What is the difference between ACARS and ADS-B?
For weather information in-flight or pre-flight which one is used?
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2$\begingroup$ They're two separate protocols. ADS-B is used for transponder reporting and TCAS; ACARS is for relaying information from the company (airline) to pilots. $\endgroup$– verandaguyCommented Nov 18, 2019 at 16:01
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$\begingroup$ Are you referring to FIS-B, rather than ADS-B? $\endgroup$– StephenSCommented Nov 18, 2019 at 16:41
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$\begingroup$ You may add your current understanding of both systems so that we can adapt the answer to address the points unclear to you. $\endgroup$– Manu HCommented Nov 19, 2019 at 7:50
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1 Answer
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One can easily get lost in the alphabet soup that is datalink.
Both ACARS and ADS-B provide datalink applications – which can be broken down in terms of CNS: Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance.
ACARS is used for:
- Communication: includes uplinking (ground → aircraft) weather data upon a downlink request to the company/service provider – not a public service
- Navigation: if you consider flex-routing
- Surveillance: position reports in the North Atlantic for example (CPDLC over ACARS).
ADS-B is used solely for Surveillance; broadcasting (OUT) own location – and can include ownship surveillance by receiving (IN) traffic information.
- If this IN setup is via the UAT frequency, then the aircraft can also receive weather information using FIS-B (free service). Its only relation to ADS-B in this particular instance is the UAT frequency, and it is more of a general aviation (and low-flying commercial) service.
Source: https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/pilot/#fisb
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$\begingroup$ Link has been moved to faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/adsb $\endgroup$ Commented Apr 1, 2023 at 6:48