Imagine if airplanes and air traffic control could talk to each other using a super-fast, secure internet connection instead of old-fashioned radio. This project builds a digital backbone for the sky, similar to how 5G works on the ground, but for aircraft. It ensures that flight data moves instantly and safely, regardless of where the physical servers are located.
Current air-ground communications are too slow and rigid, relying on physical location. This limits the ability to manage complex 4D flight trajectories and increases operational costs.
A digital backbone for aviation including LDACS terrestrial datalinks, IP-based satellite communications, and a cyber security framework for CNS.
If you are an aircraft manufacturer dealing with outdated cockpit communication systems — this project developed integrated digital CNS solutions like LDACS that provide high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity. This allows for more precise 4D trajectory management and safer flights.
If you are a satellite provider dealing with fragmented air-ground data links — this project developed space-based CNS and IP-based communications. This enables the delivery of broadband services to support demanding air traffic management applications.
If you are a security firm dealing with vulnerabilities in air traffic networks — this project developed a collaborative cyber security framework for CNS. This protects the digital backbone from threats while automating technical processes like dataset updates.
Based on available project data, specific pricing is not mentioned, but the project focuses on a business-oriented approach to deliver capabilities in a cost-effective manner.
The project is currently defining, validating, and assessing 4 solutions. It aims to provide the digital backbone required for European sky applications, moving toward a performance-based service offer.
Based on available project data, IP details are not specified, but the consortium consists of 25 partners, including 22 industry players, suggesting a collaborative commercialization path.
It uses IP-based communications and LDACS to decouple service provision from physical infrastructure, allowing for a more flexible 'infrastructure as a service' model.
The project period runs from 2023-06-01 to 2026-05-31.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven, with 22 out of 25 partners coming from the private sector (88% industry ratio). This high concentration of commercial players across 10 countries, led by Leonardo, indicates a strong push toward commercial viability rather than pure academic research.
Contact Leonardo S.p.A. regarding the FCDI project
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