Advancing Industry Standards: WG-119/SC-239 Aligns to Meet Evolving Radar Altimeter Needs

EUROCAE and RTCA are pleased to announce WG-119/SC-239 have a firm and durable date to complete the Radar Altimeter Minimum Operational Performance Standard (MOPS). To support this date, ED-310/DO-399 “Standard Guidance Document on Radar Altimeter RF Interference, Rejections, and Tolerance”, is no longer planned for completion.

Following discussions within the EUROCAE Technical Advisory Council (TAC), and the RTCA Program Management Committee (PMC), the Working Group/Special Committee has reshaped its scope to prioritise the publication of a fully validated Low Range Radar Altimeter MOPS. This will ensure that the new standard is ready to support certification approvals and the deployment of compliant equipment. The updated Terms of Reference (TOR) for WG-119/SC-239 were approved during its plenary on 30 January 2025, setting a timeline for Final Review and Comment/Open Consultation (FRAC/OC) no later than September 2026 and a final publication no later than March 2027.

The content developed for ED-310/DO-399 played a valuable role in shaping the Interference Tolerance Mask requirements and setting expectations for the performance of the next generation of Low Range Radar Altimeters. Additionally, this effort contributed to strengthening collaboration between the aviation and telecommunications communities.

We extend our gratitude to all the technical experts seeking firm, high-quality requirements to allow more efficient use of spectrum.

If you would like to join the work of WG-119/SC-239, please reach out to Mark Watson (EUROCAE) or Rebecca Morrison (RTCA).