Professional Documents
Culture Documents
TRAINING MANUAL
Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321
CFM56 cat. B1.1
ATA 46 ATIMS
INFORMATION SYSTEM - GENERAL ......................................................... 4 Figure 1. Schedule for the Introduction of CNS/ATM ..................................... 8
FANS ADVANTAGES................................................................................... 6 Figure 2. ATIMS System Overview.............................................................. 11
TRANSFORMATION TO FANS .................................................................... 8 Figure 3. ATIMS Installation ........................................................................ 13
REQUIRED SYSTEMS IN THE AIRCRAFT FOR CNS/ATM........................ 9 Figure 4. System Architecture ..................................................................... 15
AIM FANS ARCHITECTURE ...................................................................... 14 Figure 5. Concepts ...................................................................................... 16
COMPONENTS AND INTERFACES .......................................................... 16 Figure 6. Location of Cockpit Interfaces & ATSU......................................... 17
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION ............................................................................ 20 Figure 7. DCDU's & ATC Message Lights ................................................... 19
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION ................................................................... 22 Figure 8. General Schematic....................................................................... 21
MCDU Use.................................................................................................. 24 Figure 9. ATSU Functions ........................................................................... 23
PRINTER USE............................................................................................ 27 Figure 10. MCDU Menu .............................................................................. 25
GLOSSARY ................................................................................................ 28
General
In the air space over highly developed countries the Position monitoring takes place automatically and via
position monitoring takes place by ground-based radars. Satellites.
Over water and small developed countries the position
monitoring is made by verbally delivered position signals
via HF.
FANS ADVANTAGES
What are the advantages of FANS? and 120 Nm at geographical length. This results in a surface of 48.000 NM2,
which are blocked by a single airplane! The consequence of the fact is that
- The separation between the airplanes (in flight) can be reduced. More many airplanes can't fly at the optimum altitude and with the optimum speed.
airplanes per time unit on a route. FANS equipped airplanes however can deliver automatically their position as
- Air routes can be optimized. well as its further intentions (heading/ track, speed, altitude) with the help of a
- More direct routes. satellite connection at least every five minutes. The determination of the
- Satellite communication. position takes place with the help of the very exact Global Positioning System
- When crossing other air routes it can be omitted more frequently to (GPS) or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
change to a lower and thus uneconomic flight level. Digital data communication between the crew and the air traffic controller
reduces drastically the possibilities of errors and permits less separation
At the same time an increase of the safety standard will take place. between individual airplanes. The total of improvements in communication,
navigation and surveillance of air traffic enables Air Traffic Control to reduce
Why FANS is necessary? the separation between the airplanes. For this reason the flight can be
performed in optimum altitude which also reduces the fuel burn.
The current air traffic routes represent often a longer route between two
points on the earth than physically necessary and are used mainly with their 2. Optimized air routes
maximum capacity. That means:
Transatlantic flights e.g. are planned at present with meteorological data,
- increased fuel consumption by "detours". which are approx. 12 to 18 hours old. If satellite communication is used,
- cargo capacities cannot be used completely, since too much fuel which represents a section of FANS, the current meteorological data can be
must be carried forward. transmitted to the airplane during flight. The flight crews are now able to
- takeoff delays caused by overcrowded air space. create an optimized flight plan, or on the ground an appropriate plan is
created and transmitted to the crew. This dynamic planning enables airlines
1. Distance / Separation to carry forward, less fuel for "Eventualities", which means again that still less
fuel is used, or more pay load can be carried forward.
