Leonardo and Aieron to integrate air traffic control systems
Leonardo is set to integrate Aireon’s space-based Automatic Dependent Broadcast data into its LeadInSky air traffic management system.
Helicopter manufacturer Leonardo and air traffic surveillance system developer Aireon LLC have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which will allow Leonardo to integrate Aireon’s space-based Automatic Dependent Broadcast (ADS-B) data into its LeadInSky air traffic management (ATM) system.
The integration will allow ANSPs to dynamically optimise flight routes and improve airspace management using the only global, real-time dataset of aircraft movements that covers ADS-B equipped aircraft, says Leonardo. The Leonardo LeadInSky ATM is already able to deliver safer and more secure air traffic control through its multi-level redundancies and disaster-recovery capabilities, while also being designed to offer a ‘seamless control capability’, merging data from a variety of sources to deliver a complete picture of air traffic.
“This agreement with Aireon will further enhance LeadInSky’s position as a leading automation platform for ANSPs,” said Davide Cioppi, Senior Vice President, Traffic Control Systems, Security and Information Systems division at Leonardo. “Space-based ADS-B data will be integrated seamlessly into LeadInSky ATM system and provide end-users with an unprecedented dataset that can be used to enhance safety and optimize operations throughout the ANSP.”
The Aireon service is due to launch by the end of 2018, after the completion of the Iridium NEXT satellite constellation, which contains 66 operational-low-Earth-orbit satellites.
“We are pleased to be working with Leonardo on the integration of ADS-B data into LeadInSky,” said Cyriel Kronenburg, Vice-President of Aviation Services, Aireon. “This MOU was created with our future ANSP customers in mind. The seamless integration of space-based ADS-B data into ATM automation platforms is pivotal for the deployment and use of space-based ADS-B worldwide. Leonardo will enable the Aireon data to flow into their platform as just another source of data, making training and deployment that much easier.”