ACSS and UPS Develop Aircraft-Spacing Technology Based on ADS-B

ACSS and UPS are introducing a suite of ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) and TIS-B (traffic information service-broadcast), software applications designed to give pilots better situational awareness in terminal airspace, which can provide more consistent aircraft spacing in some instances.

The overall set of platform-independent software functions, called SafeRoute, allows customers to install all of its initial set of functions, or any combination of its surface movement or self-merging and spacing capabilities.  ACSS says SafeRoute can be can be installed as part of any of its platforms – such as T2CAS, TCAS 3000, or TCAS 2000 – or hosted within another supplier's product.

SafeRoute's SAMM (surface area movement management) application provides flight crews with an airport surface map; displays airborne traffic in the terminal area; and tracks the movements of both aircraft and ground vehicles on the airport surface, while alerting the pilots of any potential conflicts.

In this ACSS configuration, a class-III EFB (electronic flight bag) is used to display the system’s spacing commands, based on ADS-B inputs that allow equipped aircraft to follow one another at the safest, most efficient interval possible from cruise altitude to the runway, using "enhanced visual" procedures.

ACSS worked with UPS, which has 268 aircraft, to develop the systems' technology and concepts.)  UPS uses a dedicated CDTI (cockpit display of traffic information) rather than an EFB display used on the carrier's B-757s and B-767s that is installed forward of the thrust levers on the aircraft's center console.)

UPS has used ADS-B and CDTI at its hub in Louisville (SDF) to test flight procedures that include the pilots’ acquiring and maintaining spacing on preceding aircraft using “enhanced visual” separation provided by these technologies prior to receiving a normal visual approach clearance.

Capt. Karen Lee, who is UPS' director of flight operations, said the system has allowed the carrier to use "continuous descent arrivals," during flight trials conducted since last fall which have indicated a potential to achieve a 30 percent reduction in noise and three percent reduction in emissions. "We also expect significant fuel savings from keeping our planes at higher altitudes longer and being able to get our planes on the ground faster," Lee said.

An Air Traffic Organization report, "ATO Technology Development:  Performance Metrics Results to Date" published in April 2005, has a good description of these procedures and their benefits. 

ACSS is an L-3 Communications & Thales Company.  06-25-2005.

Click here to become a registered Flt Tech Online subscriber and receive headlines delivered to your e-mail each week

Click here to go back to the headlines