Abstract: A ground-based CFIT warning system provides pilots with CFIT alerts. The system is based upon a ground-based tracking system, which provides surveillance of aircraft, such as the AirScene™ multilateration system manufactured by Rannoch Corporation of Alexandria, Va. The system monitors both horizontal and vertical positions of aircraft. When an aircraft has been determined to be operating below safe altitudes, or too close to obstructions, the pilot is provided with a warning. The warning may be delivered via the pilot's voice communications and/or a data link or the like.

Abstract: The surveillance system provides a means to augment Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) with “look alike ADS-B” or “pseudo ADS-B” surveillance transmissions for aircraft which may not be ADS-B equipped. The system uses ground based surveillance to determine the position of aircraft not equipped with ADS-B, then broadcasts the identification/positional information over the ADS-B data link. ADS-B equipped aircraft broadcast their own position over the ADS-B data link. The system enables aircraft equipped with ADS-B and Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) to obtain surveillance information on all aircraft whether or not the proximate aircraft are equipped with ADS-B.

Abstract: AirScene™, through a unique fusion process, is the only NOMS system to provide such data, digitally, and in a form that is integrated with flight tracks, noise events, complaint, and operations data. Other systems provide only the flight track, noise event, and complaint, and a manual recording of various ATC frequencies. Therefore other approaches do not offer any type of automated correlation of operational information with noise and flight track data. AirScene™ offers users the ability to record, search and query vast numbers of records using all of the above parameters, where available.

Abstract: The surveillance system provides a means to augment Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) with “look alike ADS-B” or “pseudo ADS-B” surveillance transmissions for aircraft which may not be ADS-B equipped. The system uses ground based surveillance to determine the position of aircraft not equipped with ADS-B, then broadcasts the identification/positional information over the ADS-B data link. ADS-B equipped aircraft broadcast their own position over the ADS-B data link. The system enables aircraft equipped with ADS-B and Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) to obtain surveillance information on all aircraft whether or not the proximate aircraft are equipped with ADS-B.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for generating landing fee and other airport service bills automatically. The system automatically detects aircraft N-number from air traffic control voice data using a voice recognition system and determines aircraft landing and departure events from one or more remote sensor units which determine aircraft vicinity or actual aircraft track. From the landing and departure data and the voice-recognized registration number, the system automatically bills aircraft owners for landing fees based upon this voice recognition as well as upon aircraft position detection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for generating landing fee and other airport service bills automatically. The system automatically detects aircraft N-number from air traffic control voice data using a voice recognition system and determines aircraft landing and departure events from one or more remote sensor units which determine aircraft vicinity or actual aircraft track. From the landing and departure data and the voice-recognized registration number, the system automatically bills aircraft owners for landing fees based upon this voice recognition as well as upon aircraft position detection.

Abstract: The surveillance system provides a means to augment Automatic Dependent Surveillance—Broadcast (ADS-B) with “look alike ADS-B” or “pseudo ADS-B” surveillance transmissions for aircraft which may not be ADS-B equipped. The system uses ground based surveillance to determine the position of aircraft not equipped with ADS-B, then broadcasts the identification/positional information over the ADS-B data link. ADS-B equipped aircraft broadcast their own position over the ADS-B data link. The system enables aircraft equipped with ADS-B and Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) to obtain surveillance information on all aircraft whether or not the proximate aircraft are equipped with ADS-B.

Abstract: A system for correlating secondary surveillance radar (SSR) data and ACARS data which results in a real time correlation of data which are unique to the separate existing systems. More specifically, a method is provided to attach flight identification data from ACARS signals to real time SSR data from Mode S transponders. Aircraft Mode S addresses are decoded and then converted to aircraft registration numbers using an algorithm or lookup table. Registration numbers are then correlated with registration numbers from decoded ACARS signals. The result is a real-time system which may provide an aircraft's registration information, including registration number, owner, make, and model, as well as its current flight identification number, and ACARS messages. As part of an aircraft multilateration system, the system provides an independent air traffic control picture complete with aircraft position and identification by flight number without the use of active radar equipment.

Abstract: A system for correlating secondary surveillance radar (SSR) data and ACARS data which results in a real time correlation of data which are unique to the separate existing systems. More specifically, a method is provided to attach flight identification data from ACARS signals to real time SSR data from Mode S transponders. Aircraft Mode S addresses are decoded and then converted to aircraft registration numbers using an algorithm or lookup table. Registration numbers are then correlated with registration numbers from decoded ACARS signals. The result is a real-time system which may provide an aircraft's registration information, including registration number, owner, make, and model, as well as its current flight identification number, and ACARS messages. As part of an aircraft multilateration system, the system provides an independent air traffic control picture complete with aircraft position and identification by flight number without the use of active radar equipment.

Abstract: The surveillance system provides a means to measure Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) and decode identification of signal source transmissions. TDOA and identification information received from a minimum of two receiving means is used to supplement non-cooperative surveillance systems (e.g., primary radar, acoustic sensors) with target identification. The system uses a Line Of Position technique to determine position. The system can be implemented as a standalone multilateration surveillance system, which provides signal source position determination when reception is available from a minimum of two receiving means. The system provides position aiding when implemented to supplement non-cooperative surveillance systems.

Abstract: The accuracy of multilateration systems can be greatly improved by using a correction method based on the SLS (Sideband Lobe Suppression) signal produced by a Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR). Multilateration is a cooperative surveillance technique for aircraft equipped with Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS), Mode S, or Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) transponders. When one of these transponders aboard a vehicle is interrogated, it responds by broadcasting a message based on what the interrogation requests. These reply messages may be multilaterated to determine the source position of the transmission. Multilateration is a Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) technique similar to triangulation. Multilateration can be performed to locate the transmission source of any SSR signal.

Abstract: The accuracy of relative position estimates between two vehicles, generated using a satellite-based navigation system, is improved by eliminating at an early stage in the calculation process, errors affecting simultaneously both receivers. The standard absolute navigation equations are modified to solve directly for relative position, while avoiding a final step differentiation, thereby providing increased precision.

Abstract: The surveillance system provides a means to measure Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) and decode identification of signal source transmissions. TDOA and identification information received from a minimum of two receiving means is used to supplement non-cooperative surveillance systems (e.g., primary radar, acoustic sensors) with target identification. The system uses a Line Of Position technique to determine position. The system can be implemented as a standalone multilateration surveillance system, which provides signal source position determination when reception is available from a minimum of two receiving means. The system provides position aiding when implemented to supplement non-cooperative surveillance systems.