Fantastic air traffic control

Signal, Apr 2001

U.S. Air Force and industry researchers have developed cost-effective technology that will allow Air Force fighters and general aviation aircraft to meet new and evolving air traffic control restrictions being imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration and international governing bodies.

The research team is working to meet challenges through the demonstration of hardware and software products developed under FANTASTIC, the Future Air Navigation and Traffic Avoidance Solution Through Integrated Communications, Navigation and Surveillance program. Research is focused on equipment for tactical fighters and general aviation due to size, weight and power restrictions of the smaller aircraft. Likewise, large-- body military platforms and commercial aircraft can accommodate available commercial equipment to meet new, more stringent requirements.

One development from the FANTASTIC program is the miniature modular digital radio (MMDR). The MMDR is a receiver/exiter that uses off-- the-shelf components, patented software and a direct conversion receiver architecture that meets all global air traffic management radio frequency requirements.

The program is the result of work by engineers at the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (www.rl.af.mil) and the Rockwell Collins Avionics and Communications Division (www.collins.rockwell.com).