Study Finds Two New Datalink Applications Using Internet Protocol

A new study led by Helios has identified two previously unexplored air-ground datalink applications using IP (Internet protocol) for future ATC and AOC (aeronautical, or airline, or aircraft, operational control) applications beyond 2020.

Eurocontrol commissioned the study to assess the feasibility of using IP to support the next generation of ATS (air traffic services) and AOC applications, focusing on technical and security issues brought about by the mobility of aircraft and the need to communicate with different ground stations and networks.

IP is already being used in several non safety-critical ground-ground ATS applications.  Furthermore, previous ICAO studies have concluded that the use of IP to provide aeronautical air-ground network connectivity for safety-related ATC services is feasible.

The aim of this work was to build on the recommendations of the ICAO study and to identify the technical solutions best suited to aviation.

The Helios team explored existing mobility solutions identified by ICAO, including the use of routing protocols and Mobile IPv6 (a mobile IP enhancement), but also identified two solutions that haven't been considered previously: the use of moving IPsec (IP security) tunnels, and a so-called Link Layer.  Both of the later have been accepted by ICAO as potential candidates.

Dr. Andrew Ives, who managed the Helios project, said his team looked at IP for aviation because it can potentially allow benefits from the latest developments in industry. "But using IP also presents a host of technical challenges related to security and mobility - as well as avionics certification issues - that need to be resolved."

IP is being considered to support future, more advanced ATC applications such as trajectory-based negotiation, and is intended for operation over new air-ground datalink technologies expected to be deployed in 2020 or beyond.  In the meantime, the ATN (aeronautical telecommunication network) for ATS air-ground datalink communications is being employed.

The six-month study was carried out by a consortium comprising of Ericsson, SITA, Sofréavia, LFV, Rockwell Collins and DLR.

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