Overview
The project FACT (Future All Aviation CNS Technology) relates to SESAR-ER4-24-2019: Innovation in CNS to enable Digitalised Operations. It addresses all application areas listed in the Call Topic 24, except the area 4 (Manned and un-manned aircraft protection from non-cooperative targets). It will bring a much needed update to CNS technology, and build the bridge between future U-space services (expecting fully digital and highly automated) and conventional ATM systems considering both technological and users’ perspectives. The main overall objective(s) of the project FACT is to increase safety, security, efficiency, and robustness of future air traffic environment through development of integrated CNS functional architecture supporting the use of common performance based approach for CNS functions addressing needs of large spectrum of airspace users across varied operational environments. It will address and bring benefits for both existing and new airspace users such as drones or urban air mobility.
From technical perspective, the project will mainly focus on the innovative use of existing technology bricks, potentially adapted from adjacent industrial areas such as automotive or telecommunication. Interesting examples of such new CNS enablers are the envisioned use of 3G/4G/5G for communication and localization, OneWEB for low cost satellite communication, or Aeromacs as a new technology standardised by aviation for airport operations. This approach will allow the project to achieve technical performance goals at a lower development cost, and offer something that can find the aviation market in the shortest possible time. The project consortium brings together a balanced combination of industrial, operational, and academic knowhow, enabling it to address this challenging task.