Future Connectivity and Digital Infrastructure

Project Information

FCDI

Grant agreement ID: 101114729

DOI

10.3030/101114729

Project closed

EC signature date 14 June 2023

Start date 1 June 2023

End date 31 May 2026

Funded under

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Total cost

€ 16 861 105,57

EU contribution

€ 11 292 194,41

Coordinated by

LEONARDO - SOCIETA PER AZIONI
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - FCDI (Future Connectivity and Digital Infrastructure)

Reporting period: 2023-06-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

This project is addressing the development of solutions for connectivity between all stakeholders via high-bandwidth, low-latency fixed and mobile networks leveraging state-of-the-art technologies (e.g. broadband connectivity, cloud services, IoT) and the delivery of the digital backbone infrastructure (CNS and beyond) required by digital European sky applications. The R&I results will enable the full implementation of concepts such as infrastructure as a service to facilitate the complete decoupling of service provision (infrastructure services, information services and all other ANSs) from the physical location of the infrastructure, as outlined in the target architecture specified in the European ATM Master Plan (R&I need: enabling the deployment of a performance-based CNS service offer). It includes, for example, the following features:
• enabling the deployment of a performance-based CNS service offer and transitioning to data services;
• development of integrated, digital CNS solutions (e.g. LDACS);
• data communication as the primary means of air–ground connectivity;
• solutions for air–ground connectivity and dialogue between air and ground digital assistants;
• development of fully IP-based communications and use of higher bandwidth mobile networks, including satellite-based solutions;
• development of non-safety-of-life ATM applications using commercially available services (e.g. 5G, open satellite communications (SatCom)) to support demanding and broadband applications in support of ATM (and as such providing services to the FCI);
• automation of next generation ATC platforms underlying technical processes (e.g. cybersecurity, maintenance, dataset updates).
This project aims at defining, validating and assessing 4 solutions structured in 6 Work Packages:
WP1 – Project Management/Solution
WP2 – Collaborative Cyber Security Framework for CNS
WP3 – Hyper Connected ATM Precursor
WP4 – FCI Services - IPS Enhancements
WP5 – FCI Terrestrial Datalink LDACS
WP6 – Dissemination, Communication, Exploitation
Development of activities in these four solutions is organized so that FCDI, acting as a single entity, with common and shared goals, will participate in reaching the targets set by the ATM Master Plan 2020.
The project and individual solutions are carrying out activities in line with the GA trying to minimize delays and inefficiencies.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

FCDI Project has delivered the initial version of the TS/IRS deliverables by each solution and worked on the validation plan and the prototype development.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The project impacts are among multiple elements needed to “build” a more connected and automated ATM system.
The below listed impacts can be directly linked to the work proposed under this project:
• Enable communication infrastructure scalability and sustainability by extending usable spectrum, reusing existing public infrastructure and accommodating regional capacity needs.
• Enable global communication infrastructure interoperability by allowing the use of alternative communication protocols and by accommodating region-specific technical, commercial and regulatory constraints and preferences.
• Enable future datalink applications and services such as IoT for aviation, cloud services or single pilot operations, by utilizing efficient transport and security protocols and by improving the FCI resilience.
• Enable the use of data as primary means of communication by improving the FCI resilience and thereby supporting datalink services associated with higher severity class hazards (up to SC3 or “major”).
• Enable the deployment of a performance-based communication service by taking better into account of safety and performance requirements in the A/G links selection and the multi-link transmission strategies.
• Enable the deployment of a more reliable communication service for non-safety-of life ATM applications using commercially available public A/G links by taking better account of operational performance requirements in the A/G links selection and the multi-link transmission strategies.

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