Aeronautical information and meteorological data-link services

Aeronautical Information and Meteorological Management is a key component of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) global Air Traffic Management (ATM) operational concept. This global ATM concept is central to the Joint Planning and Development Office's (JPDO) Next Generation Air Transportation System (NGATS), and underlies Europe's Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) initiative. The availability of timely, accurate, and relevant aeronautical and meteorological information in the cockpit is critical for safe conduct of flight and forms the basis for Air Traffic Management (ATM) decision-making. The data-link of aeronautical and meteorological information will facilitate the creation of a common picture of the airspace situation for all flight crews, air traffic controllers, and airline operations personnel. Change notifications, timely warnings and alerts of threats to safe and efficient flight conduct will be enabled by these services. The ultimate goal is to provide access to on-line, real-time, quality information, and weather services to any aviation user, anytime, anywhere. In this framework, we present operational services and environment of the Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) and Meteorological (MET) data-link services envisaged to be implemented over the next decade in both Europe and the USA. It reflects concepts and system performance requirements currently developed by a joint EUROCAE (WG-76) / RTCA (SC-206) Committee. The envisaged AIM data-link services are presented: aeronautical updates both in textual and graphical fore, synchronization of aeronautical data between on-board and ground systems (exchange of permanent aeronautical data regardless of AIRAC cycles). The MET data-link services are also developed: weather planning, near-term, and reactive decision services.     

The future functionalities of the flight management system

The availability of new Communication, Navigation and Surveillance technologies provides the basis to move towards advanced Air Traffic Management (ATM) concepts. Some of these concepts will impact the airborne Flight Management System (FMS) by introducing new functions with different flight time horizons. In this discussion, two main flight time horizon are defined:The tactical flight time horizon is between 30s and 10mn ahead of the aircraft current position. Airborne separation from traffic, terrain and adverse weather will be introduced in this time horizon as a tactical function.The strategic flight time horizon is more than 10mn ahead of the aircraft current position. Weather datafusion, enroute inflight replanning assistance and air-ground trajectory negotiation will be introduced in this time horizon as strategic functions.The organisation of the associated future flight management system can be synthesised in the scheme (figure 1). The data to be displayed to the pilot for his flight awareness are functions of the flight phase, the type of airspace and of the type of situation encountered.Globally these data can be shared as functions of their flight time horizons, and their topic, as it is described in the table below. In the cells are indicated the flight objects that these data address.SEXTANT as a major avionics manufacturer is leading research and development activities in the area of ATM related airborne flight management functions. Their existing or expected findings are described in this article.     

Application of Ground/Air Data Link to General Aviation Operations

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently upgrading secondary surveillance radars with systems which will have an integral data link capability, the Mode Select (Mode S) beacon system. These new systems will allow two-way data communications between ground systems (e.g., weather databases and Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems) and aircraft that are equipped with data link compatible Mode S transponders and suitable display and input devices. Initial data link services include both weather information and ATC advisories. The MITRE Corporation* is developing an in-house capability to perform end-to-end operational evaluation of data link services. Initially, a low-cost, portable pilot position man-machine interface is being developed for use in general aviation operations. The objective is to explore operational issues in laboratory and limited flight test environments, and to demonstrate these services on a data link I/O device, a laptop portable personal computer (PC) with touch panel. A group of pilots will bench test the interface design, and the results will be incorporated into the design used in flight testing. This paper describes the project's objectives and results to date, including implementation details and pilot test results.     

