What does “ADS-B” stand for and why is it important?

"ADS-B" stands for Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast. This technology plays a crucial role in aviation safety and situational awareness, which is especially important for both manned and unmanned aircraft. It works by enabling aircraft to automatically transmit their position, velocity, and other information derived from onboard systems.

The importance of ADS-B lies in its ability to enhance situational awareness for pilots and air traffic controllers. By broadcasting real-time information, ADS-B allows for improved tracking of aircraft in the vicinity, even in areas where radar coverage may be limited. This capability is particularly beneficial in enhancing the safety of drone operations, as it helps prevent collisions by providing other users of the airspace with vital information about the drone's location and movement.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe what ADS-B represents or its significance in aviation. While tracking is a crucial aspect of ADS-B, the specific phrasing and context of other choices do not capture the technology's function or its benefits to situational awareness effectively.