ABSTRACT
Air traffic control (ATC) systems enable ground controllers to maintain safe separation of aircraft, both on the ground and in the air. The system is based on secondary surveillance radar (SSR), now enhanced with high integrity digital datalinks, including ATC Mode S and automatic dependent surveillance- broadcast (ADS-B). This chapter describes the various methods of communications, navigation and surveillance (CNS) used for air traffic management (ATM). The ground station SSR antenna is mounted on the antenna of the primary radar surveillance system, thereby rotating synchronously with the primary returns. The airborne transponder receives interrogation codes on a 1030 MHz carrier wave from the ground station via one of two antennas located on the airframe. Today's ATC infrastructure, including operating methods and equipment, cannot possibly manage the predicted demands of air traffic management. It is vital that global standards are developed and implemented for the delivery of a safe, efficient and economic air navigation service provision.
