Cambridge Pixel Supports BAE Systems Flight Trials with Aircraft Tracking Technology

Cambridge Pixel has completed a five-year collaboration with BAE Systems, providing tracking technology that supports aircraft telemetry during live flight trials. The key products used are the SPx Fusion Server and ASD-100 display software, which help maintain accurate tracking of aircraft positions and support the recovery of telemetry links when connections are lost.

In live trials, aircraft positions are tracked using a directional antenna at the ground station. However, tracking can fail if the aircraft moves out of line of sight, flies behind terrain, or enters areas with limited signal reception. To solve this, Cambridge Pixel’s system uses ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) data collected from multiple receivers. The SPx Fusion Server combines this data to produce a fused track, which gives a more accurate and continuous estimate of the aircraft’s position. The fused track is displayed on the ASD-100, enabling operators to steer the antenna toward the aircraft and restore the telemetry link.

This approach relies on data fusion, a method where information from multiple sources is combined to improve accuracy and reliability. By merging ADS-B data from several receivers, the system can maintain tracking even when some data points are missing or delayed. Over five years, this system has operated without failures, demonstrating its reliability in demanding test conditions. BAE Systems continues to receive updates and maintenance for the system, keeping it aligned with evolving operational requirements.

Similar tracking technologies exist in both military and civil aviation. For example, Thales TopSky ADS-B tracking and Leonardo’s NCTR (Non-Cooperative Target Recognition) systems also use multiple sensors and data fusion to maintain aircraft tracking when direct radar or line-of-sight links are unavailable. In civil aviation, systems like Honeywell’s ADS-B solutions provide redundant tracking data to ensure aircraft position is known at all times, even in challenging environments.

According to BAE Systems’ Ground Systems Lead Engineer, “Cambridge Pixel’s system provides a reliable method to recover telemetry links in challenging environments. Ongoing support helps us meet changing requirements.” David Johnson, Director at Cambridge Pixel, added, “We are glad to provide technology that helps BAE Systems manage aircraft tracking during flight trials. This project shows how our products can work with complex aerospace systems to support tracking and sensor control.”

By using multiple ADS-B receivers, data fusion, and real-time display, Cambridge Pixel’s technology ensures consistent tracking of aircraft during flight trials. Such systems are increasingly important as flight testing becomes more complex, helping operators maintain reliable telemetry and safe operations.