Conceptual, functional and operational interactions of ATC radars and navigation systems in the framework of future airspace management

Radar-based Air traffic control (ATC) and navigation systems play a pivotal role in current and future airspace management scenarios. With respect to their traditional tasks -i.e., detection and localization of a target, modern radar systems exploit cutting edge technologies for enhanced capabilities. The most notable innovation is Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which allows for rapid scanning of the surveillance volume, better target discrimination and improved resistance to jamming, contributing to enhanced situational awareness. ATC systems are evolving into complex networks with real-time data processing capabilities, integrating automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning, with a data-driven approach enhancing decision-making and enabling efficient routing through optimization of schedules and resources. This paper outlines the cooperative interactions between surveillance technologies and navigation systems, exploring the technologies and the system architectures for ATC and air traffic management (ATM). Current surveillance technologies and radionavigation systems are analyzed in terms of strengths and weaknesses, performance characteristics and their impact on Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) avionics systems developed for mission- and safety-critical applications.