Contributor

Andrew Wood

The basic precept of international GNSS is that public services will be available to all users without user charges or other fees. Separately, each system can transmit unique highly classified frequencies–such as the military codes used by the U.S.’s GPS, Russia’s Glonass, China’s Compass and the fee-paying civil applications for enhanced accuracy and integrity signals from Europe’s Galileo–but none affects public services.


But a back-door maneuver could change that arrangement for Galileo. A commercial trading subsidiary of the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) is now seeking royalties from civil GPS receiver manufacturers, based on its patented design adopted for GPS/Galileo interoperability, which is essential to seamless transition between the two. Reportedly, U.S. officials have lodged strong protests to the UK MoD, citing the fundamental precept of free civil access to worldwide GNSS.


However, sources have told AIN that the MoD subsidiary’s charter legally encourages it to seek commercial royalties, although the MoD is reportedly “extremely embarrassed” that its hands are therefore tied. The MoD acknowledges that a solution must be found, since permitting GNSS royalties would have extremely negative consequences.

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Europe’s Galileo Could Come at a Cost to Users

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Avionics package is also available for Beechjet 400A and Hawker 400XP

Citation XLS Gets Elliott’s 100th Garmin G5000 Upgrade

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Coded in the nav database, visual procedures improve safety and comfort

Honeywell FMS Guided Visuals Gain Departure Procedures

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Independent system can help pilots navigate when avionics are compromised

Skyband Taps Iridium To Handle GNSS Jamming, Spoofing

Single-engine turboprop features multiple buttons for easy passenger access

FAA Certifies Garmin Autoland in Epic E1000 AX

Manufacturer of products for legacy aircraft will help ensure long-term support

Ontic Buys SIRS Navigation Magnetic Compass Business

Charles Alcock

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Safety Autoland system is standard equipment on the latest PC-12 model

Garmin Autoland Approved for Use on Pilatus PC-12 PRO

Integrated avionics suite includes touchscreen displays and GFC 600 autopilot

FAA Approves Garmin Retrofit STC for Cessna CitationJets

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Avionics