Analytical Model for Aircraft-to-Aircraft Link Probability Over the North Atlantic Corridor

Aircraft Ad-hoc Networks (AANETs) are capable not only to allow low-latency Internet connectivity on aircraft but also to transmit safety-critical data. An aircraft in distress could transmit important information to another nearby aircraft in range before it crashes on the ground. In this paper the link probability for aircraft crossing the North Atlantic Corridor is investigated. An analytical model for the nearest neighbor distribution is proposed taking the shape and dynamic position of North Atlantic flight corridors into account. A uniform distribution of nodes is assumed in a bounded model area. Simulation results and empirical aircraft position data captured over 10 weeks are analyzed and used for verification of the analytical model. The link probability is derived from the nearest neighbor distribution and the model performance is evaluated. Aircraft sticking to North Atlantic flight tracks bias the assumed uniform distribution over the area. Therefore the results differ for east-and westbound flights. A link probability of more than 99% can be achieved if the communication range is greater than 250km and at least 40 aircraft are located within the model area. The average error of the model predicting the required communication range for a 99% link probability amounts to 8.94%.

I. Introduction

In current day air traffic safety-critical data is stored in on-board recorders for every aircraft. A mandatory part of investigations after an accident is therefore the localization and recovery of the flight data recorders where aircraft position data and other parameters are stored. Over oceanic areas the localization may take notable time, so transmitting such data encrypted and in advance highly improves the efficiency of wreckage localization and accident investigations. A solution to this problem could be an Aircraft Ad-hoc Network (AANET) as they have potential to reduce load on avionic satellite systems or even replace them. Low delays and robust wireless links make AANETs a candidate to transmit safety-critical aircraft data, e.g. in case of an emergency.