Air Traffic Management

The company has been innovating air traffic control centres for 70 years. Through this market-leading performance, Frequentis is acknowledged as the number one supplier for safety critical communication systems globally. Trusted and proven by more than 25,000 air traffic controllers, and guiding the way to new operational concepts like virtual centres and area control contingency solutions the Frequentis VCS3020X voice communication solution sets the benchmark among controllers. By using human-centric design, new technology is introduced without leaving any person behind.

As the market leader in ATC voice communications, the company is helping ANSPs worldwide with the technology transfer to IP. The flagship VCS3020X product is the leading solution for end-to-end IP implementations for approach and area control centres of any size.

With by far the largest number of operational VoIP implementations around the world, and leading EUROCAE ED-137 radio and telephone VoIP standardisation, Frequentis is the right partner for the safe transition to IP-communications in ATC.

The knowledge of the communication experts and the versatility of the VCS3020X product ensure that there is a proven and off-the-shelf solution for almost any air-ground and ground-ground communication challenge. Through open and superior sectorisation methodology multiple control rooms can run cross-border operations with truly uninterrupted communications. A unique delegation method for inter-centre operations ensures safe operations, and offloading peak traffic or night transition into a single centre helps ANSPs to increase airspace capacity and to save costs.

Integral incident management tools provide a complete view of all communication, navigation and surveillance sources. Focusing on fast and efficient investigation, the DIVOS ATC recorder solution is helping ANSPs improve safety by introducing an intuitive view on what has happened on every screen, audio and surveillance source in the centre. Through features such as concurrent playback and export options, incident analysis is improved, leading to better conclusions and safety recommendations.

Fast and efficient delivery and training services assure smooth operational transitioning, and respecting the most current safety and security regulations help ANSP projects to go live on time and within budget.

Portfolio:

• Area control centre
• Approach control centre
• Flight service stations
• Virtual centre
• Contingency centre
• UTM drone traffic management
• Space centre communication
• Airline operations centre communication

Balancing performance and cost

Keeping aviation passengers safe requires a network solution designed for the challenges of a modern air traffic management network. By understanding your needs, Frequentis provides innovative solutions to help maintain the highest level of safety while scaling capacity and improving cost competitiveness. vitalsphere provides a level of safety and end-to-end performance not available from conventional networks. Managing service levels for ATM applications over non-ATM specialised backbone networks increases availability and reduces total cost of ownership. Application-aware network overlays for communication and surveillance applications allow for bandwidth savings of up to 90%.

Matching air traffic and safety demands with the right network is a big challenge in ATM. It is the core element to achieving the ambitious goals of the industry globally – increasing air space capacity, increasing safety and reducing cost per flight.

While merging all of the IP applications onto a converged IP infrastructure allows for a reduction in operational costs, safety-critical applications require a dedicated solution. This is also a requirement for the implementation of SWIM, virtual centres and remote towers. ANSPs need to integrate multiple technologies (e.g. MPLS, microwave, VSAT) onto a single backbone from many providers. The design of such a hybrid network has many challenges – different network delays, varying jitter, routing protocols support and failover behaviour.

Frequentis solves these challenges by providing application-aware routing of voice and data communications based not only on the priority of those communications, but also the current performance of the networks available to carry the traffic.

vitalsphere: ATM-grade network performance

vitalsphere is the Frequentis network portfolio that allows the delivery of ATM-grade network solutions. It includes products and services that are necessary to provide end-to-end solutions: from network design to network operation.

Frequentis networks success stories

The company has a dedicated networks team that combines industry experience and broad expertise of safety-critical network projects that connect applications exchanging ATM data on 33% of the world’s surface. By partnering with technology and service providers along with local system integrators, the best team to meet customer needs is established – one team for one solution.