1553 emulation over ATM (asynchronous transfer mode)-a hybridavionics communications architecture

The issue of meeting the higher communications requirements of future aircraft avionics systems in an incremental manner is addressed. A communications architecture is proposed which is based upon a switched network technology from the telecommunications area asynchronous transfer mode (ATM). However, the major step of migrating all existing avionics equipment into an ATM compliant form is avoided by the process of “emulating” a current avionics data bus such as MIL-STD-1553B over an ATM network. This allows current 1553 subsystems to co-exist with ATM compliant equipment on a single physical ATM network     

Data communications concept for a SATS scenario

The small aircraft transportation system (SATS) concept envisions doorstop to destination transportation in a safe and timely manner. Data communications are a key component in achieving the aviation-related operational performance improvements that are sought. However, data communication doesn't start when you get into the aircraft; it starts back at the location where the flight is planned. In fact, data communications support the pilot in all phases of the flight: flight planning, pre-flight, departure, en route, transition, approach, landing, and rollout as well as for a missed approach. The Internet is being used to perform flight planning activities, and the mobile communications available today support Internet access en route to the departure airfield. On-board the aircraft, data communications provide surveillance and air traffic control (ATC) support to the pilot. The location of other aircraft is available to the pilot and ATC system through automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) and traffic information service-broadcast (TIS-B) applications that transmit the location of other aircraft in the vicinity. Other aircraft locations are used to forecast potential conflicts and, thus, enhance flight safety. As the aircraft nears a SATS-equipped airfield, the pilot uses data link messages to request a landing sequence. The airport management module (AMM) provides a landing sequence assignment to the aircraft. As the pilot maneuvers the aircraft for a landing, he/she is using data-linked surveillance data to determine the location of other aircraft and maintain a safe separation distance between aircraft even in a low visibility environment.     

Possible Applications of Communications Satellites to Offshore Systems

Expanding offshore operations have generated an increased need for communications in both international and domestic areas. The capabilities of communications satellites are presented both as currently existing and as envisioned in the future. The possibilities of using these capabilities in offshore communications systems are discussed especially with regard to the potential of new services brought about by the latest generation of satellites currently under production. Two potentially new types of services are hypothesized. Lastly, progress on the development of a small earth station of low cost suitable for such services is reported. It is concluded that communications satellites hold potential both currently and in the future for various offshore operations.     

The Digital Information Facility

The acceptance and implementation of advanced digital avionics and flight control systems is dependent on the successful integration of these systems into the current and future National Airspace System (NAS). This paper describes a digital avionics systems research facility known as the Digital Information Facility (DIF) developed to provide researchers with the ground systems and air-to-ground interfaces needed to conduct and document experiments involving a mix of new technologies within the existing NAS infrastructure. The DIF supports four NAS functions: Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC), Flight Information Services (FIS), Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) navigation, and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). The DIF also includes the capability to record pilot and air traffic management interactions and document research participant observations. The DIF capability includes connectivity to flight test and simulated aircraft in a fully immersive Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) environment.     

Data link communication equipment approved by USAF for civil air traffic control

Operations within civil airspace will transition from traditional ground-based air traffic control (ATC) to air traffic management (ATM), a concept that requires aircrews and ground managers to share responsibility of aircraft separation assurance. Increased levels of information exchange will be necessary for this concept to work safely; therefore, air-ground communications will transition from voice to data link communications. The nature of data link communications procurement requires that avionics suppliers not only verify their products meet contractual performance requirements, but also demonstrate that their products are compatible with civil communication networks and ATC. In addition, the USAF needs to demonstrate that their crew-training program is adequate to maintain the required level of aircrew proficiency and equipment can be maintained for the required level of system performance, integrity, and interoperability with the civil environment. This paper outlines some of the certification issues facing the USAF with respect to the "Approval for Use" of data link equipment to be used for communication with ATC. It will also suggest a methodology for the avionics supplier and USAF to obtain the approvals required to ensure the installation of data link communications equipment on military aircraft will remain interoperable with civil ATC.     

