Madrid/Munich 21-Jun-2022

World ATM Congress 2022: Rohde & Schwarz unveils the future with LDACS

Rohde & Schwarz is deeply involved in the implementation of both ground and airborne LDACS equipment.

LDACS (L-band Digital Aeronautical Communications System), a new air-to-ground communications standard for air traffic communications enables a connection between aircraft and the terrestrial infrastructure, similarly to cellular telephony. Rohde & Schwarz is one of the few manufacturers that is deeply involved in the implementation of both ground and airborne LDACS equipment. Here, the independent company is able to ensure interoperability in ground-based and air communications, better than any vendor.

LDACS allows modern IP-based datalink communications, a cornerstone technology within the Future Communications Infrastructure (FCI) for aviation. It is being standardized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and first flight tests with Rohde & Schwarz demonstrators have successfully validated its capabilities.

Large amounts of data can be exchanged in real time, like flight trajectories or flight plans. This will ultimately enable new ATC concepts like the upcoming four-dimensional (4D) trajectories and sectorless flying, both of which bring the operational benefit of optimal routing and lower fuel usage, which ultimately reduce emissions of CO2 and therefore the impact on climate change.

Rohde & Schwarz, with its decades of experience in VHF, UHF and HF communications, which are used by aircraft pilots as well as air traffic controllers, is best placed to drive the future of LDACS. At WATMC in Madrid, the company unveils its strategy for LDACS and shares a progress update on the technology.

Press & media contact

Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company's leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated a net revenue of EUR 2.78 billion in the 2022/2023 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2023, Rohde & Schwarz had around 13,800 employees worldwide.

R&S® and CERTIUM® are a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.