Portfolio

• ATM-grade overlay networks
• VCX-IP gateway and network solution
• NetBroker SDN Controller
• VSAT networks
• Network design
• Network management
• Network operation

Frequentis Remote Virtual Tower solutions are tested and used at airports with complex ATC operations, safely managing IFR and VFR operations from remote. Advanced video processing with machine intelligence such as deep learning and artificial intelligence make airports of any size smarter. Remote Virtual Tower enables the remote provision of ATC services from different geographic positions, using a multitude of local sensors, including visual and infrared cameras and surveillance solutions based on conventional radar, multilateration or ADS-B to provide the situational awareness needed for the controller to safely operate an airport. An ATM-grade network provides reliability and performance to safely connect the remote airport with the remote tower control centre, where ATC operations are conducted using remote tower controller working positions that feature a complete digital tower.

Rethinking airport towers

ANSPs and airport operators around the world are facing increasing pressure from airlines and competition in tower air traffic control (ATC) markets. Remote Virtual Tower technologies help to leverage shared assets, improve operations and explore new concepts of operations.

FREQUENTIS DFS AEROSENSE

Frequentis AG and the German air navigation service provider DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH through its wholly owned subsidiary DFS Aviation Services have formed a joint venture FREQUENTIS DFS AEROSENSE to jointly deliver turnkey remote tower solutions worldwide.

Frequentis contributes the technologies needed for state-of-art airport control, as well as its expertise in developing customised remote tower systems, and its worldwide network of subsidiaries with local representatives that can implement remote towers around the globe. DFS Aviation Services contributes its operational experience in consulting, validation, transition and training in the air traffic management sector. The DFS subsidiary works hand in hand with its parent company and through this, brings in the deep operational experience DFS gained through the development of its own remote tower solution.

If you are interested in Remote Virtual Tower and our customer cases, please visit our joint venture FREQUENTIS DFS AEROSENSE at http://aerosense.solutions/

Frequentis offers comprehensive tower communication and automation solutions that are highly integrated as well as completely modular, enabling airports of any size to address requirements ranging from a targeted upgrade project through to the strategic replacement of their entire tower system. Airports in all parts of the world are feeling the strain as they juggle the competing demands of increasing traffic, more stringent regulations, new technologies and rising cost pressures. Keeping the situational awareness for a controller is crucial to ensure safety in air traffic management.

Digitalisation for smart airports

Frequentis provides smart ATC tower solutions at 100+ airports globally. Being the first to provide electronic flight strips the company started a wave of digitalisation which enhances information sharing and provides an improved workspace for controllers. Built in close cooperation with air traffic controllers, Frequentis tower automation solutions are taking airports digitalisation to the next level of performance, efficiency and safety.

The flagship automation product is smartSTRIPS electronic flight strips. Proven in use at airports of any size, smartSTRIPS is a data-link enabled flight data management solution improving the ATC operations workflow. At large airports, smartSTRIPS integrates essential arrival and departure management capabilities. In addition, smartTOOLS provides access to critical ATC information such as weather, airport status, aeronautical charts and other kinds of flight-related information. smartATIS provides digital ATIS information using multi-lingual speech synthesis or datalink. Combined with the flagship voice communication product VCS3020X and using an integrated controller working position (ICWP), Frequentis ATC tower solutions are improving efficiency at airports of any size.

Tower solutions for tomorrow’s needs

Frequentis tower solutions enable airports to reduce maintenance costs, cut complexity, increase standardisation, improve safety and air situational awareness, extend compliance to ICAO, SESAR, NextGEN, etc., enhance operator efficiency and overcome capacity constraints. By bringing together all relevant information, such as weather, ATIS messaging, navigational aids status, etc. in a digital format, and integrating it for presentation to the user, with layers of automation and increased usability through intuitive interfaces – situational awareness is improved. From low cost towers at regional airports up to the largest and most complex tower solutions for major hubs, the portfolio can address all requirements.

Accelerated deployment

The modular nature of the tower solutions enables rapid implementation and strengthened support for an exceptionally broad range of legacy and modern airport equipment. From simple to complex requirements, and from low- to high-capacity airports, the tower solutions are optimally sized for the specific need of today and will scale to whatever the future may hold.

For airports seeking a turnkey solution, Systems Interface, a member of the Frequentis Group, manages complex logistical and technical requirements, sourcing and supplying fully integrated ground-based navigation aids, ATC and meteorological systems, airfield ground lighting systems and more.

