Today, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received a major software component of its new data communication system. The software completion represents a significant milestone in the development of the data communication system that will enable pilots and controllers to transmit messages over an aeronautical version of the Internet. This aeronautical internet, or Aeronautical Telecommunication Network (ATN), is a world-wide digital, mobile data communication network, designed to provide for the fast, efficient, and reliable transmission of air traffic and flight information among members of the aviation community.

When integrated with other National Airspace System upgrades the ATN will enhance services, minimize operational delays and increase flight safety worldwide. The ATN will effectively provide the connectivity that will allow aircraft computer systems, often travelling in excess of 500 miles per hour, to communicate with other mobile units as well as with ground support activities.

Jim Williams, FAA, Aeronautical Data Link Product Lead, comments, "The Router Reference Implementation software represents a significant milestone in the development of the ATN. It also represents the completion of a successful cooperative venture between the FAA and the US Aviation Industry. The cooperative effort between the Airlines and the FAA that is embodied in the ATNSI agreement has resulted in unprecedented support for the implementation of the ATN. Without this agreement, the ATN could not have been implemented on the current aggressive schedule and possibly could not have been implemented at all."

Over 15 years ago the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), began planning for a standardized international data communications infrastructure. Five years ago, ATN Systems, Incorporated (ATNSI) was formed and a cooperative agreement between the FAA and ATNSI was created. This agreement brought government and industrial resources together to develop the technical standards, computer software and test equipment that will make the ATN a reality.

ATNSI President, Mike Murphy, says, "We have proved the efficiency of working within a cooperative agreement, using industry mechanisms to procure government systems that are compatible with industry development efforts. In using this consortium model, both the government and industry have seen benefits such as reduced costs, the reduction of individual organizational risks and accelerated program implementation."

"Murphy commends Aeronautical Communication International (ACI), the ATN developer for ATNSI, " … In a highly competitive environment, ACI delivered a quality product, on time, meeting international industry standards with no proprietary restrictions. The absence of proprietary restrictions will enable the FAA to make the ATN Internet available to the entire aviation community."

In addition to developing the ATN Router protocols software under contract to ATN Systems Inc (ATNSI), ACI is in the process of completing independently the ATN application service elements (CPDLC, ADS, and FIS) and network management components defined by ICAO. These are necessary to support the required functions for Air Traffic Services (ATS) communications over the ATN. The software products are specifically designed for ease of portability and certification into both airborne and ground-based platforms, and are rigorously developed in accordance to the guidelines of RTCA DO-178B for Level C (Flight Essential) software. The ATN application service elements software will be available in late February 2000.

By providing international standards for products and services, the ATN will allow for more specific requirements by the government and more efficient competition by industry for future aviation data communications projects.

ACI is a joint venture of Airsys ATM, Honeywell, Sextant, and Sofreavia which was formed to develop and market key aeronautical data link communications products and services associated with the Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN) for both airborne and ground applications. The partners of the Joint Venture bring significant experience of both airborne and ground-based aeronautical products and services to ACI. ACI has offices in Paris and Toulouse, France, and Phoenix, Arizona and Redmond, Washington. For more information on ACI, please contact:

ATNSI is a consortium of international airlines including Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, American Trans Air, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, El Al Israel Airlines, Federal Express, Hawaiian Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Trans World Airlines, United Airlines, United Parcel Service, and USAirways. ATNSI works in close cooperation with many aviation industry organizations. For further information on ATNSI, please contact: