AIRCRAFT ADS-B OUT PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS: ACCURACY, INTEGRITY AND AVAILABILITY

Abstract

Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) is an avionic in the aircraft that periodically broadcasts state vector estimates and additional information of the aircraft to the traffic control centers and other nearby airspace users. The sate vector estimates are based on the navigation system such as the GNSS and multitude of avionic sensors, which means that the quality of ADS-B broadcast is highly based on the quality of aircraft navigation and communication systems. This project aims to analyze the performances of relevant matrix such as the navigation accuracy, integrity, source integrity level and avionics system assurance level. Besides, the project also focuses on characterizing the quality and pattern in the ADSB data and identifying any errors or anomalies coming from potential failure modes. Statistical analysis is used to correlate the data with Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Specification, flight levels and flight phases. As the global uptake of the ADSB in the airspace is ever increasing, it is important to understand the quality and performance of the ADSB surveillance in various airspace where aircraft types and supporting ATM/CNS services are different. For this reason, the data retrieved by installing a low cost ADSB ground station in the Flight Information Region in Kathmandu, Nepal is compared against highly advanced airspace in Munich, Germany. Based on the mechanisms developed for ADSB data retrieval, monitoring, performance analysis and anomalies detection, the project envisages to develop a low-cost product prototype which offers the features to support aviation stakeholders in the decision-making process.