User:Pixel63/SANDRA

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).

SANDRA approach consists in pursuing integration at different levels:
 * Service integration. Integration of a full range of applications (ATS, 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.

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.