground at
airport, so it can also be used to monitor traffic on the taxiways and runways of an airport.
ADS-B equipped aircraft may also have a display unit in the cockpit picturing surrounding air traffic
from ADS-B data (ADS-B in) and TIS-B (Traffic Information Service-Broadcast) data derived from air
traffic radar. Both Pilots and air traffic controllers can then "see" the positions of air traffic in the
vicinity of the aircraft, and this may be used to provide an ASAS (Airborne Separation Assurance
System).
Future Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems may make use of "ADS-B in", supplementing the existing
TCAS collision avoidance system by what is called 'hybrid surveillance'.
Airbus and Boeing include ADS-B out (i.e. the information transmission) as standard on new-build
aircraft.
1.3 What Will I See?
What Will I See?
The ADS-B equipment which generates the signals which are detected and displayed by RadarBox, are
fitted to most modern airliners and cargo aircraft. ADS-B is not mandatory, but as airspace becomes
even more crowded, much more use will be made of such modern technology to enhance flight
safety. Aircraft with full ADS-B will show in the RadarBox aircraft list and on the map screen.
To Next Page
Loading...