Communication system architecture for air traffic management and weather information dissemination

The authors present the Communication System Architecture for Air Traffic Management and Weather Information Dissemination as viewed within the context of the overall National Airspace System (NAS) and the services it provides. This paper presents the architecture in the 2015 time frame when the final phases of transition take place from analog voice to digital data exchange of common data via integrated networks. The results of this transition are an integrated collection of systems and procedures that efficiently use the capacity of the NAS while balancing access to all user classes and maintaining the highest levels of safety. Efficient collaboration among users is built on a foundation of common data. This information base provides common situational awareness to all participants. All users are accommodated and will receive benefits commensurate with equipage level. This architecture development provides a technical framework for decision-making, research, and analysis of communication technologies.