Necto Aviation
Independent ATM & Surveillance Validation
ED-87 A-SMGCS validation
Independent ED-87 validation for A-SMGCS performance and compliance
A surveillance display may look stable — but true system performance is defined by measurable behaviour in the operational environment. Through structured ED-87 validation, we verify how your A-SMGCS actually performs in the field and whether it meets the precision and reliability required for safe surface operations.
Who this is for
This ED-87 validation is particularly relevant for technical and operational teams who need objective evidence that their A-SMGCS meets required performance levels in real operational conditions — whether for system acceptance, periodic verification, or after configuration changes, upgrades, or long-term operation.
Why this ED-87 analysis
After installation and operational use, A-SMGCS performance can drift due to configuration changes, sensor ageing, or software updates. An independent ED-87 validation provides objective evidence that the system still meets required surveillance performance levels in the operational environment.
This validation focuses on how the A-SMGCS performs in real airport conditions, verifying accuracy, track behaviour, and safety support functions as defined by the ED-87 standard. It confirms whether the system continues to deliver reliable surveillance and supports safe surface movement operations.
Scope note:
We perform site-based validation only. This focuses on integrated system performance in the operational environment. Factory and component-level testing are not included.
What we test for ED-87
We assess integrated A-SMGCS surveillance and controller display performance through relevant parts of ED‑87 Chapter 5:
●5.2 System dependability test – long-term stability and problem reporting analysis.
●5.3 Surveillance service test – validation of surveillance accuracy and track behaviour in live conditions.
●5.4 Airport safety support service test – validation of alerting and safety-net functions. Conducted in cooperation with live traffic or a separately arranged flight. Requires coordination with the airport’s operational staff. We have extensive experience performing these safely at multiple airports.
The following ED‑87 sections are out of scope for our independent service and are typically completed in factory by the manufacturer:
●5.5 Routing ●5.6 Guidance ●5.7 Human-machine interface testing
Before committing to a full ED-87 validation campaign, the Necto Quick Check offers a fast way to review the most critical performance elements. It highlights potential issues early and provides practical insight into surveillance behaviour in operational environments — without requiring operational disruption or dedicated airfield test activity.
How we work
●Intake: We review the A-SMGCS system architecture, sensor inputs, interfaces, and operational setup to define the validation scope and applicable ED-87 requirements.
●Test definition: A structured test plan is created, mapping ED-87 validation parameters to the specific airport environment and system configuration. This ensures traceability between the standard and the executed tests.
●On-site validation: Independent measurements are performed under real operational conditions, focusing on surveillance performance, track behaviour, and safety support functions within the A-SMGCS.
●Analysis and reporting: Results are processed into an interactive online report, providing clear insight into system performance, compliance status, and any identified deviations against ED-87 requirements.
Deliverables
The validation results are delivered through an interactive online report. Each relevant ED-parameter is presented individually with a clear pass/fail indication, supported by the corresponding measurement evidence and traceable references to the executed tests.
The report includes a concise summary statement of conformity, providing an overall view of whether the assessed system behaviour aligns with the applicable standard requirements.
If deviations are identified, these are documented in a structured manner. Each finding is accompanied by a short explanation and a proposed remediation approach, allowing operators or system owners to address the issue efficiently and plan potential follow-up actions.
Standards and references
We work either directly against EUROCAE ED‑87 or ETSI EN 303 213 Part 1 | ETSI EN 303 213 Part 2 | ETSI EN 303 213 Part 3. The applicable baseline and traceable mapping are confirmed at kickoff.
Necto Aviation is a participating member of the EUROCAE Working Group 41 (A‑SMGCS), ensuring alignment with current industry standards and validation practices.
Timeline and pricing
A typical validation campaign consists of two weeks of preparation, followed by one week of intensive on-site testing and approximately two weeks for analysis and reporting of the results.
ED-87 validation can also be performed together with ED-116 Surface Movement Radar testing or ED-117 MLAT validation, allowing the radar sensors, multilateration system, and integrated A-SMGCS performance to be assessed during a single coordinated campaign.
We provide a competitive project-specific proposal based on the local operational context and the selected validation modules. Please contact us for a tailored quotation.
Have questions about ED-87 validation?
ED-87 confirms the performance of the surveillance layer. ED-116 builds on that foundation by validating the safety-net functions that rely on this surveillance data.
Once surveillance performance has been verified under ED-87, ED-117 focuses on the routing and guidance functions that support safe aircraft movement across the airfield.
If you are considering an ED-87 validation or would like to understand what the process would look like for your airport, feel free to reach out.