The aviation community utilises GNSS systems extensively: as en-route navigation aids for commercial and general aviation communities; for enhanced safety in take-off and landing operations; to increase system capacity through more effective planning systems and a variety of military avionics applications. The full opportunity for GNSS in the aviation and avionics area is just being realised.
Chronos and GPS-World supply many products suitable for aviation applications, from GNSS receivers and receiver systems; Arinc standard antennas and micro-antennas for UAV systems and many other products used in the applications below.
ADS-B
Systems such as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) utilise GNSS signals for position determination with Multi-Constellation receiver systems being deployed to mitigate single system risk. ADS-B is intended to increase safety, capacity and efficiency.
SBAS
Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) technology has been used within aviation receivers for some time to improve the accuracy, availability, reliability and integrity of a navigation solution. The multiple systems now deployed globally such as WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS and QZSS, deliver significant improvements in these areas for commercial, general and military aviation users. FAA testing for WAAS shows that it is able to achieve a Category 1 precision approach accuracy of 1m lateral and 4m vertically.
New Signals
GPS L5 signal deployment will aid aviation systems as it has been designed for safety-of-life applications and presents improved performance by higher power transmissions, enhanced signal structure, wider bandwidth and an operating frequency in the ARNS band. Future GALILEO services include a Safety-of-Life service which is planned to broadcast data such as integrity warning messages and also operates in the ARNS frequency band.
DO178B
In the USA, the FAA applies the RTCA document DO-178B as the document to provide guidance to determine if software in avionics systems will perform safely and reliably, in an airborne environment. DO-178B details Design Assurance Levels (DAL) which are determined from the safety assessment process and hazard analysis of a system.
Timing
GNSS systems are also used to provide accurate time and frequency distribution and synchronisation for on board avionics systems and for ground based infrastructure. Effective timing systems ensure data/traffic flow and security can be maintained.
Hangar GNSS Repeater Systems for maintenance and operations
Chronos and its partners have supplied many airlines globally with the facility to improve their maintenance efficiency and reduce costs. This is enabled by the use of GPS repeater systems installed to repeat the live signals within the GPS denied environment of a hangar. Chronos offer system design and installation services to ensure correct installation of repeater system to prevent unintentional interference with direct path GNSS signals.
- Hangar systems for airline maintenance and repair facilities
- Reduced maintenance time and costs by enabling trouble shooting, repair, and testing of aircraft systems within maintenance facilities
- Fixed or portable systems for maximum flexibility
