Description:
Invention Summary
At the heart of the NextGen Air Traffic Control System, there is the ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast) that provides aircraft location data. Despite its importance, ADS-B has been developed without consideration of security risks and is subject to various types of attacks. Although a number of techniques have been proposed to protect ADS-B, there are many challenges remaining for applying them to real world. We have developed a practical method that can reject virtually all spoofed ADS-B messages by monitoring the radio propagation time between senders and receivers. If ADS-B is adopted in the NextGen ATC, the security risk for the ADS-B can be substantially reduced.
Market Opportunity
According to IBISWorld, over the next five years to 2024 the industry is expected to continue expanding as demand for air travel continues on its upward trajectory. Demand for air travel is increasing over time, which requires airports to facilitate greater numbers of flights and provide efficient air traffic management. Most industry-relevant innovation over the past decade has been focused on the enhancement of air traffic control systems and the implementation of new functional airspace blocks that permit for shorter flight times and a reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, total industry revenue is projected to grow at an annualized rate of 4.9% to $258.0 billion over the next five years to 2024.
Features and Benefits
• Does not require a 3rd party stations (ground stations or other airplanes)
• Requires very small change in the ADS-B frame format (addition of only 8 bits)
• No cryptographic processing is needed, thus the hardware/software is simpler and fast.
• Very low cost of implementation (only firmware upgrade needed)
• Near 100% detection rate
Intellectual Property
U.S. Provisional Patent No.: 62/368,612