Overview
Research in this sub-programme is concerned with increasing operational capacity and safety of the air transport system to optimise airspace and airport utilisation, and consequently reduce flight delays, through a seamlessly integrated European air traffic management system, which would facilitate the achievement of the 'Single European-Sky' initiative.
Research focuses on on-board and ground automation aids, communication, navigation and surveillance systems as well as flight operation procedures that enable the introduction of new concepts including the free-flight concept in the future European ATM system.
This sub-programme addresses the following objectives:
- to improve today’s safety levels taking into account projected traffic levels, by providing better information to both the pilot and the controller on surrounding traffic;
- to increase system capacity to safely handle three times more air movements by 2020 through an increased planning capability, coupled with a progressive distribution of tasks and responsibilities between the aircraft and the ground for separation to satisfy projected traffic growth;
- to improve system efficiency with a view to achieve an average maximum delay of one minute per flight;
- to maximise airport operating capacity in all weather conditions to support increasing traffic demand through improved systems to aid the controller and pilot.
The strategically important areas (research domains) are:
New generation Air Traffic Management (ATM), which includes research into:
- Co-operative Air Traffic Management
- Advanced Airborne System Applications
- Reduced Separation Standards
The Airport of the future, focusing on:
- Airport Efficiency (AFF)
- Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS)
- Technologies for Advanced Approach and Landing (TAL)
Innovative Research, encompassing the following topics:
- Innovative Air Traffic Management Research
- Co-ordination Action
- Specific Support Action for the Single European Sky and ATM Master Plan
- Air Transport System Wide Information Management
- ATM Safety regulation and supervisory functions
- Mitigating capacity constraints due to Wake vortex
- Environmentally responsible air transport