全信息代表飞行起落疲劳载荷谱编制方法研究

针对某重型歼击机的实际使用特点,在只有少量飞行载荷实测数据的基础上,利用外场飞机实际使用情况,提出全信息代表飞行起落法编制该型飞机疲劳载荷谱的方法,为先进飞机的载荷谱的编制提供一种切实可行的科学理论。     

基于工程经验和层次分析的民机试飞周期影响因素分析及可行性建议

试飞取证是民机研制的重要环节,也是当前国内民机研制亟需补全的短板,过长的试飞周期将给民机研制成本带来极大压力,过度推迟的取证交付计划将会给民机产品的市场竞争力带来不利影响。 基于当前国内民机研制经验,总结民机试飞的类型和特点,对比分析已有国内外民机试飞周期数据,结合国内民机实际试飞过程和工程经验,识别出影响当前阶段国内民机试飞周期的主要因素,并基于层次分析法和实际试飞实施案例经验搭建了民机试飞周期影响因素评价分析模型,对各层级影响因素进行了定量分析,得出减少试飞科目可有效减少试飞周期的结论,并就优先级较高的具体影响因素提出了优化完善建议或可行性方案,给出了民机研发试飞管控建议和取得型号检查核准书( type inspection authorization,简称 TIA) 前试飞科目选取建议,供后续民机研制参考使用。     

战斗机非线性飞行控制技术的研究与发展

战斗机非线性飞行控制技术研究综述。首先介绍战斗机技术发展走向,然后对当前主要战斗机飞行控制设计方案进行分析,并重点介绍神经网络在飞行控制中的应用研究。最后指出,基于神经网络的智能控制方案作为飞行控制的重要研究方向,将为未来先进战斗机飞行控制系统设计提供重要的解决方案。     

Broadband integrated digital information exchange networks foravionics applications

This paper presents the design concept for Broadband Integrated Digital Avionics Information Exchange Networks (B-IDAIENs) for future aircraft applications. The use of B-IDAIENs can improve communication efficiency, flexibility, and capacity compared with using present avionics data buses. To implement B-IDAIENs the supporting techniques, such as wavelength-division multiplexing/wavelength-division multiple access and optical Benes network, are considered. Related optical components are also discussed. It is expected that the proposed B-IDAIENs can efficiently provide real-time video and voice communications, high/low speed data transmissions, parallel communications, and other time-critical services such as urgent signals from warning receivers     

智能材料和结构在变体飞行器上的应用现状与前景展望简

 变体飞行器可以根据不同的飞行条件改变自身形状以获得最优的气动性能,大大提高飞行器的综合性能,是未来飞行器发展的重要方向之一。新型智能材料和结构具有驱动、变形、承载、传感等特点,为变体飞行器的设计提供了新的技术途径。本文根据不同可变形机翼结构分类,详细阐述了智能材料和结构在自适应结构、智能驱动器和变形蒙皮等方面的研究现状。变体飞行器的实现亟需解决变形/承载一体化蒙皮技术、轻质大输出力驱动器技术和自适应结构技术等关键技术,本文还对智能材料和结构未来在变体飞行器上的应用前景进行了展望。     

智能材料和结构在变体飞行器上的应用现状与前景展望

变体飞行器可以根据不同的飞行条件改变自身形状以获得最优的气动性能,大大提高飞行器的综合性能,是未来飞行器发展的重要方向之一。新型智能材料和结构具有驱动、变形、承载、传感等特点,为变体飞行器的设计提供了新的技术途径。本文根据不同可变形机翼结构分类,详细阐述了智能材料和结构在自适应结构、智能驱动器和变形蒙皮等方面的研究现状。变体飞行器的实现亟需解决变形/承载一体化蒙皮技术、轻质大输出力驱动器技术和自适应结构技术等关键技术,本文还对智能材料和结构未来在变体飞行器上的应用前景进行了展望。     

Distributed flight control system using fiber distributed datainterface (FDDI)

The design of fault-tolerant distributed control systems is discussed. The application described is a generic flight control system (FCS) for a fighter aircraft. The system is designed for high redundancy and expandability to meet various requirements. The communication network is based on the fiber distributed data interface (FDDI), which provides a high level of electromagnetic interference resistance and reliability. The choice of fiber optic media also provides an extremely high bandwidth and tremendous growth capability for future communications needs. This study is not specific to FDDI or flight control systems. The methods and configurations presented should be applicable to many real-time control implementations     

Design,modeling, and control of morphing aircraft:A review

A morphing aircraft can adapt its configuration to suit different types of tasks, which is also an important requirement of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAV). The successful development of an unmanned morphing aircraft involves three steps that determine its ability and intelligent: configuration design, dynamic modeling and flight control. This study conducts a comprehensive survey of morphing aircraft. First, the methods to design the configuration of a morphing aircraft are presented and analyzed...     

