FIELD APPRAISAL OF THE STORED PROGRAM ALPHA NUMERIC BEACON SYSTEM (SPAN).
Abstract
The field appraisal of the Stored Program Alpha-Numeric Beacon System (SPAN) was conducted, using the high altitude airspace, at the Indianapolis ARTC Center between April 1965 and February 1966. The primary objective of the appraisal was to determine firm operational and technical requirements for a semi-automatic data processing and data display system designed to track radar beacon targets and present associated alpha-numeric flight data on enroute radar control displays. The track format handoff capability was one of the primary operational advantages of the system. Improvements to the tracking logic are necessary to minimize track coasting, especially in large turns, and to eliminate track format exchange. With minor exceptions, the displayed data and the display controls were found to be satisfactory. Problem areas included controller input workload, beacon data processing and the resulting tracking performance, and equipment reliability. During the appraisal period, maintenance procedures were altered and modifications to the computer program and alpha-numeric generator were made as necessary to improve the reliability and utility of the system. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0647827
Entities
People
- Joseph Levy