Air traffic across Europe continues to grow quickly, and with it the complexity of air traffic control systems. That's why, in 1999, Eurocontrol, the multinational agency set up to improve capacity and air systems safely across the continent, decided it needed a new surveillance radar. It wrote a detailed specification for a "Mode S" radar, and two manufacturers won the competition to provide industry prototypes.
But which one was the best? How could Eurocontrol ensure if the two designs conformed to their specifications? This would require a very detailed understanding of the specification and experience in testing such systems. Thankfully, QinetiQ had already built a research prototype of a Mode S ground station for Britain's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and had contributed to writing the specification for Eurocontrol. It was therefore the obvious choice to carry out the prototype test and evaluation project.
Starting in late 1999, the project was structured in five phases, four of which have so far been completed. Eurocontrol contracted companies to write the test software, which also required validation that it conformed to specifications. QinetiQ had worked on each of the four completed stages as either a builder or a validator:
Phase 1 - RF Environment Simulation and Recording (validator)
Phase 2 - Factory Acceptance Test Performance Analysis Noise Test Facility (validator)
Phase 3 - Radar Cluster Simulation (builder)
Phase 4 - Site Acceptance Test Performance Analysis (validator)
Phase 5 (not complete) - Interoperability Test Tools (contract not yet awarded).
Upon project completion, Eurocontrol will own prototype systems that conform to its specifications and that will eventually promote greater harmonisation and integration of air traffic management systems across Europe.
As a result of this work, QinetiQ has been approached by other suppliers for help in making their equipment compliant with Eurocontrol's specifications. In July, 2000, we signed an agreement with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) to share our experience of air traffic management. This initially focused on opportunities in North America and Europe, but the scope will ultimately be global. Together we will provide a wide range of technical, operational and project management services to assist air traffic service providers and governments. These include procurement of ground-based and airborne systems for air traffic management, air traffic control, surveillance, navigation, communications, human factors and controller displays, ATM system simulation, flight testing and cost benefit analysis. |
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