1. Update on Wireless Avionics Intra-Communications (WAIC) ICAO, ACP-WG-W, Montreal
Marcella Ost
January 22, 2010
ACP WG-W/3
IP-3

2. AVSI and WAIC What is AVSI
Aerospace Vehicle System Institute - A cooperative of aerospace industries and government agencies. Members include Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, Goodrich, Gulfstream, GE Aviation, Honeywell, NASA, United Technologies, US DoD (observer).
Brings together industry, government and academia to focus on developing improved aerospace vehicles.
Creates an environment for collaboration on R&D; investigates emerging technologies; influences standards and policies to promote cost effective systems development and certification.
What is WAIC
An official project of AVSI
Radiocommunications between two or more points on a single aircraft.
May include integrated wireless components and/or installed components.
Part of a closed, exclusive network required for operation of the aircraft.
Do not provide air-to-ground or air-to-air communications.
Only safety related applications are being contemplated.

3. AVSI and WAIC Potential WAIC Applications
Low Data Rate, Interior Applications:
Cabin Pressure
Engine Sensors
Smoke Detection Sensor Data (unoccupied and occupied areas)
Low Data Rate, Outside Applications:
Ice Detection
Landing Gear/Brake Temperature Sensors
High Data Rate, Interior Applications:
Flight Deck/Cabin Crew Video and Audio
Air Data Sensors
Engine Prognostic Sensors
High Data Rate, Outside Applications
Structural Sensor Data
Avionics Communications Bus
Active Vibration Control

4. Importance of WAIC to the Aviation Industry
Wireless connectivity can improve flight-safety and operational efficiency, while reducing manufacturing and operational costs.
Wireless link for redundancy
Reduce aging wiring and associated conditions
Weight Reduction Potential – environmental benefits
Increased Reliability
Fewer connector pins/failures, cracked insulation, & broken conductors
Mesh networks could provide redundancy
Improve Operational Efficiency
Ability to obtain more data from aircraft surfaces
Less wire maintenance to remediate chafing conditions
Simplify and reduce life-cycle cost of airplane wiring
Reduced weight should save fuel costs

5. ITU-R and ICAO Lead Groups
WP5B is lead ITU-R Group
WAIC Preliminary Draft New Report
Technical Characteristics and Operational Objectives
Working Document adopted as a Preliminary Draft New Report (Nov. 09)
Next step is to approve document as a “Draft New Report” (May 10), and then Report (Nov. 10)
ICAO WG-F
Working closely, updating, receiving guidance and feedback.
Regional Efforts
Engagement in regional regulatory forums in Europe (CEPT), Americas (CITEL), Asia (APT). Plans to present to Arab States and ATU in 2010.
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6. ICAO Role and ITU-R Regional Support
Depending on how ITU-R work progresses, and whether the option of a WRC 2015/16 Agenda Item is pursued, support from Regions and ICAO will be essential.
Important that world-wide allocation(s) be obtained
Spectrum usage must fall within ICAO Convention
Equipment certification must have same regulatory benefits as “avionics” and other aviation equipment
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