Portfolio

• High Performance Tower
• Regional Tower
• Mobile Tower

Besides communications and navigation, surveillance lies at the heart of air traffic management. The aim of all surveillance infrastructure is the provision of safe, efficient and cost-effective air navigation services. Optimised surveillance infrastructure allows routes to be brought closer together resulting in an increase of capacity.

Frequentis Comsoft – the competence centre for surveillance within the Frequentis Group – looks back on a long history of experience with the supply of innovative surveillance solutions.

The product portfolio includes ADS-B sensors, multilateration systems, surveillance data distribution and processing systems, and surveillance displays.

ADS-B & MLAT – Quadrant

The superior Quadrant ADS-B sensor is a lightweight and cost-efficient addition to conventional radars, allowing surveillance infrastructures to be increased without costly technological investments. ADS-B and Multilateration (MLAT) have become well established modern surveillance data sources, as coverage extension systems, as gap fillers or even as alternatives to SSR.

Quadrant is a forward-thinking surveillance solution able to provide ADS-B and MLAT on one single hardware platform by using advanced algorithms to provide independent, genuine 3D, position measurement using MLAT techniques. A single sensor allows surveillance coverage to be extended to areas where surveillance was previously unavailable. Adding additional sensors can inexpensively extend coverage further until overlapping surveillance allows the option to move to MLAT.

Surveillance Data Distribution – SDDS-NG

In ATC, the need to integrate an increasing number of surveillance systems is well-known. Due to changing technologies and additional surveillance data users, the necessary stability of surveillance distribution environments is at risk. SDDS-NG is a state-of-the-art solution for the easy and safe interconnection of any system that handles surveillance data. SDDS-NG is a safe and scalable solution, supporting for all current and future surveillance distribution needs by providing the single access point for surveillance data.

Surveillance Data Processing – Tracker

For over a decade, the company provides one of the most advanced and successful surveillance data processing systems worldwide. The surveillance processing system integrates all types of surveillance data sources and establishes a coherent and accurate air situation picture for downstream systems.

Surveillance Displays – ASD

Safe and efficient management of flights around aerodromes and en-route are dependent upon a real-time air traffic picture. ASD is a high-performance, flexible and configurable HMI providing seamless air/ground awareness for air traffic controllers and aerodrome flight information service officers.

The ASD consists of the main traffic window, enabling the controllers to stay focused on the traffic in the assigned area. Additional support sub-windows provide the right information at the right time, to significantly reduce controllers’ workload. The optimised design of the user interface reduces the controllers’ work load. It is designed by controllers for controllers, driven by ATC operational experts.

Portfolio

• ADS-B & MLAT – Quadrant
• Surveillance Data Distribution – SDDS-NG
• Surveillance Data Processing – Tracker
• Surveillance Display – ASD

Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) solutions leverage more than seventy years of ATC heritage showcasing true leadership in this market. The modular concept of the solution enables service improvement through integration of aeronautical information management (AIM) and air traffic management (ATM) information services. In order to support all civil, military and commercial users along the entire digital chain of aeronautical data, Frequentis solutions consist of components that are integrated according to specific needs to meet the latest regulatory requirements.

The Frequentis AIM solution is an entire system landscape that consists of modular components, fully integrated and with third-party components to ensure complete interoperability along the digital aeronautical data chain.

Short term information management smartINMO consists of

• AIXM NOTAM management
• Web/pilot briefing
• Extensive flight plan management
• smartWeather for the management and integration of meteo data.

Long term information management smartDM consists of

• AIXM information management
• Extensive reporting tools
• Comprehensive GIS component
• smartETOD for the management and integration of terrain and obstacle data.

For the creation of ICAO standard publications and any type of non-standard publications, the following components are available

• General publication management platform PAMS with smartWeb clients
• smartAIP for AIP management
• smartCharting for management of aeronautical charts.

smartWFM and smartADQ allow organisations to map organisational structures of the entire work environment including third-party collaboration units, team members and roles into the solution workspace. On this basis, workflows are created through which team cooperation - as well as module and tool interaction - is defined. This is the basis for a truly customer-specific configuration of a standard process with full interoperability not only for the initial setup, but also for adaptation and extension at any stage in the future according to a changing environment and changing needs, while fully protecting the initial investment in the overall solution.

