1. General Dynamics Decision Systems and Iridium Communications
The Satellite Complement
To Ground Infrastructure
Michel G. Gelinas
Program Manager

2. Iridium plus ground system equals ubiquity of coverage !
Ground and Space Technology Provides New Solution to Global CNS Challenge!
Objective:
Provide pilots and controllers with communications, navigation, surveillance (CNS) services everywhere.
Challenge:
Existing and planned ground infrastructure limited to geographically defined areas with support capabilities.
Solution:
Satellite complement acts as gap filler and extends coverage where ground infrastructure is impractical or un-economical.
Iridium plus ground system equals ubiquity of coverage !

3. The Incubation Phase - Alaska
0.2% of USA pop.
1/5 of USA
Pop. Density 0.24 person/sq. mile
Barrow
1 mile of road per 42 sq miles of land
Nome
Fairbanks
550 Communities
7,000 airplanes
Bethel
Anchorage
Shemya
Juneau
1 aircraft accident every 2nd day
1 death every 9th day in aircraft accident
Ketchikan
Need for improved Communication & Information services!

4. Alaska FAA Capstone Program
A technology designed to improve air safety.
Part of Safe Flight 21
State-of-the-art ground/aircraft equipment
Capstone Benefits
Improved Situational Awareness
Flight, Traffic and Weather Information Services
Saves lives
Benefits limited by equipage, both on ground and in aircraft
Ground technology limitations can be solved with satellites.

5. General Dynamics Enhancement
General Dynamics brings satellite technology …….
Satellite technology complements ground architecture.
Use available air-to-ground link
Equip aircraft with dual mode transceivers
UAT
Satellite
General Dynamics technology allows for:
Multiplexing of several aircraft on one channel
Simultaneous voice and data on a single channel
Down to earth!

6. Satellite Complement Program
The Proof-of-Concept
Completed March 13, 2002
MITRE Evaluation
Completed December 18, 2002
Test and Evaluation
In process
Leads to business case evaluation
Satellite complement extends Benefits to remote areas.

7. Why Iridium Technology For Alaska?
Complete coverage of the earth, including poles
Satellites see into valleys
Cross links eliminate need for “local” Gateway.
Low cost hardware and service
Extensive areas without ground power, access, or comm. capability
Ideal complement to ground based system like Capstone
Alaskan system exportable everywhere!

8. General Dynamics Technology Applied to Aircraft Use
“Data Under Voice” allows for simultaneous transmission
of voice and data over a single Iridium channel.
Always on connection
Push-to-talk voice with controller
Cockpit audio panel connection
ADS, TIS, FIS
Data capable
“Netted Radio” allows many aircraft to share a common
channel with Controller.

9. Benefits to aviation community
Iridium effectively complements ground infrastructure.
Global operation
Frequency coordinated
Simultaneous voice & data
Netted Architecture
Always on
Fully Integrated
Gap-filler
ATS benefits everywhere
From surface up
Oceanic
PTT voice operation
Automatic ADS
Minimizes and streamlines infrastructure investment!

10. Multiple side Benefits
Full time communications capability can eliminate ‘search’ from search & rescue operations.
Cost efficiency for ATC and users
Creates safety net
full time communications capability
Creates convenience net
full time satellite phone coverage capability
Improves business environment (as above)
Environmentally friendly (minimal or no ground infrastructure footprint)

11. Minimizes capital investment.
The Big Picture
Satellite complement to ground infrastructure…
Supports Major CAA plans.
Ubiquitous coverage.
Minimizes capital investment.
Makes business sense.