SEMS^®
   AMHS
   TAU^®
   ComGate^®
   DBAIS^®

En español

DESIGNED FOR AMHS

ICAO's SARP ATS Extended Message Service and EUR AMHS Target Profile

Fast and Secure Aeronautical Information

Overview

ATM requirements are growing fast, and all services that support air navigation, particularly AIS, will have to accompany this growth.

Radiocom, Inc. has developed an AMHS AIS Aeronautical Information System named DBAIS^®, which integrates hardware and software components to respond to the increasing demand.

DBAIS^® is based on a data bank that automates completely the AIS (Aeronautical Information Service) using a powerful SQL (Simple Query Language) database server to process and store AIS information such as NOTAM, SNOWTAM, ASHTAM and other reports, providing data or answers to different queries received in order to forward the requested information by using AMHS messages, email, LAN/WAN terminals and Web pages.

DBAIS^® has been designed to work in AMHS environments using P3 protocol to connect with AMHS servers in LAN (TCP/IP) and WAN networks based in X.400 protocols.

DBAIS^® can handle static and dynamic AIS information. If an appropriate Internet Information Server is provided, it can be consulted via Web and it supports different database engines.

Among another advanced features, DBAIS^® incorporates a complete module for statistic calculations showing the results in graphical format.

So it requires no Gateway, specific module or application between DBAIS^® and the AMHS server and all AMHS security services are provided as X.400 native functions  in all communications between DBAIS^® and the servers and AMHS clients.

DBAIS^® is an AIS center in itself, including data storage and treatment of static and dynamic AIS data.

DBAIS^® includes all requirement of the ATS messaging system, integrated self-briefing, NOTAM, OPMET and static data. In fact several functions are provided by the AMHS client terminal that acts as a message composing center with pre-defined formats and message validation functionalities based on an internal database, monitored and updated from the DBAIS^® system (if the AMHS system is installed without DBAIS^®, the Air navigation plan database and updating system are sold separately without any AIS handling functionalities).

The system collects, processes, stores and disseminates according to pre-defined distribution lists aeronautical information required by the aeronautical community and makes it available to all AMHS and AFTN users (such as airlines, pilots, Air Traffic Services and Air Traffic Control).

• Database management functionalities:
  DBAIS^® uses a Management Terminal, where the system settings and processes are established, including domestic and foreign real-time traffic, monitoring of the AIS information received and sent, and all other required functionalities.
   

• Automatic Bulletin Publishing:
  These functionalities to AMHS/AFTN and web users are provided according to predefined distribution lists. These are set through the Management Terminal that are able to setup and store different types of queries, and program automatic unattended routine broadcasting tasks such as PIB reports (Preflight Information Bulletin), verification lists, FIR, Airport reports, etc.
   

• Database interrogation:
  DBAIS^® provides Automatic direct Database Interrogation from AMHS users and indirect Database Interrogation from AFTN users through the ComGate^® and web users through the Internet Information Server.
   

• System Controlled Verification for AIS messages originated in the domain:
  If the information comes from an international source, DBAIS^® stores it automatically, but if it is from a local source, it will be placed (initially) under of system supervisor approval. Once information has been entered and validated against appropriate databases, it is approved and automatically delivered to users through pre-defined distribution lists.
   

• Comprehensive journaling and statistics reports:
  Among another advanced features, DBAIS^® incorporates a complete module for statistical calculations showing the results in graphical format.
   

• Short and long term archive storage:
  Storage is limited only by available hardware and Radiocom Inc. provides as a rule enough storage capacity in redundant storage arrays in order to rule out any possible data loss or shortage of storage space.
   

• Support for a wide range of messaging formats:
  It has been designed to provide data or answers to different queries received using AMHS/AFTN messages from direct clients participating in an AIS LAN/WAN network, email, and from appropriate Web pages.
   

• Redundancy:
  Fully Redundant Master/Standby configuration, with redundant RAID V storage arrays.
   

• Security:
  Numerous security features are used to manage access to the system and its database. Basically it provides all security features inherent to X.400 technology.

The Internet Information Server is based on the latest web application technology, it replicates the information in the DBAIS^® server and is adequately protected behind firewalls in order to prevent security breaches.

System architecture is a fully modular design that uses as much industry standard components as possible (COTS), and provides a flexible and expandable combination of components, enabling upward growth. As described before the complete AMHS system can be tailored to the client’s requirement based on different modules.

The system is developed in accordance with the latest recommendations from ICAO, EUROCONTROL and other relevant organizations such as the WMO.

DBAIS^® was initially designed to work in an AFTN environment but it has been completely redesigned to be integral and seamless part AMHS environments without any need of Gateways or special modules. It is provided with all the X.400 “run time” licenses required to interface directly with the AMHS MTA/MS and to make use of the X.500 directory services provided by M-Vault. In this later character, it is a DUA (Directory User Agent as specified by ICAO Doc. 9705).

Features

DBAIS^® provides the following features:

• It is perfectly suitable to support various AIS/Messaging application scenarios, such as an integrated briefing system or ATS terminal solution.

• DBAIS^® provides graphical overlay of MET information through a specific module to be tailored to client’s requirements.