All components are available for all users along the digital data chain ensuring full data exchange capabilities and are scalable for the smallest teams up to solutions for large multinational organisations. Most of the tools and components are also available as stand-alone systems, as hub platforms, as hub-services or as AIM services in specific cloud environments.

The basis for the innovative Frequentis AIM solution landscape is an intensive investment in research, continuous extensions and improvement. Our activities under SESAR2020 and NextGEN, the extensive participation in expert working groups and the general close collaboration with ICAO, EUROCONTROL, OGC, EUROCAE and CANSO is important for us to drive useful standards in the AIM industry. Our unique 4.5/5.1 AIXM data duality implementation and our selection as the winner of the SWIM Masterclass bear testimony to the fundamental Frequentis strategy of fostering an innovation spirit in the data management domain.

The connected ATM world

Today’s ATM system comprises a wide variety of applications developed over time for specific purposes. It is characterised by many custom communication protocols, each with their own self-contained information systems: on board the aircraft, in the air traffic control centre, in the military control centre, etc. Each of these interfaces is custom designed, developed, managed, and maintained individually and locally at a significant cost. Moreover, the way ATM information is defined / structured, and the way it is provided and used are specific for most of the ATM systems. Today, ANSPs rely on closed systems with proprietary point-to-point communication for data exchange.

The expected increase in aviation capacity demands, economic pressure and attention to the environmental impact are relying ever more on accurate and timely information. Such information must be organised and provided through flexible means that support system-wide interoperability, secured, seamless information access and exchange. SWIM will enable the ATM systems to operate as an overlay to IP networks using open standards and ATM-defined data exchange models (AIXM, WXXM, FIXM).

Message Handling

The Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunications Network (AFTN) has been used by air navigation services providers for the exchange of messages pertaining to the safety of air navigation. AFTN provides a store-and-forward messaging service for the conveyance of aeronautical text messages of limited size using character-oriented procedures. AMHS, the successor of AFTN is based on the international X.400 messaging standard, which offers enhanced functionality over AFTN, such as the possibility to exchange messages with attachments, end-to-end message security and the use of directory services to enhance interoperability.

Frequentis Comsoft’s AIDA-NG and smartMessenger are designed to assist ANSPs with their migration from AFTN to AMHS. They support both message formats and the bi-directional conversion easing the migration process.

SWIM

The concept of SWIM – System Wide Information Management - covers a complete change in paradigm of how information is managed across the whole ATM system. SWIM enables direct ATM benefits by assuring the provision of commonly understood quality information delivered to the right people at the right time. SWIM is transversal in its nature, connecting across all ATM systems, data domains, as well as planning, execution, post-execution, and the wide range of stakeholders.

System Wide Information Management (SWIM) is an integral component of the digital transformation that is taking place in the aviation industry and the Frequentis MosaiX SWIM integration platform is a key enabler.

Frequentis MosaiX SWIM is an end-to-end solution that provides organisations with all of the tools required to unlock and monetise their data and by offering new services to their customers. It allows organisations to easily interface with legacy and third-party systems, enabling data to be freed from traditional storage silos and fused with different sources.

Global harmonisation and better exchange of information

SWIM results in a more cost and time efficient exchange of information between providers and users. Global interoperability and standardisation are essential and SWIM is expected to be an important driver for new and updated standards.

Portfolio

• MosaiX SWIM Aviation integration platform
• AIDA-NG Aeronautical Integrated Data Exchange Agent - Next Generation
• smartMessenger ATS Message Handling System (AMHS)

The primary concern with integrating unmanned traffic management (UTM) and air traffic management (ATM) is safety and ensuring manned aviation, as well as individuals and property on the ground are not negatively impacted.

