ATC/ATM

  1. Navigation
  2. Communication
  3. Surveillance

Air Traffic Management (ATM) Automation

Air Traffic Management (ATM) automation in aviation helps air traffic controllers (ATC) by providing automated assistance for their work. This system collects, processes, and distributes aeronautical and meteorological information, facilitating data exchange between various systems and agencies. It includes safety features like Short Term Conflict Alert (STCA) and Minimum Safe Altitude Warning (MSAW) to warn controllers about possible dangers. Additionally, tools like Medium Term Conflict Detection (MTCD) help spot conflicts between aircraft early on. ATM automation also puts important data on screens that controllers use, making it easier for them to make decisions. Overall, ATM automation helps improve air traffic flow, reduce flight delays, lighten the workload for controllers, enhance safety, boost operational efficiency, and lower stress for air traffic controllers.

Air Traffic Flow Management System (ATFMS)

Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) is an essential component of air traffic management, designed to optimize the flow of air traffic and enhance the efficiency and safety of airspace operations. It plays a crucial role in balancing demand with available airspace capacity. ATFM ensures a safe, orderly, and efficient flow of air traffic by optimizing the use of air traffic control (ATC) capacity. It aligns traffic volume with the declared capacity of the ATC system, managing demand when it exceeds available resources. ATFM activities focus on organizing and handling traffic within safe and efficient limits based on the system's capability to manage a specified number of aircraft within a given airspace and time.

Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) Transmitters

Non-Directional Beacons (NDB) are RF transmitters used for basic aircraft navigation, both offshore and on land. They provide an omnidirectional signal received by the Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) onboard aircraft. Pilots enter the NDB frequency, and the ADF indicates the heading to the station. NDB systems typically include Ethernet connections for remote monitoring and feature local controls via buttons and an LCD screen for easy setup and troubleshooting. Each system requires a transmitter, antenna, and tuning unit, operating continuously and transmitting a Morse code call sign for identification.

Automatic Flight Inspection System (AFIS)

AFIS (Flight Inspection System) is a specialized system used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of navigational aids and air traffic control systems, which are essential for maintaining safety in aviation operations. This automatic flight inspection system utilizes specialized aircraft to check and calibrate navigation systems, such as the Instrument Landing System (ILS), ensuring safe landings even in low-visibility conditions. It assists pilots with precise flying and can automate tasks, reducing workload and enhancing consistency. The modular design allows for various sensors to measure different systems simultaneously, minimizing flight time and fuel usage. Continuous improvements ensure the system remains efficient and user-friendly.

Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (ASMGCS)

The Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) is a sophisticated system used at airports to enhance the safety and efficiency of aircraft and vehicle movements on the ground. It provides routing, guidance, and surveillance to ensure that the declared surface movement rate is maintained under all weather conditions and within the aerodrome visibility operational level (AVOL), prioritizing safety. A-SMGCS is modular, incorporating various functionalities to support safe and orderly movements, regardless of traffic density or aerodrome layout complexity. The system adapts to different visibility conditions, enabling effective control without requiring direct line-of-sight communication between controllers and aircraft or vehicles.

ATC Grade 2K x 2K Monitor

An ATC-grade monitor offers exceptional image quality, utilizing advanced LCD panel technology for ergonomic use in air traffic control workstations. The 4-megapixel IPS-Pro screen ensures uniform brightness, zero bright dot defects, a wide viewing angle, high contrast, and no reflection—enhancing clarity and reducing eye strain. Its fan-less, noiseless design and slim, lightweight build provide flexibility for control center layouts, with hidden cables and accessible connectors to improve comfort and efficiency while minimizing energy costs.

Digital Voice Recorder (DVR)

Digital voice recorders in aviation include the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and the Digital Voice Tape Recorder (DVTR). The CVR captures sounds in the cockpit, including pilot conversations, and is designed to be crash-resistant, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. It plays a crucial role in accident investigations. The DVTR records communications between air traffic controllers and other personnel, having transitioned from analog tapes to digital media. These recorders serve multiple purposes, including air traffic quality assurance, legal compliance, search and rescue, and public requests, and are essential for managing audio communications in various operational areas, such as air traffic control (ATC), security, and customer service.

Voice Communication Control System (VCCS)

The Voice Communication Control System (VCCS) is a vital component in aviation, connecting and managing various communication systems like telephones, VHF transmitters/receivers, and other air traffic control (ATC) channels. It ensures reliable and efficient voice communication between air traffic controllers, pilots, and ground personnel, allowing for effective coordination. Larger ATC centers with multiple sectors or facilities, such as Tower, Approach, and Area control units, depend on integrated VCCS to handle complex communication demands, unlike smaller ATS units that may rely on basic telephone systems. This system plays a crucial role in the seamless operation of airport communication networks.

Aeronautical Message Handling System (AMHS)

The Aeronautical Message Handling System (AMHS) is a standardized aviation communication system for efficient ground-to-ground exchange of essential messages related to flight operations, air traffic management, and safety services. AMHS enhances communication among Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) with features like end-to-end message security, support for larger message sizes, and seamless format conversion, replacing the older AFTN system to improve aviation safety and operational efficiency.

