HEDGE-NEXT
Helicopter Deploy GNSS in Europe - NEXT

The first phase of HEGDE aimed to perform EGNOS flight trials (using the experimental SIS, or the so-called MT0) while HEDGE NEXT is targeting the operational implementation of rotorcraft LPV procedures and the research and development of new navigation concepts or potential EGNOS and Galileo applications for the rotorcraft domain.

Why this project is important for EGNOS/GSA/SatNav?

This project aims to complete the implementation of EGNOS operations in rotorcraft.

Objectives

The HEDGE NEXT project has the following two overall objectives:

• To complete the life-cycle for the implementation of APV procedures in the rotorcraft sector at a multinational level, involving the main Emergency Services Operators;
• To perform R&D towards the full exploitation of EGNOS services in the rotorcraft sector in coordination with the strategies and developments of the main rotorcraft manufacturers.

A team composed of previous HEDGE partners, complemented by different European ANSPs and Rotorcraft operators, has formed a Consortium to:

• Operationally implement Rotorcraft EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service) APV (Approach with Vertical Guidance) in selected sites in Spain, Poland and Switzerland;
• Create low-level RNAV routes that intercept previous SOAP (SBAS Offshore Approach Procedure) criteria implemented in the North Sea;
• Move forward on the development, testing and validation of curved approaches for rotorcraft helicopters using GPS and SBAS as sensors: PinS RNP-AR concept;
• Develop an “e-VFR” (enhanced-VFR) navigation module in order to improve navigational safety in marginal VFR conditions, initially based on EGNOS but in the future enhanced with Galileo services.

How does it work?

By incorporating EGNOS and Galileo systems into rotorcraft.

Next Steps

The project is underway.