The European aviation infrastructure has traditionally relied on separate communications, navigation and surveillance (CNS) solutions so that one domain could back up another at an operational level. This legacy structure, however, fails to take advantage of cross-domain synergies between technologies, or the significant benefits arising from global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). To modernise this infrastructure, the SESAR Joint Undertaking is developing an integrated CNS concept to provide operational and cost-benefit improvements to airspace users and air navigation service providers, taking advantage of satellite-based systems and digital technology.
This is where the project PJ.14 W2 I-CNSS come in - the project aims to develop an integrated suite of CNS solutions to meet the operational requirements of air traffic management in the short, medium and long term. Added to that is the goal to ensure that these solutions are interoperable globally, as outlined in the ICAO Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP).
Performance requirements for CNS systems are becoming increasingly complex and demanding and need to be considered as part of an integrated common infrastructure, which includes air and ground systems and a unified concept of operations. The successful implementation of the new technologies developed in the project will also provide sure improvement in the secure and safe data communications; in particular, improvements in navigation will enhance environmental sustainability. The project will pave the way to European harmonisation, cooperation between ANSPs, industry and international organisations, as well as interoperability between the civil and military aviation.
Coordinated by Leonardo, the project brings together 29 beneficiaries from 19 countries across Europe. It is one of several projects of the SESAR Joint Undertaking (Europe’s programme to modernise air traffic management) and is funded within the framework of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 874474.
