Test Bed Overview

The future of our nation's ability to move people and goods in a safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible manner depends upon the successful implementation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). NextGen is a complex system of systems that requires significant research, development and implementation of multiple technologies, change of human roles, processes and policies.

Engineering our nation's future air transportation system into reality, The NextGen CNS Test Bed designs, develops, tests and demonstrates future technologies prior to the launch of full-scale operational capability.

The NextGen CNS Test Bed is a collaborative, multi-year research and demonstration program led by Sensis Corporation and sponsored through NASA's John H. Glenn Research Center and the FAA. Current industry partners include Barco, Continental Airlines, Frequentis, GE Aviation, Honeywell International, Lockheed Martin, and WSI.

The NextGen CNS Test Bed involves three Cleveland area airports - Cleveland Burke Lakefront, Cleveland Hopkins International and Lorain County Regional - chosen for their proximity to each other and their representation of three distinct types of airports. Burke Lakefront Airport is a towered mid-size facility attractive to business jets and on demand air taxis. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is a large commercial hub airport. Lorain County Regional Airport is a non-towered, single runway, general aviation airport. These three airports are representative of airports throughout the U.S. located within and near metropolitan areas. Each airport has unique technical and operational requirements regarding evolution to NextGen, yet also require integration within the metroplex to provide safe, efficient aviation services for the projected 2025 threefold increase in traffic.

The NextGen CNS Test Bed includes a demonstration and engineering analysis center at NASA Glenn Research Center and a maintenance and monitoring center at Sensis Corporation in East Syracuse, NY.