ADS-B data gating technique and its probabilistic models

Abstract

The article developed a gating technique that allows us to validate ADS-B data without the necessity to verify using the secondary surveillance radar or multilateration. Probabilistic models of the ADS-B data gating technique, as well as the algorithm for applying these models were proposed. Benchmark cases that occur when aircraft (A/C) positioning by ADS-B systems, determined by threshold values of navigation and pilot’s errors, were analyzed. The first benchmark case assumes not exceeding of navigation and pilot’s errors the bounds of the tolerance limits, which allows us to draw up a conclusion concerning the ADS-B data validation. The second one assumes exceeding of a pilot’s error the bounds of the tolerance limits under an allowable navigational error. Herewith, the air traffic controller (ATC) obtains a message about the proper ADS-B operation and the necessity to issue instructions to the pilot to correct a flight. The third benchmark case assumes exceeding of a navigation error the bounds of the tolerance limits under an allowable or not allowable pilot’s error. In this case, the ATC obtains a message about not valid ADS-B data and the incapability to use these systems. The simulation of the given benchmark cases was performed. In addition, the Rayleigh and Rice distributions were applied to implement the ADS-B data gating technique. The simulation results allow us to assess the required amount of accumulated ADS-B data for the evaluation. Thus, it was found that during the estimate based on the Rayleigh distribution, it is sufficient to accumulate 15–20 measurements, which, when transmitting 2 messages per second and under the condition of the normal ADS-B equipment operation, will take 8–10 s. During the estimate, using the Rice distribution, an accumulation of 25–30 measurements is sufficient, which will take 13–20 s. The developed method will allow the use of ADS-B systems at regional aerodromes with the low intensity of air traffic as the primary or sole surveillance means.