5GHz ground-to-air communication link by AeroMACS in high-speed movement scenarios

Abstract

System wide information management (SWIM) is a recent concept for providing efficient and safe information sharing in civil aviation. The goal in implementing SWIM is to achieve seamless air traffic management (ATM) services worldwide through the efficient integration of the current ATM systems. In this paper, we consider the wireless media to access SWIM. In the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the aeronautical mobile airport communications system (AeroMACS) is standardized for the next generation airport surface communication system. It is effective to share various types of information among air traffic controllers, pilots, and airport operators, not only on airport surface, but also in taking off and landing by AeroMACS. However, AeroMACS is intended to be used at speeds of 120km/h or below. In this paper, we study the possibility of using AeroMACS while an aircraft is moving at over 120km/h, as would occur in takeoff and landing situations. We conducted flight tests using an AeroMACS standard-compliant prototype system and an experimental aircraft. In the experiments, we obtained a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) to investigate 5GHz ground-to-air propagation. The results revealed that an onboard antenna configuration involving vertical placement at the top and bottom of the aircraft body is effective in achieving multiple input multiple output (MIMO) operation. Additional throughputs measurements showed that it was possible for AeroMACS to access SWIM both in takeoff and landing situations at an aircraft speed of 200km/h.