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India to have space-based air navigation by 2007
India will be one of the few countries in the world to have a satellite based air navigation system by 2007 that will be a hub of varied services for the region, senior Indian aviation officials said in New Delhi.
India will be one of the few countries in the world to have a satellite based air navigation system by 2007 that will be a hub of varied services for the region, senior Indian aviation officials said in New Delhi.
"India will not only meet the 2010 deadline set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) but complete its transition to a space-based navigation system much ahead of it," Civil Aviation Secretary K Roy Paul told newspersons in New Delhi on Monday.
Paul said that India was one of the few countries to go for an augmentation system that would have a coverage area far beyond the designated Indian airspace. "It will be completed by 2007."
The ICAO has set a deadline of 2010 for the transition of air navigation from ground to satellite-based system, but officials said it was likely to be extended.
The system, providing satellite-based communications, navigation and surveillance in air traffic management, would have the potential to be a regional service provider.
"The system will provide accuracy and take aviation safety to higher levels," Paul said.
Indian aviation and space authorities are working closely with the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and other American experts to develop the system. The US will soon put its own satellite navigation system to operation, followed by Europe and Japan.
"The Airports Authority of India (AAI) being a late starter has to work very hard if it has to put in operation the system within the stipulated time frame. But it will have the advantage of drawing from the expertise and experience of the FAA," Paul said.
Paul asserted that India "did not need financial help" but was looking for transfer and sharing of knowledge and expertise from the US
The US-based Raytheon Company is one of the bidders for the implementation of the first phase of the programme, costing some Rs 800 million to the Indian government.
Bureau Report
Paul said that India was one of the few countries to go for an augmentation system that would have a coverage area far beyond the designated Indian airspace. "It will be completed by 2007."
The ICAO has set a deadline of 2010 for the transition of air navigation from ground to satellite-based system, but officials said it was likely to be extended.
The system, providing satellite-based communications, navigation and surveillance in air traffic management, would have the potential to be a regional service provider.
"The system will provide accuracy and take aviation safety to higher levels," Paul said.
Indian aviation and space authorities are working closely with the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and other American experts to develop the system. The US will soon put its own satellite navigation system to operation, followed by Europe and Japan.
"The Airports Authority of India (AAI) being a late starter has to work very hard if it has to put in operation the system within the stipulated time frame. But it will have the advantage of drawing from the expertise and experience of the FAA," Paul said.
Paul asserted that India "did not need financial help" but was looking for transfer and sharing of knowledge and expertise from the US
The US-based Raytheon Company is one of the bidders for the implementation of the first phase of the programme, costing some Rs 800 million to the Indian government.
Bureau Report