Commercial aviation VDL choices

The purpose of this study was to analyze digital data link communications technologies in a line-of-sight environment. Because there is a global debate over selecting the next generation VHF data link (VDL) technology, this paper evaluates each of them for the terminal and enroute airspace only. First, this study provides a historical review of the purpose of data link applications; second, how the current system is failing to meet today's requirements, leading to problems within the US National Air Space (NAS); third, a technical and economic analysis of VDL technologies; and last, a recommendation for selecting a VDL technology.