User:Pixel63/SANDRA

SANDRA, where the acronym stands for Seamless Aeronautical Networking through integration of Data links, Radios and Antennas, is a research project that started on 1st October 2009 and will end on 30th September 2013.

This project aims at the definition, the integration, and the validation of a reference communication architecture, SANDRA Airborne Communication Architecture, directly related to the Service Oriented Avionics Architecture envisaged in the Future Communications Study (FAA/EUROCONTROL, 2007)Future Communication Study -Action Plan 17, Final Conclusions and Recommendations Report (Version 1.1, November 2007); .

SANDRA approach consists in pursuing integration at different levels:

• Service integration. Integration of a full range of applications (ATS, Eurocontrol/FAA, Communications operating concept and requirements for the future radio system, COCR Version 2.0, Technical report, May 2007; AOC, AAC, APC);
• Network integration. Based on interworking of different radio access technologies through a common IP-based aeronautical network whilst maintaining support for existing network technologies (ACARS , ATN/OSI, ATN/IPS, IPv4, IPv6);
• Radio integration. Integration of radio technologies in an Integrated Modular Radio platform (applying IMA concepts to communication avionics);
• Antenna integration. L-band and Ku-band link antennas will be used to enable an asymmetric broadband link;
• WiMAX adaptation for integrated multi-domain airport connectivity.

SANDRA pursues the architectural integration of aeronautical communication systems using industry standards like IP, IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), DVB-S2, Inmarsat SwiftBroadBand, a set of common interfaces, and standard network protocols having IPv6 as final unification point to enable a cost-efficient global and reliable provision of distributed services across all airspace domains and to all aircraft classes.

Since 2009 SANDRA activities have been coordinated with other R&D programs. For instance EUROCAE WG-82 has been committed to develop the appropriate standards relative to new air-ground data link technologies including data links for airport surface named AeroMACS, which is a WIMAX (IEEE 802.16 - 2009). In that context, the WG 82 Group has been set up collaboration with WIMAX Forum, RTCA, SESAR JU and SANDRA members ICAO, Aeronautical Communications Panel (ACP) “Report of activities of EUROCAE WG-82”, March 2012 .

Finally, the overall SANDRA system will be validated in a common laboratory test-bed and in-flight trials using the German Aerospace Center Airbus A-320. Flight Trials are planned on June 2013.

== References ==

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