The Future Terrestrial Data Link LDACS – Current Status and Way Ahead

The future terrestrial data link LDACS (L-band Digital Aeronautical Communications Systems) is a fundamental part of the future communications infrastructure. As high-performance data link, LDACS is an important enabler for modernizing and improving current air-traffic management as pursued within projects like SESAR, NextGen, and CARATS. For example, with its high performance, LDACS assists the realization of trajectory-based operations. In this contribution, we give a brief overview of the LDACS technology. In addition, we report on achievements within SESAR and other national and international projects. An outlook on future work as planned within the SESAR follow-on program SESAR2020, other national or international projects, and in the framework of ICAO is also presented