In order to be able to determine the "safety margin" from airplanes, the
following factors must be considered: 3. More direct routes
- errors in navigation actually and In many cases the current air routes are a compromise due to the navigation
- potential errors in the voice communication between crews and air aids available on the ground and radar coverage. This leads to extended air
traffic controllers. routes. However if the advantages of the satellite navigation and
communication are used, the possibility is higher of flying more direct and
The problems of the traditional, spoken position signals and the delays in thus shorter routes. After introduction of FANS the operators of airplanes
connection with high frequency transfers over "Relay" stations (20 - 45 benefit of the lower fuel consumption, of shorter flying times and increased
minutes to transmit a position report), require an enormous distance between pay loads. Costs related to crews and maintenance are thereby reduced, too.
individual airplanes. This distance is typically 100 Nm to geographical latitude To fly FANS routes, the airplanes must fulfil the following requirements:
- Airline operational control (AOC) data link. AOC connection permits 5. Flight level change
the airlines, to transmit optimized routes, to deliver position signals
and to transmit current wind information about the data link. In order to avoid potential conflicts, an airplane, which achieves a crossing
- Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS) The ADS function transmits airway, must be vertically separated from all other airplanes. This means that
the current position via satellite or VHF data link to air traffic control. one of two airplanes must leave its actual altitude to an altitude up to 4000
Automatic surveillance of "enroute" airplanes takes place. feet below its optimal flight altitude. If the air traffic controller has more
- Air Traffic Control (ATC) data link accurate position data and if the airplane can control its speed in such a way
- The ATC datalink connection replaces voice communication of the that the flight level change is achieved at a certain point in time, the vertical
crew with the air traffic controllers. Desired modifications of the separation for this manoeuvre is used less often.
original flight plan can be transmitted. The air traffic controllers have
the possibility of requesting via this way modifications of the original
flight plan.
- Global Positioning System (GPS) or GNSS integration
- By using GPS or GNSS a more exact positioning on routes and
during approach is possible. The navigation system must prove that it
achieves the necessary RNP. It provides also a time reference for the
RTA, see below.
- Required Navigation Performance (RNP)
- RNP criteria describe accuracy, integrity and availability for "FANS"
operations. The navigation systems are permanently monitored.If the
accuracy required for a route is reduced, the crew is informed and
can initiate counteractions if necessary.
- Required time of Arrival (RTA)
- With RTA air traffic control can transmit temporal limitations
concerning a way-point. This enables the crew to achieve a certain
geographical point at a previously defined point in time. The cruising
speed is adapted to the requirements automatically, so that the
desired waypoint at the desired point in time (+ / - 30 seconds) is
achieved. If the desired RTA is not possible, the crew is alarmed
visually.
4. Satellite communication
With the aid of the satellite navigation the period of reply for an airplane,
which requests a "Level CHANGE" on an optimal flight altitude, can be
reduced to a few minutes. A saving of fuel is the result. At present the time
for a reply is approx. 20 min. to 45 min.
TRANSFORMATION TO FANS
With Airbus these DATA link "AIM FANS A" called (Airbus Interoperable
Modular) or "ATIMS" (Air Traffic and Information Management System). The
new unit which houses the ATIMS functions is called ATSU (Air Traffic
Services Unit). This ATSU will replace the ACARS MU. The ATSU forms the
platform for the ACARS and FANS operation after the line-up. (the ATSU is
to be found in the ATA Chapter 46!!) The further difference exists in the use
of two "ATTENTION GETTERS" i.e. two ATC message lights and two new
DCDU's (Datalink Control Display Unit) as well as the use of a new MMR
(Multi Mode Receiver) which processes the ILS / MLS / GPS data.Otherwise
FANS A and FANS 1 are identical as far as possible.
Figure 1. Schedule for the Introduction of CNS/ATM
What is FANS-1?
Steps for the introduction of FANS
On the way up to the complete introduction of CNS/ATM the available aircraft
1. Test with "FANS-1/A" (previous FANS) are equipped or upgraded gradually with the necessary systems. The
manufacturer BOEING calls its systems with ADS and CPDLC at present
- changes of processes FANS 1, AIRBUS however FANS A.
