- At the 23rd International Flight Inspection Symposium (IFIS), to be held in San Salvador from May 4 to 8, 2026, Rohde & Schwarz will exhibit its test and measurement solutions for ground navigation aids, addressing the increasing volume of air traffic and current safety protocols.
The R&S EVSD1000 analyzer is among the solutions being presented. This receiver is designed for measuring instrument landing systems (ILS), ground support systems (GBAS), and VHF omnidirectional beacons (VOR). The device complies with the technical requirements defined by ICAO (Doc 8071 and Annex 10).
The R&S®EVSD1000 VHF/UHF drone/navigation analyzer (pictured) is a signal level and modulation analyzer designed for use on board medium-sized drones. It measures signals from ground stations such as ILS, GBAS, and VOR during startup, maintenance, and servicing, and analyzes air traffic control (ATC COM) communication signals.
Using this receiver on a drone allows for inspections without systematically resorting to manned flights. This method aims to reduce operational costs while ensuring continuous measurement during flight phases. The system integrates an air-to-ground Wi-Fi data link and geolocation capabilities for recording measurement data under real-world conditions.
Technical Challenges in Airport Environments
In addition to the equipment exhibition, Rohde & Schwarz will participate in technical sessions addressing the challenges of operating drones in airport environments with high radio frequency (RF) density. The presentations will focus on the constraints related to measurement accuracy in the presence of interference and the need to maintain laboratory standards at remote navigation sites or in the immediate vicinity of runways.
The stated objective of the German manufacturer is to provide airlines, airport operators, and navigation service providers with tools for the certification and maintenance of ground guidance infrastructure. The IFIS 2026 symposium will thus serve as a platform to validate these processes through technical workshops and in-flight validation activities.
