Evolution of Network Enabled Operations in the NAS

摘要

Absent a system-wide architecture for information sharing and integrated operations, current NAS modernization programs are independently developing infrastructures for information management and airspace management operations. Today's networking and information technologies are so widespread and sophisticated that they now enable an integrated, system-of-systems approach. Initial investments in a SWIM foundation for NGATS will accrue early cost avoidance for the FAA by reducing overlapping, repetitive development. Expeditious investment in SWIM will lower the overall cost of NAS modernization. More important, the operational benefits—especially increased capacity, safety, and security—of NEO require a NAS-wide SWIM architecture implemented in time for NAS modernization programs to incorporate it fully. New FAA systems under development now will easily be made compatible with SWIM infrastructure. To achieve in just two decades the tripling in air traffic capacity needed to meet the demand, we must invest now in SWIM to take the first step in transforming the NAS from radar-based traffic control to trajectory-based traffic management—that is, to the key outcome of the evolution of NEO in the NAS.