Augmenting ADS-B with traffic information service-broadcast

The great interest in implementing Airborne Separation Assistance System (ASAS) applications is tempered by the uncertain pace of user equipage. A means to provide surveillance data to airborne users through ground-based Traffic Information Service-Broadcast mode (TIS-B) can speed the transition and reward early equipage. TIS-B uses traffic data derived from ground-based surveillance sensors, but can use sensors other than just radar. TIS-B messages are transmitted to aircraft using a broadcast communication system. The FAA has selected two data links for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast mode (ADS-B): the Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) and the 1090 MHz Extended Squitter (1090 ES). This paper describes the concepts and functionality being developed by RTCA Special Committee 186 Working Group 2, as well as foreseen improvements and current testing activities. Active coordination is continuing with international standards developments.