GPS aircraft tracking
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GPS aircraft tracking is a means of
Networks
The different kinds of telecommunication networks used are:
- ACARS - a hybrid of the VHF, satellite and HF network
- The ADS-B) network
- Satellite networks (Globalstar, Inmarsat, IRIDIUM, Thuraya)
- The GSM network
Equipment
Some devices are
When devices are not installed as avionics components they have to be completely independent from the aircraft. They are typically placed inside of the airframe in a location where the GPS and communication satellites are directly visible to the device, for example through the cockpit window. The output signal must also be able to penetrate the aircraft - most civil aviation authorities require compliance with DO-160 for audio frequency conducted susceptibility and induced signal susceptibility.
Authorities classify non-installed components as "transmitting portable electronic devices" (T-PEDS) and as such require them to be switched off during the critical phases of flight.[1]
Applications
Accurate real-time data provided by GPS aircraft tracking may be offered to
Active aircraft tracking
There are several active aircraft tracking systems available on the market that use the "bread-crumb approach" to SAR. Rather than relying on an emergency locator transmitter to transmit upon impact, the next generation of emergency locating devices are active tracking devices that send position reports at regular time intervals. If the unit stops transmitting upon impact, the historical transmissions will give the last known location of the aircraft, its speed, direction and altitude. Tracking as an alternative or complement to current technology has recently been encouraged by the Coroner in New Zealand.[2]
See also
- Index of aviation articles
- Flight tracking
- Emergency position-indicating radiobeacon station
- Spidertracks
References
- ^ "AC 91.21-1B (Cancelled) - Use of Portable Electronic Devices Aboard Aircraft: Document Information, Federal Aviation Administration
- ^ Ihaka, James (27 May 2010). "Erceg coroner urges use of GPS tracking devices for aircraft". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 28 September 2011.