17:28 GMT, December 12, 2008 SELEX Communications will launch SANDRA (Seamless Aeronautical Networking of Datalink, Radios and Antennas), one of the most important projects in FP7 Aeronautics R&D. The project will last 4 years and will have a budget of almost 24 ME (EU contribution 15ME) for a Consortium composed of 32 international partners with strong presence of Finmeccanica and Thales groups.

The SANDRA project will design, implement and validate through in-flight trials an integrated aeronautical communications system based on an open architecture, a common set of interfaces and on well-proven industry standards.

The novelty of the SANDRA approach consists in pursuing integration at different levels:
- Service integration: Integration of a full range of applications (ATS, AOC/AAC, APC) through a Service Oriented approach - Network integration: Based on Interworking of different radio access technologies through a common IPv6 aeronautical network whilst maintaining support for existing network technologies (ACARS, ATN/OSI, ATN/IPS, IPv4, IPv6)

- Radio integration: Integration of radio technologies in an Integrated Modular Radio platform (applying IMA and SDR concepts to communication avionics) allowing to dramatically reduce the size, weight, and cost in avionics with respect to current radio systems implemented as standalone equipments. The modular approach will additionally ensure the possibility to dynamically reconfigure each radio element to operate a specific type of radio link

- Antenna integration: integration at antenna and RF level by means of a very low profile Hybrid Ku/L band SatCom antenna prototype allowing the provision of reliable, low maintenance, broadband connectivity, especially meant for bandwidth demanding passenger and cabin applications.

- WiMAX adaptation : definition and demonstration of a technical profile and architecture for a surface communication system based on IEEE 802.16e Wimax standard for ATS/AOC communications, compliant with SESAR/FCI recommendations.

The air transportation system as we know it is under significant stress. With demand in aircraft operations expected to triple through the 2025 timeframe, there are well-founded concerns that the current air transportation system will not be able to accommodate this growth. New security requirements are affecting the ability to efficiently move people and cargo. In addition, the growth in air transportation has provoked community concerns over aircraft noise, air quality, and congestion.

In this context, an integrated aircraft communication system is of paramount importance to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness by ensuring a high degree of flexibility, scalability, modularity and reconfigurability.