German researchers test digital communications standard for aviation
Researchers at German aerospace research organisation DLR are testing a prototype of the new digital aeronautical radio standard, the L-band Digital Aeronautical Communications System, for the first time. Trials of the digital communications system on DLR’s Falcon research aircraft started at the end of March. Air traffic controllers and pilots communicate using analogue radio, but the new L-band Digital Aeronautical Communications System (LDACS) enables high-quality voice communications as well as fast data exchange. Data exchanged in the future could include 4D trajectories, which track the time and speed of aircraft to track their progress and better manage their landings and takeoffs.
The tests also include the use of an alternative navigation system for aviation, which determines the aircraft’s position using LDACS signals received by ground stations. The test flights will overfly four ground stations in Upper Bavaria.
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