Verification of ADS-B performance to provide 5 nautical mile separation services in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

• The flight tests and TOO analysis indicate that the virtual radar system reported separation with comparable relative accuracy and equivalent absolute accuracy with respect to the radar system. The results support the conclusion that MSSR and virtual radar data may be used interchangeably to provide 5 NM en route separation using the Host Computer System. • Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for 5 NM en route separation using ADS-B/virtual radars was declared at the Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center on December 17, 2009 • Virtual radar surveillance is currently used in the provision of en route separation services in the Gulf of Mexico