Demonstration Projects of ADS-B Technology

Demonstration Overview

The initial demonstration projects for ADS-B (Automated Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) applications in North Carolina took place on January 30, 2008 at Lumberton Regional Airport and February 28, 2008 at Kinston Regional Jetport. The objectives of the demonstrations were to introduce the technology to potential users and to collect data to calibrate collision avoidance capabilities. The North Carolina Division of Aviation (DOA) has established statewide coverage of ADS-B for air traffic control applications. This new technology is being targeted by FAA for national coverage by January 1, 2020, with the infrastructure in place by the end of 2013 to support this control (NPRM).

At the demonstration at Lumberton Regional Airport, representatives from the North Carolina Army National Guard, the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and Robeson Community College were in attendance. The demonstration allowed these representatives to see the technology in action with live aircraft. Aircraft operated by the North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Aviation and Adaptive Aerospace Group, Inc. were equipped with ADS-B for the evaluation of vehicle collision detection algorithms developed by Defense Technologies, Inc. (DTI). DTI recorded coordinated maneuvers by the aircraft in order to improve their algorithms that will help with the integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles into the National Airspace System. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol also participated in the demonstration by equipping a helicopter with an ADS-B unit and flying around the test airspace.

At the demonstration at Kinston Regional Jetport, representatives from the North Carolina Army National Guard, the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the Civil Air Patrol, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation were in attendance. Six aircraft were equipped with ADS-B technology to expand the coverage of the demonstration. DTI implemented a fully simulated UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) that automatically adjusted its flight plan to avoid manned aircraft. The collision avoidance software operated successfully by utilizing ADS-B information to alter the UAV simulation’s course.

These demonstrations were the first in a series that will involve potential users and commercial suppliers. The test projects will help refine the technology for specific uses.

For more information, contact Daniel Findley at 919-515-8564.

References

NPRM. Federal Aviation Administration. United States Department of Transportation. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Docket No. FAA-2007-29305; Notice No. 07-15.

Demonstration slide show

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