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NextGen Now | Summer 2015
display mode. Fusion allows all sensors to be blended, no longer excluding valuable surveillance data.
Operational evaluations of Track Based Display Mode, another way of saying Fusion, in ERAM and SBS
have begun. Initial results were positive, but further analysis is needed.
Microprocessor-En Route Automated Radar Tracking System (MEARTS) is expected to reach operational
use of Fusion at Anchorage Center (ZAN) in early August. A successful operational evaluation in January
2015 paved the way for this effort to move forward. Training and on-site support is expected to occur at
ZAN just before operational use starts.
Other MEARTS sites are expected to conduct an operational evaluation of the airspace in mid-August.
NATCA Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will evaluate automation changes necessary to support 3NM MEARTS
Fusion.
Space-based ADS-B continues its early evolution with the development of a Concept of Operations
document. The current direction is to enhance oceanic search and rescue and expand the use of 30/30
separation standards. FAA has selected Aireon as its contractor, and satellite launches are anticipated to
start in Oct. 2015, with a key site IOC targeted for 2018.
SBS continues to pursue the use of Wide
Area Multilateration (WAM) within STARS.
WAM has been used successfully within
ERAM and MEARTS for some time now.
Charlotte (CLT) is the key site, and a SRM
panel was slated to take place as this issue
of NextGen Now was being assembled.
CLT has struggled to reach Fusion
operations due to the lack of overlapping
radar coverage. WAM will allow the site
to progress toward Fusion, and more
importantly towards ADS-B use.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
