Mode N - A promising Approach for future Navigation

Mode N - Mode Navigation - is a new concept for a ground-based system to provide a navigation service for civil and military aviation jointly developed by German Air Navigation Service Provider DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS), the Bundeswehr Technical Center for Aircraft and Aeronautical Equipment (WTD61), and an engineering partner Interdisciplinary Engineering Consultants Madritsch (IECM). Mode N is a terrestrial system based on secondary surveillance radar signal formats that provides an Alternative Positioning, Navigation and Timing (A-PNT) capability to backup global navigation satellite systems. Mode N will deliver maximum spectrum efficiency combined with backward compatibility with legacy systems. It provides an easy transition from navigation based on Distance Measurement Equipment (DME) to navigation based on Mode N. Since the legacy DME functionality can be retained it allows a simple exchange of avionics, without being time-bound. Thus, Mode N has the potential to complement and future replacement of the currently used DME. This paper provides a description of the motivations to develop Mode N, the system concept and expected benefits. It further addresses the involvement of international partners for a joint way forward.