The US air traffic control system architecture

Author

Pozesky, Martin T. ; Mann, Michael K.

Author_Institution

Federal Aviation Adm., Washington, DC, USA

Volume

77

Issue

11

fYear

1989

fDate

11/1/1989 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

1605

Lastpage

1617

Abstract

The general architecture of the US National Airspace System (NAS) is presented. Background on the overall air traffic control (ATC) system´s history is given as prologue to descriptions of the major elements of the NAS Plan, the US Federal Aviation Administration´s current effort to upgrade and modernize the ATC system. Technologies central to achieving the planned end-state configuration for each element are characterized in terms of their functional impact and potential benefit. Communications, navigation aids, weather support, surveillance, and maintenance systems are all undergoing significant technology upgrade. Digital processing capabilities and communications technology lead the way in permitting this modernization program to become reality. Significant consolidation efforts are yielding a much more cost-effective, responsive, and flexible ATC environment

Keywords

air traffic computer control; ATC; Federal Aviation Administration; NAS Plan; National Airspace System; US air traffic control system architecture; communications technology; digital processing; maintenance systems; navigation aids; surveillance; weather support; Aerospace control; Aerospace industry; Air safety; Air traffic control; Aircraft propulsion; Business; Electrical equipment industry; FAA; History; Shape control;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Proceedings of the IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9219

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/5.47723

Filename

47723