Overview
Due to the recovered growth in air transport, airport capacity is expected to become the major bottleneck in the near future. The A-SMGCS (Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System) project EMMA2, the consequent successor project of EMMA, aimed to become the most significant R&D (Research and Development) contribution to the Vision 2020 goals in its A-SMGCS subject in the 2006 to 2008 timeframe by maturing and validating the A-SMGCS concept as an integrated air-ground system, seamlessly embedded in the overall ATM system. In a two-phase approach, EMMA first consolidated the surveillance and conflict alert functions, and EMMA2 then focused on advanced onboard guidance support to pilots and planning support to controllers.
The main objective of EMMA2 was the consolidation of higher A-SMGCS functions in the operational environment. To build upon the harmonised level 1 & 2 ground movement assistance tools and procedures, further functions shall be realised and validated. The focus of EMMA2 has been:
- the routing and planning function realised by several planners (DMAN, etc.) and the adequate HMI,
- the guidance function mainly realised by information displayed to the pilot thanks to CPDLC, and
- the information management function realised by embedding A-SMGCS into the ATM smoothly.
Within EMMA2 these functions should have been developed at least as prototypes, the adequate operational procedures should have been worked out and the modular system should have been validated in an operational environment. In the step from current Level 1&2 A-SMGCS toward these higher levels, further constraints shall be taken into account and further applications shall become possible to get full benefit of A-SMGCS. The project results shall feed the relevant documents of international organisations involved in the specification of A SMGCS (ICAO, EUROCAE, EUROCONTROL) and should be mandatory for all future implementations.
Consolidation of higher A-SMGCS services in operational environment
- Define the implementation levels for A-SMGCS installations at different types of airports
- Translating higher A-SMGCS services concept into operational procedures
- Innovative services like UMTS (low cost data link for GA)
Higher A-SMGCS services in EMMA 2
- Routing/Planning
- DMAN
- SMAN
- CDM
- Control
- Monitoring and alerting on runways and taxiways
- Electronic Flight Stripes
- CPDLC
- Onboard Services
- Onboard guidance means (CPDLC)
- Ground traffic displays
- HUD and B&S
- Information management (basis for CDM)
- Coordination with adjacent centres (APP, ACC)
- Assistant for handover the responsibility between APP and TWR
Operational Concept for all A-SMGCS services
- Two iterative test periods containing
- Training of users
- Simulations
- On-site validation
- Adapting of concept by the test results
- Guidelines and Recommendations
Funding
Results
The advanced operational concept for A-SMGCS levels 1&2 has been proven and strengthened by the implementation of levels 1&2 A-SMGCS and extensive validation and verification (V&V) activities at three different European airports: Milano-Malpensa, Prague-Ruzyne, and Toulouse-Blagnac. Controllers and pilots actively participated and contributed to the results. The results of this test phase will provide feedback on the A-SMGCS ICAO Manual Doc. 9830 and are intended to be used for proposing standards for future implementation with:
- common operational procedures;
- common technical and operational system performance;
- common safety requirements, and
- common standards of interoperability with other ATM systems.
Integrated Project EMMA led to comprehensive results, which support the regulation and standardisation bodies as well as the industry in early and efficient implementation of A-SMGCS in Europe.
The result of EMMA is the capability harmonised A-SMGCS implementation at European airports. For this reason, it is important to bring together users, service providers, research organisations and manufacturers. A main extension of the A-SMGCS concept by EMMA was the holistic, integrated air-ground approach that considered aircraft equipped with advanced systems for pilot assistance in a context where tower and apron controllers are supported by A-SMGCS ground systems.
Technical Implications
The European position in the global ATM market was strengthened through EMMA by setting de facto standards for A-SMGCS systems and their operational usage and streamlining of existing products. The EMMA consortium has set this frame of consolidated accepted standards for operational and technical concept, procedures, safety and interoperability by joining forces of highest A-SMGCS excellence from users, industry and R&D organisations. Extensive operational live trials proving the usefulness and completeness of the operational and technical requirements frame shall form the basis for efficient A-SMGCS production and implementation throughout Europe in a time to market approach.
Policy implications
Mobility of goods and people is a basic need of the European Society in the age of sustainable growth and globalisation of the World economy. The Vision 2020 describes Air Transport and Aeronautics as 'Key Assets for the Future of Europe' and quantifies ambitious goals to meet society's needs and to win global leadership. It calls for an air transport system able to cope with a threefold air traffic demand with fivefold safety, halved cost, a 99% punctuality and limited environmental impact in 17 years from now.