DSNA and DFS introduce common safety net system CoSNET

The French air navigation service provider (ANSP) DSNA and the German ANSP DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung have jointly developed the safety net system CoSNET (Cooperative Safety Nets). The ANSPs started to cooperate in 2008 in order to enhance the safety of operations in their area control centres and major approach control units.

DFS introduced CoSNET at its largest control centre in Langen near Frankfurt in December 2013. The implementation at the Munich and Bremen control centres for lower airspace will follow in the second half of 2014. DSNA plans to successively replace the existing safety net servers with CoSNET servers, beginning in autumn 2014 at its approach control unit in Strasbourg.

The development of CoSNET is based on the experience of DSNA with its safety net system which has been in service since 1996. More than eighteen French approach control units already operate with Minimum Safe Altitude Warning (MSAW), Short Term Conflict Alert (STCA) and Area Proximity Warning (APW).

"The collaboration was exemplary. Results of CoSNET will be integrated in our future ATM system. The shared contracting of the development of this new safety net system has led to significantly reduced procurement costs," said Maurice Georges, CEO of DSNA.

Klaus-Dieter Scheurle, Chairman and CEO of DFS, added: "The common project resulted in better cost-efficiency for both partners. The safety net services provided by CoSNET are contributing to the future of ATM and further enhance the safety of operations."

All interfaces and functionalities in CoSNET are in compliance with EUROCONTROL specifications.

Sogeti High Tech was selected as industry partner to provide system development and maintenance for CoSNET. Sogeti integrated an Approach Path Monitor (APM) and adapted the system interfaces to allow CoSNET to interact fully with the adjacent components in the users' ATS systems. CoSNET can provide the safety nets MSAW, STCA, APW and APM.