- use of available airplane equipment. CPDLC is for CONTROLLER/PILOT DATA links Communication and
represents satellite connections between the air traffic controllers and the
2. Transition to CNS/ATM "FANS A" crews.
ACARS
FMS-MCDU-ACARS Interface
Satellite Communication or High frequency DATA Communicates initially via ACARS networks:
- voice transmission only as "Backup" for data communication. - Is upgradable to communicate over ATN (Aeronautical
Telecommunication Network).
ATC Communication Annunciation 2 Datalink Control and Displays Units (DCDUs) which provide the flight crew
with display capabilities and control resources, allowing the display of data re
Air Traffic control ceived from ATC and the sending of answers and messages to ATC.
- visual and aural alerting of the crew with messages of air traffic 2 ATC MSG attentions getters: P/Bs used for visual alert in case of ATC
control. messages reception.
The two DCDUs are not fitted in Pre-FANS configuration and the ATC MSG
ATIMS Description pushbuttons switches are not operational.
The ATSU is connected to the following units and uses the services of these
The ATIMS consists of: multipurpose devices for interface needs:
1 ATSU: It's a modular hosting platform that: - the Multipurpose Control and Display Units (MCDUs)
- the Printer
Centralizes all data communication-related functions: - the Flight Warning Computers (FWCs)
- the Radio Management Panels (RMPs).
- ATC datalink,
- Airline data communication.
General
AIM - FANS program launched by Airbus Industrie is designed to allow the The Datalink Control and Display Units (DCDU) and the ATC MSG
aircraft to adapt to the steps of the transition towards the ultimate FANS pushbutton switches are not operational.
Worl through modular and flexible avionics upgrade. In order to optimize the or
system architecture of the Airbus range of aircraft, the ATSU will also
integrate right from its entry into service the functions that are currently 2. In FANS A configuration:
available on the ACARS equipment, such as the routing function and all AOC
services dedicated to exchanges, between the aircraft and the airline - Air/ground communications Router Functions (ARF)
operational centers. - Airline Operational Control applications (AOC)
Due to entry into service in 1998, the ATSU and associated systems will - FANS A Air Traffic Control (ATC) applications.
enable the airlines to draw maximum benefit from the new communications
and navigation facilities, while retaining an aircraft architecture capable of The DCDUs and the ATC MSG pushbutton switches are operational.
receiving future upgrades.
New:
ATSU= Air Traffic Services Unit DCDU= Datalink Control and Display unit
MMR= Multi Mode Receiver
Updated:
System Description
1. In Pre-FANS configuration:
General
Up to now, flight crew have communicated with air traffic controllers using
HF and VHF radio communications which are subject to atmospheric
disturbances and so, often difficult to understand.
Furthermore, the transmission networks become saturated due to the air
traffic increase, and to the limited capability to exchange complex data
(routes, weather information...).
Consequently, the Air Traffic and Information Management System (ATIMS)
has been developed to enable datalink communications and the exchange
of complex data or specific reports between the aircraft and the ground
centers:
Figure 5. Concepts
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The Air Traffic and Information Management System is organized around a System Architecture
host platform which integrates datalink applications and the routing function.
The ATIMS is configured in Pre-FANS configuration: The ATIMS comprises:
- Air/ground communication Router Function (ARF) - an Air Traffic Service Unit (ATSU),
- Airline Operational Control applications (AOC). - two Datalink Control and Display Units (DCDUs),
- two ATC MSG illuminated pushbutton switches.
The Datalink Control and Display Units (DCDU) are not fitted and the ATC
MSG pushbutton switches are not operational in Pre-FANS configuration. The ATSU interfaces with the following on-board units:
The ATSU is configured in Pre-FANS + configuration with the following 4. For system management, maintenance and configuration:
applications: - FWC, SDAC, CFDIU, LGCIU, Multipurpose Disk Drive Unit (MDDU)
or Portable Data Loader (PDL).
