Some news from Europe on that subject.
CNS/ATM (
Communication
Navigation
Surveillance/
Air
Traffic
Management), the ICAO preferred term.
Communication = CPDLC
Navigation = GNSS
Surveillance = ADS-B and ADS-C
ADS-B OUT = ADS-B transmitting
ADS-B IN = ADS-B receiving
FANS (Future Air Navigation Systems) was a manufacturer term from Boeing and Airbus. FANS 1 was for Boeing and FANS A for Airbus. FANS 1/A is a mixture of both. FANS 2, B or 2/B is the next generation.
FANS 1/A will still be used in remote areas such as over oceans and FANS 2/B will be used in more dense areas such as continental areas.
But as technologies evolved, obviously FANS 1/A will be replaced gradually I guess by FANS 2/B.
ADS-B is under the CASCADE program in Europe and it is not foreseen before 2015 (ADS-B OUT). You can find more information for Europe on the following website:
http://www.eurocontrol.int/cascade.
Already discussed were the different technologies used. UAT, VDLM-4 and Mode S ES (1090ES). Mode S ES is just another evolution of the existing Mode S and is I guess the cheapest to install as it uses the same antenna as the DME if I am not mistaken. VDLM-4 will need another antenna and am not sure it will not interfere with VDLM-2, causing another concern... Might be wrong here...
Europe is considering the Mode S ES and VDLM-4 as it is ATN (Aeronautical Telecommunication Network) compatible. UAT is under study and could be considered for small GA aircrafts, eventhough there is a big discussion of extending the UAT to all operators. VDLM-4 is used in Sweden if I am not mistaken and it's a big question mark. Will it survive the market compare to the two other technologies?
The issue is that Europe is extending its ATN ground network for its own Link 2000+ program (CPDLC). They foresee a mandate date around 2015 above FL285. A foreward fit for new aircrafts by 2011 and retrofit by 2013. Some exceptions may apply.
Thus, causing some concerns about FANS 1/A already equipped aircrafts as they are not ATN equipped. The use of VDLM-2 may help to use the ATN network but not at its full capacity, the way I understand. Raising some questions about mixing ATN and FANS 1/A equipped aircrafts above FL285.
A very interesting subject and am sure that we are not finished to discuss about it.
Note:
One concern about the ADS-B OUT is that any persons may buy a 1090 receiver with the appropriate software and receive any information sent by the airplane within its antenna range on its laptop, exactly the same way a controller would receive the information. Something to think about as we do not necessary live in a friendly world... A rock sent to the legislators.
Bigmosquito.