Multi-Path Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System for Performance Limited Aircraft with Flight Tests: Project Have Medusa
Abstract
A multi-path Auto-GCAS for performance limited aircraft was developed and improved to prevent controlled flight into terrain. Research includes flight test results from the USAF TPS Project Have Multi-Path Escape Decisions Using Sophisticated Algorithms (MEDUSA). The tested Rapidly Selectable Escape Trajectory (RSET) system included 5-paths which continuously updated at a rate of up to 12.5 Hz. The research employed Level 1 DTED as the offending terrain and an 18 DoF Stitched aerodynamic model to create terrain avoidance paths based on the aircraft's state and location. The system then triggered when all paths predicted collision with the DTED and automatically activated the path which had the longest time until impact. A buffer of 200 ft added to the DTED to allowed for processing and execution of the maneuver. Path prediction error (PPE) was larger than expected for the 30-second path predictions. At 12.5 Hz the RSET system avoided terrain in all cases tested and was able to achieve and maintain target load factor and flight path angle with momentary overshoots, and showed no tendency for nuisance activations. Hand-back was favorable.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 21, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1076353
Entities
People
- Kenneth C. Gahan
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology