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 and services suitable for aviation applications. From high-precision, aviation certified GNSS receivers and receiver systems to Arinc standard antennas and micro-antennas for UAV systems and many other products used in the applications below. If you would like support in choosing the perfect product solutions for your avionic application, please contact our please contact our technical sales team on +44 1594 862200.

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. Septentrio’s TSO-Certifiable AiRx2™ has been specifically developed for precision aviation applications such as ADSB, LPV approach or RNP-RNAV applications, for more information please visit the AiRx2™ product page.

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.

Chronos supplies several receivers and antennas with SBAS/DGPS (Differential GPS) capabilities including:

• R100 Series DGPS Receiver from Hemisphere
• AsteRx2e Multi GNSS/SBAS from Septentrio
• A30 MultiBand Multi-path resistant antenna from Hemisphere

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. For antennas with Multi-GNSS capability please visit the Multi-GNSS antennas page.

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. Septentrio’s TSO-Certifiable AiRx2™ has been specifically developed for precision aviation applications such and is powered by software designed according to DO178B Level B, for more information please visit the AiRx2™ product page.

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. For further information on Timing Receivers and packages, please visit the Timing Receivers page.

Hangar GNSS Repeater Systems for maintenance and operations

GNSS Repeater Systems are used to bring the GPS signal indoors allowing engineers to maintain and test their aircraft systems without the need to move them outside. Having a GNSS signal inside the hangar also allows an aircraft’s GNSS dependant systems to remain in an ever-ready state rather than having to wait to acquire a GPS fix once outside. Chronos and its partners have supplied many airlines globally with the facility to improve their maintenance efficiency and reduce costs. For repeater system components, please visit our Repeaters page, Chronos also offer system design and installation services to ensure correct installation of repeater system to prevent unintentional interference with direct path GNSS signals for further information please see our GNSS Services Datasheet.

UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)

For a more in-depth look at GNSS in UAV applications, please visit our UAV applications page.