Future communication solution paths for commercial, personal, and unmanned aviation

Significant opportunities exist to make better use of existing aviation spectrum. A combination of aviation-specific and commercial links will provide the broadest and most flexible solution, but will require some kind of “Delivery Manager” function to manage, aggregate, and assure performance to requirements. Ensuring that future aviation communications accommodate all user segments requires attention to compatibility with all sizes of aircraft. SDR technology promises to facilitate technical capabilities, transitions, and reduction of avionics cost, weight, size and complexity. Creation of a broadband “AeroWAN” ground-air/air-air network can serve as an industry-wide workhorse to address many communication needs, and simplify the current “patchwork” system. Realistic business case analysis of link options, particularly commercial systems, is key to assessing real-world feasibility.