For civil aviation to be successful for decades to come, a number of factors are involved. Probably the first requirement is for an advanced global communications, navigation and surveillance (CNS) system. The present plan with augmented GPS will be quite inadequate, being short in functions, economy and especially security, with upcoming air traffic increases. A system concept called the Integrated Global Surveillance and Guidance System, when implemented, will meet these requirements for a number of decades to come. However, an advanced CNS system for ATC/ATM is only the first step. Many new procedures will be required to handle the substantially increased air traffic expected. The more precise guidance and surveillance provided by IGSAGS will permit increased traffic density both horizontally and vertically. While the enroute structure can be built to handle substantial traffic increases, the terminal area is another story. The 3 to 5 miles required spacing between jets on the final approach because of vortex turbulence is a serious limiting factor for airport traffic. The National Research Council (NRC) has brought out the need for major improvements in aircraft, including vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. This would eliminate the need for long runways and allow changes in airports that would permit substantial increases in traffic. What will we have by the end of the century possibly "flying cars" that won't have wings, propellers, jets or even hydrogen as fuel.
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