GNSS

NavIC L1 signal tracking now operational on JAVAD GNSS latest receivers

JAVAD GNSS announced that its latest receivers are successfully tracking the NavIC L1 signal broadcast from the first of its second-generation navigation satellites, launched May 29, 2023. As additional satellites with L1 frequency (1575.42 MHz) capability are launched, JAVAD will include their measurements into the navigation solution through firmware updates. The NavIC L1 capability is available on all TRIUMPH-2 ASIC and TRIUMPH-3 ASIC-based receivers, ensuring seamless availability for customers through firmware. www.Javad.com

Qualcomm support India’s NavIC

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc, in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has announced support for the new and recently launched L1 signals of India’s navigation satellite system NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) in select chipset platforms. Qualcomm Location Suite now supports up to seven satellite constellations concurrently, including the use of all of NavIC’s L1 and L5 signals for more accurate location performance, faster time-tofirst-fix (TTFF) position acquisition, and further improved robustness of locationbased services. www.qualcomm.com

Airbus starts Galileo second generation satellite production

Full production has begun on the six Galileo Second Generation (G2) satellites at Airbus’ site in Friedrichshafen, Germany, with the arrival of the first satellite Flight Model structure from Beyond Gravity in Zurich. After initial preparation the panels will be dispatched to other Airbus sites before final integration and testing at Friedrichshafen. The Galileo G2 satellites are scheduled for launch in the coming years to support the initial deployment and validation of the G2 System. www.airbus.com

GNSS menace: DGCA unveils action plan for Indian airlines

India’s Civil aviation regulator the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), recently issued an advisory to Indian airlines about interference with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in airspace.

This circular comes amid uncertainties due to emerging threats of GNSS jamming and spoofing. It delivers clear guidance to all stakeholders, presenting a roadmap and action plan to tackle the menace of GNSS interference in airspace effectively.

Besides, it highlights growing threats, and identifies specific geographical areas where the incidents have been observed and outlines their potential impact on both aircraft and ground-based systems. Considering the increasing instances of GNSS interference over airspace in the Middle East in the recent past, DGCA had formed an internal panel on 4th October to take stock of the situation, sensitize operators, and start discussions with experts. The circular is based on the panel’s recommendations and International Civil Aviation Organisation’s guidance on it.

The circular is applicable to all Aircraft operators and Air navigation service provider (ANSP) Airports Authority of India. It establishes roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in monitoring and mitigating the threat in a coordinated manner in addition to highlighting the reporting obligations as per regulatory requirements.

Furthermore, the circular provides comprehensive mitigation measures and action plan for aircraft operators, pilots, ANSP and air traffic controllers which includes development of contingency procedures in coordination with equipment manufacturers, and assessing operational risk by conducting a safety risk assessment.

It also provides for a mechanism for ANSP to establish a threat monitoring and Analysis network in close coordination with DGCA for preventive as well as reactive threat monitoring and analysis of reports of GNSS interference to generate valuable insights with data and new developments so as to have a robust and immediate threat response. https://Livemint.com

EASA updates SIB on GNSS Outage and Alterations

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has updated the Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Outage and Alterations Leading to Navigation / Surveillance Degradation. SIB 2022-02 was first published on March 17, 2022 and then updated to Revision 1 (R1) on February 17, 2023. Revision 2 has been published on November 6, 2023 on the EASA SIB Tool. This follows EASA analysis of recent data from the Network of Analysts and open sources that has concluded that GNSS jamming and/or spoofing has shown further increase in the severity of its impact, as well as an overall growth of intensity and sophistication of these events.

This revision provides the following updated information:
• Examples of symptoms of suspected GNSS spoofing for aircraft <no change>
• The list of the most affected flight information regions (FIR) <no change>
• . Examples of issues that a degradation of GNSS signal (including Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) and Ground Based Augmentation Systems (GBAS)) could generate with the addition of references to Terrain Avoidance and Warning Systems (TAWS)
• Revised recommendations for civil aviation authorities (CAAs), air traffic management/ air navigation services (ATM/ANS) providers and air operators (including helicopter operators – with specific information on both jamming and spoofing that flight crews and relevant flight operations personnel should be aware of). New for this revision are also recommendations for aircraft and equipment manufacturers.