Russia is the first country to place a major commercial order for automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) ground and airborne equipment, paving the way for implementation of the new-generation air traffic management (ATM) technology in the region. The VHF data link Mode 4 (VDL Mode 4)-based ATM system provide safety, capacity and cost benefits.
The equipment, manufactured by GP&C Denmark, was due to be delivered at the end of 2000, with installation across the Tyumen region of Russia starting in January. Equipment will be installed at five airports, while two local airlines will outfit their fleets, after which trials will start, leading to system certification by the Russian authority MAK this year. Implementation starts in 2002.
The technology is also being evaluated for expansion in countries neighbouring the Tyumen region, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which would particularly benefit airlines flying on the new Polar routes. Azerbaijan and Georgia have already decided to go ahead with operational demonstrations in their capitals Baku and Tbilisi from March. The Baku demonstration will involve helicopters flying to oil rigs in the Caspian Sea, while Georgian Airlines will equip its Tupolev Tu-54s and Tu-134s.
In Tyumen, VDL Mode 4 will be used for communication, navigation and surveillance. Communications will include digital automatic terminal information service and controller-pilot data link communications; navigation applications will comprise differential global navigation satellite system augmentation for all flight phases. Surveillance will comprise ground and air applications.
Source: Flight International
