ERA has successfully completed the second phase of the ANASTASIA (Airborne New & Advanced Satellite Technologies in A System Integrated Approach) programme. The project, part of the 6th Framework programme of the European Union, is shaping the future of European satellite navigation, including new technologies to support both Galileo and existing GPS satellite infrastructure, as well as satellite communications.

ERA is part of a consortium, which also includes Airbus, Thales Avionics, EADS and Dassault. The consortium is focused on research, evaluation and cost-benefit analysis to define new integrated navigation technologies which, in combination with avionics, satcom and communication systems, will deliver the future environment required for advanced air traffic management.

Multi-satellite constellations are considered to form the backbone of future Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) solutions. As these systems evolve, the requirement for specialised satellite navigation antennas will increase to support the advanced features of new GNSS applications. Within the consortium, ERA is developing a novel active multi-standard low-cost satellite navigation antenna. The antenna is a multi-band design, which provides an enhanced threat mitigation capability by employing high-impedance surfaces and an advanced RF front end. It is also compliant with the implementation constraints for civil aircraft, including size, weight, power consumption and antenna efficiency, as well as operational factors including maintainability and through-life cost. The antenna is mechanically and electrically compatible with existing aircraft installations and can be implemented as a straightforward replacement.

t The innovative ERA antenna design is subject to a patent application.

During the next phase of ANASTASIA, ERA will produce a technology demonstrator suitable for low-cost manufacturing.

For more information, please contact: vlad.stoiljkovic@era.co.uk or visit: Antenna Systems

About ERA Technology
ERA Technology works at the leading edge of many advanced technologies. The business was founded in 1920 and today provides specialist, high value-added, technology-based services including design and development, testing, assessment and expert advice.

The company has built an international reputation for technical expertise through constant innovation at the leading edge of technology. ERA's services reduce technical and commercial risk, improve the operational performance of engineering infrastructure assets, and enhance the competitiveness of products and systems.

ERA Technology is a Cobham plc company.