Integration of air/ground data links

Abstract

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is establishing a generation of air-ground communications based on the exchange of digital data. The advantages and disadvantages of the various media are discussed. A comprehensive concept for using the existing FAA voice VHF network for data link operations is developed. This data exchange will be supported by mode-S for continental United States (CONUS) operations and satellite communications (SATCOM) for oceanic operations. The airlines are presently using a digital data link network for airline operations that is a contender for future FAA air traffic control (ATC) data link services.<>