A digital TDMA system for VHF aeronautical communications on 8.33 kHz channels

VDL mode E is a digital TDMA VHF communications system providing voice and data services for civil aeronautical communications. It is proposed as an upgrade for the existing 8.33 kHz channel analog AM system currently used in Europe. 8.33 kHz channel compatibility of VDL mode E permits a simple transition from the existing analog system by "dropping in" digital VDL mode E channels on current 8.33 kHz analog AM assignments. The voice and data capacity of VDL mode E provides adequate capacity for forecasted air traffic operations in Europe to at least the year 2050.