LDACS1 ranging performance - An analysis of flight measurement results

The L-band Digital Aeronautical Communication System type 1 (LDACS1) has been recently proposed to provide an Alternative Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) service for aeronautics during possible GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) outages. To validate the use of LDACS1 communication signals as ranging sources in realistic scenarios, a flight measurement campaign has been performed. This paper presents and discusses the ranging results obtained from the data collected during the measurement flight. Based on the analysis of the measured data, it can be concluded that LDACS1 signals offer an excellent ranging source, with root mean squared ranging error as small as 15.2m, which makes them suitable for implementing a future APNT service.