Voice Communication Systems for Air Traffic Control

VoIP standardization reaches another milestone, with Frequentis a leading contributor to this global effort

The standardization of VoIP in air traffic management has entered a new phase, thanks to recently approved versions of the EUROCAE WG67 ED-137 documents (Parts 1 and 2). These provide a solid basis for the worldwide implementation of VoIP in air traffic management. Frequentis, the global market leader for communication systems in air traffic control, has been a leading contributor to this standardization work for over six years.

The newest version of EUROCAE (European Organization for Civil Aviation Equipment) ED-137 was recently approved. Part 1 of the documentation describes radio communications, while Part 2 covers telephone communications. The new documents now address the requirements of both European countries and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), thus ensuring their global applicability. Formal adoption by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is already underway: ED-137 specifications will be included in the upcoming 2nd edition of ICAO’s Manual for the ATN using IPS Standards and Protocols.

Over the last three years, extensive testing in field trials and live air traffic control environments has confirmed the usefulness and practicality of the ED-137 specifications. Impressive trials hosted recently by ISAVIA, Iceland’s Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP), validated the specifications for commercial air traffic in live operations.

Frequentis is the first ATM system supplier to provide its communication products on the basis of EUROCAE WG-67 specifications. Frequentis supports the major research and specification activities defining future communication concepts in ATM, as evidenced by its participation in the SESAR Joint Undertaking (JU) and various FAA NEXTGEN research activities. As such, Frequentis is the first supplier to have implemented the EUROCAE ED-137 specifications in all of its ATM communications products. These include the successful VCS 3020X voice switch line, the VCX network node, the iSecCOM Red/Black communication system, and the Frequentis DIVOS 3log recording suite.

Frequentis is the global market leader in ATM communications and aeronautical information management (AIM). The company’s products and future-proof solutions draw on the experience gained from over 1,000 installations. ANSPs around the world rely on Frequentis technology to ensure air traffic safety. Over the last decade, the company has built up an installed base of over 14,000 operator positions, giving it the largest installed base in the industry.

Founded in 1963, EUROCAE is a non-profit private organization that seeks to standardize electronics in aviation. EUROCAE members are primarily drawn from the aviation industry, international aviation and air traffic control authorities, airlines, and other organizations in the ATM environment.

About Frequentis:

www.frequentis.com

Frequentis AG Headquarters, Innovationsstraße 1, 1100 Vienna, Austria

Sladjana Bauer, Corporate Communications, sladjana.bauer@frequentis.com,

phone: +43 1 81150-0, fax: +43 1 81150-77-1320

Frequentis USA Inc., 9017 Red Branch Road, Suite 102, Columbia, Maryland 21045 U.S.A.,

Dieter Eier, dieter.eier@frequentis.com, phone: +1/301/657 8001, fax: +1/301/657 8002