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German Armed Forces
July 03, 2024

ESSP and the German Armed Forces sign an EGNOS Working Agreement


Copyright: German Armed Forces

The signing of an EGNOS working agreement (EWA) between the European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP) and the German Armed Forces marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between civil and military aviation sectors. This agreement will enable the implementation of new EGNOS-based procedures in German airspace

ESSP, as EGNOS Service Provider, and the German Armed Forces, have signed an EGNOS Working Agreement (EWA) in May 2024 as a key step for the upcoming implementation of EGNOS-based procedures.

The German Armed Forces, which main mission is to secure the airspace and air transport, will utilize the EGNOS Safety of Life Service to enhance its navigation capabilities, particularly for precision approaches and landings in challenging conditions.

As you know, EGNOS is the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service. It provides an augmentation signal to the Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Positioning Service (SPS). The EGNOS service enables RNP APCH (Required Navigation Performance Approach) down to 200 feet (~60 meters) and RNP 0.3 routes for helicopters.

With the adoption of EGNOS in the near future, the German Armed Forces will also experience an improvement in its operational capabilities, reducing the risk of accidents and increasing mission success rates. The EGNOS Safety of Life Service ensures that these enhanced capabilities meet the stringent safety requirements necessary for military aviation.

As Christian Fenner, Air Operations Command and Flight Procedure Designer, said: “We want to provide SBAS at the most military aerodromes in Germany, first user will be Ramstein (ETAD) and Spangdahlem (ETAD). Later we will create a new RNP APCH including SBAS for Rostock (ETNL), our military-civilian airport. The US-Army is also very interested in these procedures in Germany.“

This agreement is part of the EU Space Programme's efforts to achieve the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and accuracy in aviation through Satellite-Based Navigation Protocol. The broader adoption of EGNOS, facilitated by agreements like this, contributes to improved aviation safety across Europe. As more military and civil aviation users integrate EGNOS into their operations, the overall safety and reliability of the European airspace system are enhanced. This benefits both passenger safety and the efficiency of air traffic management.

Additionally, this agreement signifies a strengthening of civil-military cooperation in satellite-based navigation. By collaborating, both civil and military aviation sectors can share knowledge, expertise, and resources to enhance overall navigation capabilities.