Turboprop manufacturer ATR is taking part in the EDG²E project (Equipment for Dual frequency Galileo, GPS and EGNOS). Over the next four years, this initiative will develop a dual-frequency multi-constellation receiver, enabling enhanced navigation capabilities. EDG²E is a project led by Thales, under a consortium benefiting from the competencies of ATR and Thales Alenia Space. AKKA, Dassault and DGAC, the French Civil Aviation Authority, will also participate as sub-contractors.
The receiver, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), is the cornerstone of aircraft navigation. The system processes signals from satellite constellations and the Space Based Augmentation System (SBAS) to accurately determine aircraft position, altitude and velocity. The prototype receiver developed under the auspices of the EDG²E project will use signals from US GPS and European Galileo positioning systems, as well as from SBAS multi-constellation EGNOS. The project aims at achieving a prototype demonstration by 2021. The prototype receiver performances will be evaluated during a flight test campaign to be performed using one of the ATR's test aircraft.
Initiated by the European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency (GSA), the EDG²E project aims to support the launch of the Galileo satellites constellation, designed to become the European alternative for the American GPS. ATR's involvement in this Research & Technology (R&T) project is part of a larger commitment to prepare for the future. By steering R&T activities towards technical topics and solutions that are specific to regional aviation, ATR wants to continuously improve the technical design of its products.
