WATMC 2016: Rohde & Schwarz focuses on secure IP solutions for ATC communications

The radiocommunications specialist will present its comprehensive solutions for innovative air traffic management at World ATM Congress (WATMC) in Madrid. The highlight will be the R&S VCS-4G IP-based voice communications system, which enables efficient and failsafe operation of virtual control centers across national borders. The ATC authorities in Ireland and Iceland use this solution to control the airspace along the North Atlantic flight corridor. The project has been nominated for the 2016 IHS Jane’s ATC Awards.

As airspace becomes more crowded, the demand for load-based reallocation of resources while ensuring sustainable air traffic control (ATC) in line with highest safety standards increases. This is becoming particularly significant in light of the EU's Single European Sky (SES) initiative to consolidate European airspace. As the only provider on the market to offer the ability to create virtual control centers, Rohde & Schwarz meets this challenge with the R&S VCS-4G IP-based voice communications system. The fully voice over IP (VoIP) system is in line with the EUROCAE ED-137 B standard and features a distributed, redundant architecture. The ATC authorities in Iceland (ISAVIA) and Ireland (IAA) have already successfully implemented the R&S VCS-4G. Their control centers are linked across geographic borders for flexible and reliable operation of Reykjavik Oceanic and Shanwick Oceanic airspaces. Depending on the operational situation, the systems can operate independently or in coupled mode via a secure connection between the two centers.

Rohde & Schwarz offers a full range of solutions to counter the increasing threat of cyberattacks. Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity develops and produces technologically leading solutions "made-in-Germany", including highly secure encryption, next-generation firewalls and software for network analysis and endpoint security. Even IP-based communications need to be protected against attacks from outside and inside, especially in security-critical environments. In Madrid, Rohde & Schwarz will present solutions relevant for ATC.

The company will also demonstrate its software defined radios for ATC communications. Rohde & Schwarz offers a solution for the problem of undetected simultaneous transmissions (USiT). The solution is in line with EUROCAE ED-136 and was tested in practice in cooperation with the German Federal Bureau for Air Traffic Control (DFS – Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH).The detection of simultaneous transmissions (DSiT) software option for the R&S Series4200 radios allows operators to quickly recognize simultaneous transmissions on a radio channel, preventing dangerous miscommunication scenarios between air traffic controllers and pilots.

The system expertise of Rohde & Schwarz in the field of air traffic management is supplemented by its traffic control and interference hunting solutions and T&M equipment for air navigation.

From March 8 to 10, 2016, Rohde & Schwarz will present its solutions for air traffic control and management at World ATM Congress 2016 in Madrid. Visit us in hall 9 (north entrance) at booth 586. On Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at 1:15 p.m., Rohde & Schwarz and representatives of IAA and ISAVIA will give a joint presentation in the Aviation Arena on the successful implementation of the world's first virtual control center for ATC.