L-band digital aeronautical communications system development status and challenges

The L-band Digital Aeronautical Communications System (LDACS) is a broadband, high speed and secure communication technique. It is an essential component of the air-to-ground communication system in the framework of the Future Communication Infrastructure (FCI), and is the first integrated Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) authenticate by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This study analyzes the development requirements for the aviation air-to-ground communication system. The status of the LDACS, including the presentation of the technique the ICAO standardization and the typical application scenarios are provided. Description of the key LDACS techniques is followed, which consist of the implement of broadband communication within limited spectrum resources, compatibility with the L-band open-sky signals, integration of navigation and communication, mobility management and multi-link access technology based on Aeronautical Telecommunication Network using Internet Protocol Suite (ATN/IPS), and the secure transmission of data. The status and challenges of the LDACS development in China is also provided.