Feasibility of R-Mode transmitted from MF-DGNSS radio beacons and AIS shore networks

摘要

Position fixing systems are identified as one strategic key element of e-navigation. Existing and future Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) like GPS, GLONASS and GALILEO are fundamental infrastructures for global determination of PNT data. IALA has introduced the term "integrated PNT device" to describe the on-board part of a maritime integrated PNT system. The integrated PNT device is considered as "a device using any available IMO recognized radio navigation system simultaneously to provide the best electronic position fix for the ship". Additionally, terrestrial services are used to improve performance or to ensure backup functionality to overcome the vulnerability of GNSS. As a contribution to the development of redundant positioning, a terrestrial backup navigation system based on ranging signals (R-Mode) transmitted from MF radio beacons and/or AIS base stations was proposed by the German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration. Both systems already allow the transmission of DGNSS data, i.e. for terrestrial GNSS augmentation. Furthermore both systems are globally distributed and are widely used in the maritime field. Certain amendments with a moderate investment of the above systems (so-called Ranging-Mode or R-Mode) are suggested, which would allow an additional world-wide terrestrial backup in coastal waters, high densely traffic areas and for harbour approach areas. To further develop the new system idea it was decided to perform a feasibility study as well as a practical field demonstration within a transnational EU project named ACCSEAS (Accessibility for Shipping, Efficiency, Advantages and Sustainability). The ACCSEAS project is an EU match-funded transnational project to analyze, develop, implement and demonstrate e-Navigation solutions. One aim within the ACCSEAS project is the implementation of a test bed at the Dutch Coast which should enable a proof of concept for the proposed R-Mode using MF transmission from an IALA radio beacon station. This test bed will be conducted by German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration and the Netherlands Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Rijkswaterstaat. The full paper will generally explain the R-Mode system concept and various implementation methods. Furthermore it will provide first results of the R-Mode feasibility study performed within the ACCSEAS project. Main parts of the paper are based on the "Feasibility Study of R-Mode using MF DGPS Transmissions", provided from Dr. Gregory Johnson and Dr. Peter Swaszek (Alion Science and Technology) and Mr. Jurgen Alberding (Alberding GmbH).