• DBAIS^® can provide information to one/several integrated remote self-briefing AMHS terminals for pilots and also home briefing via dial-up and internet connection with the Internet Information Server.

• As an integral part of the solution, User Agent Terminal TAU^® provides a powerful wizard for the reliable creation of error-free messages.

• DBAIS^® is able to exchange static data information through XML formats in order to enable migration to the new AICM (Aeronautical Information Concept Model).

DBAIS^® is designed to meet or exceed the requirements of the tender specification and provides all the following facilities:

• Briefing creation.

• MET data entry, validation and management.

• NOTAM operations and data management.

• Basic/Static data management.

• Support for information display and printing.

Three data categories are managed by DBAIS^®:

• Static Data:  Data common to civil aviation and documented in AIP or other related documents.
  Divided into two types of static data:

  • Document data: that includes FIR, aerodrome, NavAids, area maps, rules and other documents related to these subjects.

  • Basic Air Navigation Plan Data: Data required by the system to enable NOTAM and FPL checking and validation, e.g. reference lists. This database is also mirrored in each TAU^®, and periodically updated from the basic database in the AIS server. The server has a Static Database in AIXM format included.

• Dynamic Data: NOTAM, SNOWTAM, and related messages (checklist, repeat, reply), Bulletins, MET data.

Bulletin distribution with DBAIS^® is set up in four easy steps

STEP 1:

Enter Distribution list pop up screen and set Name and describe the bulletin task to be set up.

STEP 2A:

Choose Members Tab and click on the “Select members...” button.

STEP 2B:

Choose bulletin recipients from the list of available recipients.

After click in "OK" button, the selected members are included in the Distribution List.

STEP 3:

Enter "Distribution Criteria" Tab and select which messages will be included in the bulletin:

STEP 4:

Enter the “New Job” pop up screen and set general characteristics (some might not apply or can more widely used for other messages and therefore must be left blank) and with the distribution schedule tab set up distribution intervals.

After this, job schedule can be modified.

Easy to use

DBAIS^® uses a Management Terminal, where the system settings and processes are established, including domestic and foreign real-time traffic, monitoring information received and sent.

The Management Terminal is able to setup and store different types of SQL queries, program automatic unattended routine broadcasting tasks as PIB reports (Preflight Information Bulletin), verification lists, FIR and Airport reports, etc.

The high number of automated tasks it can perform makes DBAIS^® a very secure, efficient and stable system, allowing great customizing flexibility.

The system automation allows unattended tasks. To achieve this, the supervisor needs to specify some parameters as address and time schedule. This feature is specially useful to release the pre-flight bulletins (PIB), checklists and the results of different queries.

The available information in the database may be either local or international and it can be received from different networks such as ATN or AMHS in different formats, email, Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML), Web pages or simply filling up templates.

If the information comes from an international source, DBAIS^® stores it automatically, but if it is from a local source, it will be put (at a first stage) under the approval of system supervisor.

Once information has been entered and validated onto the database, it is automatically delivered to any location through pre-defined distribution lists.

DBAIS^® will also answer automatically to the queries received, for example: Pre-flight Information Bulletin (PIB), Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP), Aeronautical Information Circulars (AIC), amendments MET and any AIS related information.

Connectivity

Working on LAN connection (TCP/IP), DBAIS^® interacts with a control workstation managing message traffic, applying severe format rules and verifying the integrity of the messages.

The DBAIS^® server can be interconnected with a Web Server and directly to the MTA/MS of the AMHS network through a LAN link.

A Web server provides the information to Internet, so this server will extract stored data to answer inquires through a Web browser.

Statistics

DBAIS^® shows statistical graphs using several analysis criteria whose parameters can be modified, for example: time and date, message type (published, sent or received), analysis interval and graph type.

Thanks to this, several types of statistic graphs can be obtained, such as Message quantity by month, by hour, etc.

The graphical module is fully customizable, and it includes bars or columns, horizontal or vertical and other popular view styles, in 2D or 3D format.

The graphs can be exported or saved to be analyzed later.

Integration

The characteristics of developments such as TAU^® Intelligent Terminal, ComGate^® and DBAIS^®, allow the addition of special requirements of user administrations, as well as the application in different languages.

The set of products developed by Radiocom, Inc. are an effective solution to all services related to Air Traffic Management allowing administrations to operate faster and much more efficiently.

Technical Description

• 32-bit multitasking software (running on background and foreground).

• Real-time processing.

• X.400 networks and X.500 directory services compatibility to comply with ICAO SARP for AMHS systems.

• Radio communication links.

• Customized settings.

• Multiplatform database.

• LAN/WAN network protocol compatibility over TCP/IP and X.25, Frame Relay, and link capability to email systems.

• Remote management and monitoring through SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol).

• ASCII and Baudot codes.

• IA5 and ITA2 alphabets.

• User management and system control by privilege assignments.

• Multi-user platform.

• Full compliance with ICAO SARP and ITU recommendations and standards.

• Multiple connection capabilities through a wide range of devices.

• Friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) in English or Spanish.

• Uses all templates and documents required for ATC.

• Minimum hardware requirements.

Copyright © Apr-05/Nov-08  RADIOCOM, Inc.
Last site modification: 07-Nov-2008