Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B)

What is ADS-B

ADS-B is an acronym for Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast.

ADS-B is a system in which electronic equipment onboard an aircraft automatically broadcast position, altitude, velocity and other data every second or so via digital data link.

This data can be used by other aircraft and air traffic control to show the aircraft's position and altitude on display screens without the need for radar.

ADS-B systems are being defined and standardised by ICAO and other standards organisations worldwide. Mode S (1090Mhz) Extended Squitter, which operates in the secondary surveillance radar frequency band, is emerging as the dominant data link technology for ADS-B information.

Automatic - No pilot input required.

Dependant - Uses accurate position and velocity data from aircraft's navigation system ( eg. GPS ).

Surveillance - Provides aircraft position, altitude, velocity, and other data to facilities that require the information.

Broadcast - Any appropriately equipped ground station or aircraft can monitor the ADS-B signal.