SC-222, AMS(R)S, established October 2, 2008, is developing Minimum Aviation Performance Standards (MASPS) with system level attachments from Inmarsat and Iridium, and Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) with normative appendices from Inmarsat and Iridium (AMS(R)S), incorporating DO-270 satellite subnetwork material and aligned with ICAO’s Global Operational Data Link (GOLD) document. AMSS satellite communications includes as a required sub-class, the safety (route) services designated as AMS(R)S. AMS(R)S services are used for CPDLC, ADS-C and FANS 1/A operations in oceanic airspace. Swift Broadband (SBB) services are being considered for use in the Future Communication System. There is a planned launch by Iridium of a replacement satellite system that will begin in 2015. All current legacy Iridium devices are forward compatible with Iridium NEXT satellites but new transceiver designs and satellite waveforms are intended to enable enhanced capabilities for aviation as specified by DO-262, DO-343 and Annex 10 of the ICAO SARPs. The Committee is working jointly with EUROCAE WG-82 and has been tasked to develop standards relative to new air-ground data link technologies including three components: airport surface, satellite and en route/TMA L band systems.

For additional meeting summaries, please contact the Program Director: Karan Hofmann