Modeling of GBAS VDB Signal Propagation Path Loss in Airport Using Parabolic Equation

In the near future, the Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) is intending to provide navigation service for aircrafts and vehicles operation in apron, which requires more stringent navigation performance. The artificial structures in airport will affect the characteristics of signal in space of GBAS Very high frequency Data Broadcast (VDB) transmitter. In order to evaluate their effects on the performance of GBAS VDB, path loss of VDB signal propagating in airport must be analyzed. In cylindrical coordinates, the three dimension (3D) Parabolic Equation (PE) method combing with grid tessellation is proposed to predict GBAS VDB signal propagation path loss in airport. This method can take the lateral propagation effects into consideration and achieve a uniform solution resolution in all azimuths along the radical direction. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency and numerical stability of this method.