The document discusses System-Wide Information Management (SWIM) and how it can transform air traffic management. SWIM introduces a service-oriented architecture to allow more flexible information sharing between stakeholders. Harris has developed a prototype called the Data Exchange that provides a SWIM-like capability as a shared information exchange platform. This network-centric system can accelerate the transition to more collaborative air traffic management as envisioned under NextGen and SESAR initiatives.

1. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
System-Wide Information Management (SWIM)
Today’s Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems are built on a multitude envisioned within the SWIM capability form the basis of net-centric
of legacy systems, developed as point solutions, over long periods in very information exchange services and represent the starting point for
stovepiped environments. These systems follow manually intense Air Traffic achieving this C-ATM model.
Controller (ATC) procedures, delivering products to a fixed set of existing
The Harris team, in partnership with the FAA, has realized a prototype
user communities. This legacy has bound the flexibility of today’s air
net-centric deployment for SWIM referred to as EDx (Enhanced Data
transportation systems, where application programs are encumbered by
Service X). EDx is a SOA implementation in the U.S. National Airspace
point-to-point network and system architectures, prevailing applications,
System (NAS) operational environment that provides a SWIM-like capability
and environments which are typically mired in proprietary protocols and
offered to NAS users as Net-Centric Core Services, through a product
formats for data transport and processing, and are too costly to change.
capability called the DEX (Data Exchange). The DEX forms a data messaging
Information sharing improves situational awareness, enabling the evolution network creating a network-centric information exchange platform, offer-
from a tactical (ATC) model to a performance-based, Collaborative Air ing content that empowers users with tools that enable new models for
Traffic Management (C-ATM) operations model: evolving to a more agile enterprise-messaging through publish/subscribe and Web services.
air space. These drivers require a transformation of current operations,
Following the same methodology as the FAA’s NAS Enterprise Security
embracing new technology, policies, and concepts capable of sustaining
Gateway (ESG), the Net-Centric Core Services is a hosted, shared netcentric
air traffic growth. C-ATM significantly enhances the role and need of
IT and SOA infrastructure, designed as a secure, high availability platform
automation tools with access to system-wide (enterprise-wide) information
available for all NAS stakeholders. Applied to Air Navigation Service
capabilities.
Providers (ANSPs), the DEX infrastructure forms a shared utility service for
The fundamental value proposition of ATM operations is increased infor- all users, yielding a lower total cost of ownership. Physically distributed,
mation integrated into Decision-Support Tools (DSTs). The System-Wide the DEX offers consolidated administration enabling ANSPs to consistently
Information Management (SWIM) initiative introduces a Services Oriented apply security and governance policies while monitoring and controlling
Architecture (SOA) paradigm to airspace management. These technologies information and infrastructure across all stakeholders. What’s more, the
introduce a new model for exchanging information between ATM stake- DEX data messaging network integrates into the existing ANSP network
holders through the use of contemporary development techniques (e.g., infrastructure and supporting information system security and enterprise
Web services). This information exchange paradigm is achieved through service management assets for 24/7/365 monitoring, ensuring that services
SWIM Core Services providing the means to “onramp,” exchange and are available when needed.
manage air traffic information in a secure and reliable manner. Capabilities

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System-Wide Information Management (SWIM) Building on the Harris implemented and managed FAA Telecommunications
Infrastructure permits an evolutionary implementation and facilitates incre-
Harris can maximize the benefits of existing modern telecommunications
mental expansion with the migration to NextGen, and mitigates
capabilities, services, security, and business practices, by easily extending an
transition risk from the legacy, stovepiped environment to a SOA-enabled
overarching, network-centric architecture for SWIM services. This approach
organization, while realizing the immediate benefits of a SWIM-enabled
is well aligned with NextGen and SESAR goals and priorities and provides
ATM. This same technology can be inserted into an existing enterprise
a practical, low-cost path to seamlessly integrate heterogeneous system
network, to enable information services within an ANSP, and enterprise-
components, while facilitating the evolution of the next generation ATM
to-enterprise, ensuring a low risk transition to a SWIM-enabled SESAR.
system. In fact, Harris provides many of the core services required by SWIM,
including security/information assurance, comprehensive network manage- Because of the transformational role SWIM plays in NextGen and SESAR,
ment and enterprise service management, high availability, needed system accelerating the net-centric infrastructure will equip and empower applica-
performance, and quality of service with Service Level Agreements (SLAs). tion programs to develop new capabilities, like supporting trajectory-based
These new infrastructure services can easily integrate into the existing operations, network enabled information access, etc. The DEX provides
ANSP telecommunications infrastructure. The EDX Operational Evaluation a data networking platform, integrated with an FAA-approved Enterprise
has been demonstrated as a vendor agnostic SOA-based IT infrastructure, Security Gateway that can accelerate SESAR and NextGen.
loosely coupled to the network services, providing the NAS an enterprise- The goals laid out for SESAR will transform the way ATM is managed today.
wide shared utility service for information exchange (e.g., messaging). Achieving trajectory-based operations and super-density operations and
Services Oriented Architecture lends itself to net-centric operations, and having network-enabled information access and many other objectives
the DEX is the platform for a network-enabled next generation ATM. As will require current and future ATM application programs and ANSPs to
ANSPs seek ways to mitigate risk and reduce cost, the Net-Centric Core innovate. Establishing the underlying infrastructure for an enterprise-tier
Services offers a flexible, net-centric architecture that will scale via incre- for SWIM is cost effective and efficient, leveraging tools for use across each
mental investment with the migration to SESAR. The DEX is an information ANSP. In achieving a network-centric architecture, systems and services are
exchange platform, compliant with industry open standards and with the made available to any authorized users, better linking ANSPs to other ATM
FAA’s SWIM standards. Current capabilities can be refactored and new stakeholders. Once SWIM, as information sharing-enabler, is in place and
capabilities added at a measured pace that balances funding, risk, technical available to ATM stakeholders, ANSPs will realize increased information
innovation, user acceptance, and program management transition strate- sharing and innovation, leading to more agile airspace management.
gies. Net-Centric Core Services accelerates SESAR by accelerating SWIM, Harris is proud of its long-standing, successful relationship with the Federal
using an enterprise approach to more quickly realize the benefits of a Aviation Administration. Harris is committed to continuing its legacy of
SWIM-enabled ATM. supporting ANSPs with the highest levels of service to help ensure a safe
transition to next-generation air transportation management.
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