- Aircraft Interface software (for host platform services)
- Configuration software (for manufacturer configuration parameters) 5. For multipurpose Human-Machine Interface needs:
- Router parameters software (for the VHF Datalink Service Provider (DSP) - Multipurpose Control and Display Unit (MCDU), Printer and Radio
World Map) Management Panels (RMPs).
- AOC application software
- AOC database software.
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
ATSU Hardware Case The AOC software consists of hosted AOC applications which depend on
airline definition. These datalink applications concern operations related to
The ATSU hardware case consists of all necessary hardware resources the flight such as flight plans, weather, behaviour of aircraft elements
(hardware platform) and minimum software. transmitted for maintenance reasons, fuel quantity, personnel management,
The minimum software contains two main parts: gate management...
MCDU USE
Two sets of functions are accessed via the MCDU: with an ATC center and establish contact.
- the VERT REQ page for request of vertical trajectory changes to the
- hosted AOC applications ATC center
- air/ground communication management function - the OTHER REQ page for miscellaneous request such as voice
contact request with ATC center
These two functions are considered as independent. When inside the menu - the TEXT page to send justifications to negative replies to the ATC
structure of one of these functions, it is not possible to access directly the center
other one. The user has to return to the main ATSU menu in order to activate - the REPORTS page to generate automatically position reports at
the other function. each ATC waypoint
The MCDU provides the crew with the following functions: - the CONNECTION STATUS page to display the status of the CPDLC
connections and to activate/deactivate the ADS applications
1. For air/ground communication management: - the EMERGENCY page to generate emergency messages to the
ATC center.
- configuration/initialization
- VHF3 control The pages managed by the ATSU are independently accessible from two
- communication statistics display MCDUs and are accessible in parallel on two MCDUs: access to and exit
- test/audit mode control from MCDU pages are independent on these MCDUs.
If a third MCDU is installed, only two MCDUs upon three can be used
2. For AOC hosted applications simultaneously by the ATSU.
They are inhibited during some flight phases following priority level.
PRINTER USE
The AOC applications use the services of the printer for the following Each of the three RMPs is an interface device for the VDR3 operation.
purposes: The frequency range is from 118.000 to 136.975 KHz by 25 KHz or
8.33KHz steps.
- print out of received messages (automatic or manually initiated on Each RMP enables the crew to request a switching of the system (between
MCDU) the RMP and the ATSU) which controls the VDR3 frequency by pressing the
- MCDU screen hard copies transfer pushbutton switch, located between the two windows:
- company needs through the hosted AOC application and manually When the frequency is displayed in the ACTIVE window of the RMP, the
initiated on MCDU. RMP controls the VDR3 frequency.
Only the Voice mode is available and the selection of the VDR3 frequency is
If the printer is busy with a previous task, the BUSY indication is displayed on done through the RMP by displaying the selected frequency in the ACTIVE
the MCDU scratchpad. window.
No print task can exceed 5 minutes. After this time, the operation is stopped. When the ACARS indication is displayed in the ACTIVE window of the RMP
instead of the frequency, the ATSU controls the VDR3 frequency whether the
Air/Ground Communication Function VDR3 is in Data or Voice mode.
The RMP sends to the ATSU the pilot request of switching the system
The air/ground communication management function uses the services of the controlling the VDR3 between the RMP and the ATSU. In return, the ATSU
printer for the following purposes: indicates to the RMP which system, between the RMP and the ATSU, is
controlling the VDR3 frequency.
- Automatic print out of a message directed to the printer (label C1)
- MCDU screen hard copy
- Statistics reports
- Audit information
- Company Call message print
In the case of ground messages directed to the printer (label C1), the ATSU
can reject the uplink message if the printer is unavailable. The UPLINK
REJECT message is sent to the ground to indicate that the printer is failed.
The PRT MSG PRINT FAIL message is also displayed on the MCDU
scratchpad.
Even if the printer is busy, the print request is accepted by the ATSU and the
ATSU bufferizes the data waiting for the printer availability.
GLOSSARY
P T
S XPDR Trans(X)PonDeR