Introduction
The technological advancements have led to the development of aircraft security systems, helping the public gather information about an aircraft. ADS-B is a technology that allows an aircraft to determine its position through satellite navigation, and periodically broadcasts it, allowing it to be tracked for safety purposes. The Traffic Information service broadcast (TIS-B) supplements ADS-B operations but should be improved for more efficiency. Additionally, ADS-B security features are wanting since it has posed many aircraft risks. Furthermore, the radio range technology of the ADS-B should be developed for dependable broadcasting. While the ADS-B is better than radar systems, its TIS-B, security, and radio range technologies need to be improved for safety purposes.
Traffic Information Service – Broadcast (TIS–B)
TIS-B operates hand in hand with the ADS-B systems but is subject to several limitations. The technology allows aircraft operators to get air traffic information in real-time (Besada et al., 2022). TIS-B uses ADS-B ground stations and radar data to transmit aircraft data to the cockpit displays. Pilots use the technology to see other aircraft’ information such as altitude, directions, and speed vectors, among others. While the TIS-B is beneficial for pilots’ and controllers’ decision-making, it is advisory in nature. Moreover, the integration of the radar system makes it slower in relaying information. Furthermore, aircraft should be equipped with operable transponders to appear as targets on display. The limitations encumber the functionality of the technology. Therefore, the system should develop in such as manner that it is only dependent on the ADS-B for updates. Additionally, miniaturization technologies should be adopted to enhance the installation of transponders. Advancing the TIS-B technology would make it faster and more efficient for pilots.
ADS-B Security Features
Although ADS-B plays a significant role in relaying aircraft information, its security features are wanting. Aircrafts equipped with the system relay their information to other aircraft, including their specific navigation information. While many aircraft utilize the information for their safety, some may use it to advance their ill motives. For instance, terrorists to hijack an aircraft can use the ADS-B to accomplish their mission. Moreover, there has been an increased concern about the penetration into the ADS-B system by hackers (Federal Aviation Administration, 2019). The U.S director of the Government Accountability Office stated, “ADS-B is integrated into aircraft avionics, it will have the same kinds of potential vulnerabilities as many other internet-based technologies in terms of potentially being activated or de-activated remotely and without permission” (Walsh, 2018). Therefore, the ADS-B security features should be improved in such a manner that it only allows authorized parties to access aircraft information. Improving ADS-B security protocols would enhance the systems’ adoption by sensitive institutions such as the military.
ADS-B Radio Range
Although there are advanced communication technologies, the ADS-B radio range is limited to about two hundred and fifty nautical miles. Consequently, the system’s ability to receive and send signals is dependent on the altitude, site distance, and obstructing terrain (Walsh, 2018). Aircraft that navigate harsh terrains such as high altitudes and those with poor weather have their ADS-B transponders failing to relay information. Therefore, such aircraft are at risk of causing an accident. The limited ADS-B radio range needs further development to make it sustain terrible terrains and send signals to longer distances. Incorporating complex communication technology into the ADS-B would enhance its communication capabilities.
Conclusion
ADS-B is one of the secured and safe systems that aircraft use to relay information that is crucial for other aircraft. The system incorporates various technologies that allow pilots to observe air-traffic information and make crucial navigation decisions. However, ADS-B is subject to various limitations, making it less efficient for pilots. TIS-B system that compliments ADS-B uses slower radar systems. Moreover, the ADS-B security protocols can be easily hacked risking an aircraft. Furthermore, the system’s radio range is effective within a limited distance. Therefore, improving the TIS-B, security, and radio range technologies within the ADS-B system will make it more useful to aircraft operators.
References
Besada, J. A., Carramiñana, D., Bergesio, L., Campaña, I., & Bernardos, A. M. (2022). Modeling and simulation of collaborative surveillance for unmanned traffic management. Sensors, 22(4), 1498. Web.
Federal Aviation Administration. (2019). Public ADS-B Performance Report (PAPR) User’s Guide: Flight Standards Service. Federal Aviation Administration. Web.
Walsh, D. (2018). The latest on U.S Military aircraft ADS-B security concerns. Aviation Today. Web.