(1)Air Traffic Control System Using Multi-Functional Transport Satellite
In order to cope with future increases in air traffic volumes, we need to take steps to radically improve safety and flight control processing capabilities through the use of satellites, such as vastly improving communication between air traffic controllers arid aircraft, and assessing the exact positions of Aircraft over oceans. To this end, as the next-generation stationary meteorological satellite folloi4ving the No. 5 satellite that was launched in March 1995, in FY 1999 we plan to launch the Multi-Functional Transport Satellite (MTSAT stationary satellite) that combines air traffic control communications and other functions. We have been promoting the manufacture of this satellite since FY 1994. Furthermore, from FY 1998 we plan to conduct satellite-based tests on Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS) control in Pacific Ocean areas, in cooperation with the United States of America.
(2)Aircraft Collision Avoidance System
On January 4th, 1996, Ministry of Transport officially started operation of the Aircraft Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) that notifies pilots of The approach of other aircraft and warns them to take evasive action. ACAS uses an inter-aircraft data communication function to warn pilots of the danger of collision and allow them to take evasive action.
(3)Microwave Landing System
A microwave landing system (MLS) is a 2 1st century airplane landing guiding system capable of selecting an appropriate course to enter depending on the type of airplane and on the circumstances of the airport and its surroundings; this system is much more advanced than conventional instrument landing system (ILS), which is limited to a single course to enter.
