Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B)
What is ADS-B?
Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) is an air traffic surveillance technology that enables aircraft to be accurately tracked by air traffic controllers and other pilots without the need for conventional radar.
We have deployed ADS-B ground stations across Australia which, when combined with radar, provide ATC surveillance capability over the entire continent above FL300 (30 000 feet). Substantial coverage also exists at lower levels - extending to near the surface in the vicinity of each ground station.
ADS-B services are being implemented in stages during which time surveillance coverage will progressively increase. By late 2009, 28 sites were installed with an ongoing program that will see more than 43 sites in service across Australia.
While the initial application of ADS-B is to provide high quality surveillance for air traffic control, it also facilitates a number of advanced air-to-air applications that will in future significantly improve safety and performance of aircraft operations.
The technology delivers both environmental and economic benefits through:
- improved aircraft access to preferred routes and levels,
- more efficient diversions around restricted areas and weather and,
- increased accuracy of navigation.
In addition to delivering radar like surveillance at a fraction of the cost of radar, it also offers considerable safety improvements through:
- rapid and targeted search and rescue response,
- reduced collision risks around regional aerodromes, and
- improved ATC and pilot situational awareness.
Other ADS-B safety and operational benefits include:
- Positive ATC identification while within ADS-B coverage
- No requirement for position reporting while identified
- Identified aircraft receive priority over non-identified aircraft
- Route and altitude conformance monitoring
- ATC safety net alerting functions (e.g. short term conflict alert and dangerous area infringement warning)