SWIM Program Overview

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• |  Updated: 2:04 pm ET October 11, 2007

Background

In the past, the state of the art for connecting two systems required a fixed network connection and custom, point-to-point, application-level data interfaces. Current NAS operations depend upon these legacy information systems with some systems entirely unconnected. The FAA has identified a need to reduce the high degree of interdependence among systems and move away from the proliferation of unique, point-to-point application interfaces.

The need for extensive information sharing between collaborating decision-makers has been described in the NAS Concept of Operations. Flexibility in the distribution of roles and responsibilities in planning and Air Traffic Control (ATC) is essential to the achievement of dynamic collaborative decision making. SWIM integration of various NAS information systems, along with information from NAS users and other information producers, will benefit the NAS by ensuring information interoperability for seamless communications.

The following five shortfalls capture the key deficiencies in the FAA’s current approach to sharing and managing information. They were derived from several FAA reports and official testimony.

1. Costs to develop, test, deploy, and support new interfaces and applications are too high.
2. The NAS is not an agile air traffic system.
3. Data sharing in the NAS is labor-intensive.
4. Timely access to common data is lacking in the NAS.
5. The underlying tools to support becoming a performance–based organization are currently lacking.

System Description

The transformation to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) requires programs and technologies that provide more efficient operations, including streamlined data communications capabilities. The SWIM program is an integral part of that transformation.

SWIM will provide an open, flexible, and secure information management architecture for sharing NAS advisory data and enabling increased common situational awareness and improved NAS agility. SWIM will use commercial off-the-shelf hardware and software to support a loosely coupled service-oriented architecture that allows for easier addition of new systems and connections.