The key to solving this challenge is to enable timely and high-quality information sharing between ATM and UTM, and the ability to communicate real-time, addressing the challenge of integrating drones in the vicinity of an airport. Frequentis believes that by considering existing ATM systems already widely deployed by Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) around the world and using established standards, the transition risks for ANSPs will be minimised. This will also allow service providers to leverage existing assets and maintain control of their airspace using ATM-grade systems for the management of both manned and unmanned traffic.

Frequentis offers solutions and services which combine its UTM and ATM portfolios. This approach enables the integration of the UTM solution with existing components already tested and proven in ATM.

ATM/UTM Tower Integration

Unmanned aircraft are capable of operating in all types of airspace and at all altitudes/levels. The greatest density of unmanned aircraft operations is expected to be at low altitudes. Considering UAV operations within or close to aerodrome control zones (CTR) UAVs can cause an impact to aircraft landing or taking off or crossing the CTR.

A key factor in safely integrating unmanned technology, especially in the vicinity of an airport is the ability to plan and visualise UAV operations along with reliable communication between ATC and the UAV operators. This assures safe, orderly and expeditious flow of manned and unmanned aircraft. The Frequentis UTM service integration framework is designed to be compatible with the existing ATM data requirements and requires little to no changes in ATC operations. To enable safe and reliable communication, the UTM interface architecture assures the bi-directional communication between the ATCO and the UAV operator via an existing ATM-grade voice switch and/or predefined messages exchanged within an ATS Message Handling Systems (AMHS). It can be fully integrated with Frequentis’ flagship automation product smartSTRIPS.

The primary concern with integrating unmanned traffic management (UTM) and air traffic management (ATM) is safety and ensuring manned aviation, as well as individuals and property on the ground are not negatively impacted.

The key to solving this challenge is to enable timely and high-quality information sharing between ATM and UTM, and the ability to communicate real-time, addressing the challenge of integrating drones in the vicinity of an airport. Frequentis believes that by considering existing ATM systems already widely deployed by Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) around the world and using established standards, the transition risks for ANSPs will be minimised. This will also allow service providers to leverage existing assets and maintain control of their airspace using ATM-grade systems for the management of both manned and unmanned traffic.

Frequentis offers solutions and services which combine its UTM and ATM portfolios. This approach enables the integration of the UTM solution with existing components already tested and proven in ATM.

Digital ATM/UTM integration platform

Air Navigation Services Providers (ANSPs) require full interoperability with available UTM components and ATM systems. As a result, proprietary UTM data must be converted, unified and forwarded in aviation standards and protocols to be processed in existing ATM infrastructure components.  

Designed with a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), MosaiX SWIM is the integral component of the ATM/UTM integration framework to enable key benefits including low vendor lock-in, a comprehensive security solution, centralised API Management and a built-in service registry.

Digital transformation in the Aviation industry and the fast evolving UTM market are additional drivers for the demand of harmonised data to be monetised by new services (i.e. for UAV operators and airlines). Aiding additional service provision, MosaiX SWIM includes data analytics and billing tools which enable the visualization of valuable information with dashboards and the billing of the consumer of services using various schemes such as pay-per-time or pay-per-hit.

ATC voice integration with UAS-C

While the majority of UAVs are predicted to fly in low level uncontrolled airspace, there will also be a significant amount of UAVs operating in controlled airspace. This means that they will share airspace with manned aircraft, where voice communication is used for air traffic control and also to provide situational awareness amongst all airspace users.

Weight considerations will not allow that UAVs are equipped with heavy and redundant ATC communications equipment such as VHF or UHF radios, hence a different solution is required to enable voice communication between the pilot in command (PIC) at the drone ground control station (GCS) and the air traffic controller in the ATC control centre.

Frequentis partnered with Sunhillo, Inc. to develop the UAS-Connector (UAS-C), addressing three major challenges associated with flying UAS in shared airspace: UAS-tracking, ATC voice communications, and situational awareness. The UAS-C is designed to connect directly to a UAS Ground Control Station (GCS) to obtain the positional data used for tracking, voice Communications and situational Awareness.” It is built using the same safety levels as used for regular ATC communication systems.