驾驶舱机组人员自动化系统项目综述

随着自动化技术的广泛发展和应用,驾驶舱实现无人化将成为未来发展的趋势。但现阶段自主技术 的发展和安全性水平使得军用直升机的驾驶飞行仍需飞行员的参与控制。而且,受飞行员生理极限等因素的限 制,有人直升机在作战时间、出动架次等方面存在很多局限。为此,美国国防部及工业界积极开发自主技术。 “驾驶舱机组人员自动化系统（ALIAS）”项目就是其中之一。该项目将自主技术用于现役的有人驾驶飞机, 降低机组人员的工作负荷和提高安全性,同时减少执行任务的机组人员的数量。该项目经飞行演示验证在一定 程度上缓解了飞行员的工作强度。     

FINDER, a system providing complex decision support for commercialtransport replanning operations

Decision-aid systems, likely to appear in future aircraft generations, could play a central role in the cockpit thanks to the broad spectrum of functionalities and decision support facilities they will offer to the crew. As part of such systems, the exploratory FINDER mock-up is a knowledge-based system (KBS) designed to help crew members continually optimize their flight plan by suggesting solutions considering exhaustive information related to flight context, either on pilot request or upon external information occurrence. The successful evaluation by AIR FRANCE pilots of that first mock-up dedicated to diversion procedure on pilot request has led to the current development of an enhanced system with nominal Enroute operations and real-time capabilities. Nominal Enroute operations concern the optimization with respect to an evolutive constraining or favouring environment (due to weather, traffic or regulated areas, ETOPS constraints). This study paves the way for a future Flight Assistant System concept which is already under investigation and may take place in SEXTANT Avionique's future development steps     

面向机载综合监视系统的ADS-B技术综述

广播式自动相关监视（ADS-B）作为机载综合监视系统（ISS）的新增重要组成部分,在保证飞机飞行安全的前提下,在监视成本和效率方面展现出优势,引领了未来监视技术的发展。本文首先介绍了ADS-B系统功能与优劣势,梳理了国内外技术和产品现状;然后从保障飞行安全和高效的角度出发,分析和综述了机载ISS中ADS-B的关键技术,并详细阐述了技术内涵及难点;最后结合下一代空域运行理念,探讨和展望了技术发展趋势,提出了4个ADS-B技术的未来发展方向,为推动ADS-B技术在实际运行与理论研究方面的发展提供参考。     

Firewire in modern integrated military avionics

High performance communications, navigation, and identification (CNI) functions on modern military aircraft are increasingly required for mission readiness. The operation of simultaneous waveforms through an integrated avionics rack of shared resources becomes a test in moving data rapidly from one signal processing stage to the next. The IEEE 1394, or Firewire, is a commercial high bandwidth bus whose 64-bit addressing and maximum 400 Mbits/second throughput satisfies this demanding military avionics interconnect need. The challenge in applying this commercial product to integrated avionics is the requirement to seamlessly add message priority encoding. By having message priorities, the slower strategic communications links will not impair the performance of higher data rate tactical communications, thereby avoiding potentially life-threatening bottlenecks. The flight environment imposes additional challenges to ruggedize the cabling between integrated avionics racks and to utilize the full capabilities of the Firewire bus. A discussion of the physical, data link, network, and transport layers, as used in avionics applications will be done. Additionally, the versatility of 1394 in military avionics with its variable channel sizes, bandwidth on demand, hierarchical addressing, and upgrade to 800 and 1600 Mbps with a 64-bit wide data path, is emphasized. Finally, system maintenance advantages of 1394's hot pluggable features are discussed, with an eye toward cost reduction on the flight line and total operational time of the aircraft avionics systems