NextGen technology passes key test – Press of Atlantic City

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP The technology the Next Generation Air Transportation System operates on passed a major test recently.

Aireon and the Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday a successful flight test of space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast technology. NextGen is a system of sensors based around automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast technology. The ADS-B technology lets air traffic control workers have a better idea of where craft are in the air.

A flight test coordinated with the FAA was the ultimate validation accomplishment for the Aireon system to date and is a textbook example of how a public-private partnership can thrive. It is nearly impossible to have a higher fidelity test without the experts at the FAA, Vinny Capezzuto, chief technology officer and vice president of engineering at Aireon, said in a statement.

The flight took place March 30 utilizing the FAAs specially equipped flying laboratory Bombardier jet, based at the William J. Hughes Technical Center, with three Aireon payloads available to receive data. The aircraft is retrofitted with highly calibrated antennas, flight-data test equipment and recorders.

The collaboration between Aireon, its service partner Harris, and the FAA is a testament to our goal of working with industry to continue pushing NextGen technology forward, Andy Leone, surveillance and broadcast services, systems engineering lead/test director at the FAA, said in a statement. This test further exemplifies the FAAs and NextGen programs commitment to improving air traffic safety and efficiency for global aviation.

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NextGen technology passes key test - Press of Atlantic City