Optimization & modernization of legacy navigation infrastructure

Abstract

As increasingly advanced systems continue to emerge within the aviation industry, existing systems are expected to evolve accordingly. For this reason, both world’s leading aviation authorities - the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) - emphasize a shared and consistent message: despite the rapid and exponential growth of new technologies, it remains essential to preserve and maintain the legacy navigation infrastructure. This paper begins with an introduction, followed by a brief overview of the early development of GroundBased Navigation (GBN). I then provide clear definitions of the main types of GBN equipment, accompanied by detailed explanations of their function and relevance. Afterward, I outline the methodology used in this study, describing the different phases of work that contributed to the results. Subsequently, I present and compare the current state of GBN equipment in Portugal, considering the characteristics of Portuguese airspace previously described. Finally, it will be discussed also the potential optimization and modernization of this infrastructure - exploring whether these systems shouldbe integrated, upgraded, or gradually phased out, according to truthful literature.