Air Navigation Solutions and DataBeacon have launched SimpliFID – a low-complexity Flight Information Display (FID) solution for the air traffic control and airport market.
Instead of using a surveillance data processing system (SDPS) and radar, SimpliFID uses Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) as a flexible and low-cost source of data to populate a display. The system also offers a user-friendly interface which is familiar to Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officers (AFISO) and Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCO).
SimpliFID gives AFISOs and ATCOs increased visibility of their airspace to inform users, building on the processing capability of DataBeacon’s Victor5 platform. In addition to raw ADS-B data, SimpliFID will support standard surveillance data to ensure that other operational and existing data sources can also be displayed.
According to DataBeacon and ANSL SimpliFID is suitable for use as a situational awareness display for AFIS and ATC units that do not have access to surveillance information, or as a contingency for normal radar surveillance systems, at a lower cost than a conventional SDPS.
SimpliFID could also be used at airports where commercial activity and development plans may require a FID solution to underpin their safety case for the introduction of new operators, including unmanned air vehicles, or flight procedures.
David Perez, CEO of DataBeacon, said, “Like all disruptive innovations, data-driven technologies are distinguished by their capacity to introduce features or products that are essentially distinct from what has been seen before. The introduction of these services results in the creation of new markets and reconfiguration of the existing one. SimpliFID will make operations safer, and we are immensely proud of it.”
Damon Knight, innovation lead at ANSL, said, “For too long, many aerodromes have relied on limited air traffic control surveillance capabilities and with the launch of SimpliFID, the industry now has easy access to an affordable and transformational solution.
“ANSL’s regulatory track record as an air traffic management provider delivers assurance and enables seamless integration within the airport and air traffic control infrastructure.
“Combining this with DataBeacon’s specialist technical expertise has enabled us to collectively create a platform that will benefit flight information service officers, air traffic controllers and airspace users from an operational perspective, while providing the first ever FID solution available in the market to meet UK regulatory requirements.”
According to ANSL and DataBeacon changes in UK CAA regulations mean that AFIS and ATC units are now able to use these technologies.