Futuristic Telecom Infrastructure (FTI)

The Futuristic Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI) of India ensures a robust and secure communication backbone for air traffic across the country. Connecting 91 ATC centers, it guarantees 99.999% uptime, offering seamless, reliable communication. FTI includes equipment modernization, network centers, enhanced security operations, and satellite gateways for remote locations, all integrated to support efficient and safe air traffic management across Indian airspace.

High Frequency (HF) Transmitters

The HF transmitter offers a compact, modular design with features focused on efficiency, reliability, and ease of use. Developed with user feedback, it ensures reduced power consumption, lower heat production, and a smaller footprint. Supporting both voice and data applications, it includes a user-friendly interface for easy configuration, maintenance, and monitoring. HF transmitters and receivers are essential communication systems in airports, facilitating long-distance voice communication. Operating within the high frequency range (3 to 30 MHz), they are particularly valuable for long-range communication, backup communication, and operational coordination.

Very High Frequency (VHF) Transmitters & Receivers

Very High Frequency (VHF) transmitters and receivers are vital in aviation for communication and navigation, operating within the 118 to 137 MHz. They enable direct land-air communication, allowing pilots to communicate with air traffic controllers on the ground.

D-ATIS

Digital Automatic Terminal Information Service (D-ATIS) is an advanced aviation system that provides pilots with up-to-date weather, runway, and airport information. It automatically generates and broadcasts recorded messages over a designated frequency, updating critical details such as wind direction, temperature, visibility, runway length, and any restrictions. D-ATIS can also send text messages to users beyond the traditional Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) range and transmit computer-generated voice messages to nearby aircraft. By integrating with Flight Management Systems (FMS), it helps reduce pilots' workload, enhancing situational awareness and improving flight safety and efficiency.

Instrument Landing System (ILS)

The Instrument Landing System (ILS) provides precise directional and descent guidance, enabling safe aircraft landings even in low-visibility conditions such as fog, snow, or sandstorms. Known for its reliability and robustness across various climates, from arctic to tropical, the ILS is designed for easy maintenance and operation, contributing to low operational and lifecycle costs. Suitable for airports of any size and complexity, it is available for category levels I, II, and III. The system delivers both vertical and lateral guidance information to pilots, allowing them to maintain a predetermined flight path to the runway during low-visibility situations, ensuring safe landings.

Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Range (D-VOR)

Doppler VHF Omni-Directional Range (DVOR) is a ground-based radio navigation aid that helps aircraft determine their position and direction relative to their destination. Commonly used at airports, DVOR defines air traffic control routes, ensuring safe and efficient air traffic management. It provides accurate azimuth information for en-route navigation and approach services. The DVOR system consists of dual transmitters, monitors, power supplies, and control units, ensuring versatility and reliable performance. It serves as a standard navigational aid that offers bearing information to aircraft, supporting en-route, terminal, and instrument approach/departure procedures.

Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR)

An Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) is a radar system used at airports to detect and display the presence and position of aircraft in the terminal area and surrounding airspace. It serves as the primary air traffic control system for managing air traffic around airports. ASR, particularly primary radar, is essential for monitoring aircraft and ensuring safe operations, playing a key role in air traffic control and ground surveillance.

Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR)

Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR) is a crucial component of air traffic control systems at airports, providing enhanced surveillance capabilities beyond primary radar. It relies on responses from aircraft transponders for tracking and identifying aircraft. MSSR addresses issues common in traditional radar systems, such as "Garbling," where overlapping transponder replies confuse the decoder, and "Fruit," where responses from other aircraft are misinterpreted. By analyzing signals with a computer and transmitting at a reduced rate (about one-tenth of the previous rate), MSSR significantly reduces these problems by approximately 90% and improves directional accuracy by three times compared to standard radar systems.

Surface Movement Radar (SMR)

Surface Movement Radar (SMR) is a vital technology at airports for monitoring the movement of aircraft and vehicles on the ground. This specialized radar system detects and tracks ground movements, providing a clear display on the radar console in the control tower. Typically mounted on top of the ATC tower, SMR ensures optimal visibility of the airport's maneuvering area, helping tower personnel enhance safety and efficiency during ground operations on runways and taxiways.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B)

Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) is a modern surveillance technology that enhances air traffic management and safety. It enables aircraft and airport vehicles to automatically transmit and receive data, such as identity and position, via a data link. Using onboard systems like GNSS, ADS-B broadcasts this information (ADS-B Out) for ground-based surveillance or to improve situational awareness among aircraft (ADS-B In). This system supports efficient spacing, separation, and self-separation, making it a key component of contemporary air traffic control.

Space-based ADS-B

Space-Based Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (SADS-B) is an advanced surveillance technology that enhances the traditional ADS-B system by utilizing satellites to receive and transmit aircraft position data. Unlike conventional radar, which covers less than 30% of the world's airspace, SADS-B provides complete global coverage. It uses existing ADS-B Out equipment, requiring a Mode-S transponder and an A1-class or higher antenna. The system offers faster position updates and operates seamlessly without any additional input needed from pilots, making it an efficient solution for tracking aircraft worldwide