Multi-Trajectory Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System with Flight Tests (Project Have ESCAPE)
Abstract
Multi-trajectory automatic collision avoidance techniques for heavy-type aircraft are explored to increase aviation safety. This research includes flight test results from the United States Test Pilot Schools Test Management Project (TMP) titled Have Emergency Safe Calculated Autonomous Preplanned Exit (ESCAPE). The tested algorithm includes both a 3-path and a 5-path terrain avoidance technique that is compared to an optimal solution. The research utilizes Level 1 Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) to analyze the terrain and a 3-Degrees of Freedom (DOF) Equations of Motion (EOM) model to predict potential terrain avoidance paths for the aircraft. The algorithm was flight tested against DTED using the Calspan Learjet to determine actual 3 and 5-path performance, parameter specification, and comparison to the optimal solution. The important recommendations include a need for flexible entry parameters based on current aircraft state, continued evaluation of the terrain during avoidance maneuver execution, and more precise control of the aircraft flight path angle. It is concluded that an acceptable avoidance solution is possible using only a 3-path solution given that all three paths include a climbing maneuver.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 24, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1054202
Entities
People
- John V. Trombetta
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology