Abstract: A ground traffic control system for use in controlling the movement of an aircraft and various other vehicles on the grounds of an airport. The system and methodology involve, with regard to aircraft, the precursor transmission of a full packet of travel-route information (routes and waypoints) that is sent, according to operation of the system, as a singularity just prior to controlled travel of an aircraft. Portions of assigned travel routes that are based upon an assembly of waypoint-to-waypoint data are clearly communicated to an aircraft crew, including communication via specific visual mapping data and are armed with the capability of informing a crew visually exactly where it is in relation to assigned travel instructions. Similar methodology, enabled similar system structure, is used for the control of other airport-related vehicles.

Abstract: A ground traffic control system for use in controlling the movement of an aircraft and various other vehicles on the grounds of an airport. The system and methodology involve, with regard to aircraft, the precursor transmission of a full packet of travel-route information (routes and waypoints) that is sent, according to operation of the system, as a singularity just prior to controlled travel of an aircraft. Portions of assigned travel routes that are based upon an assembly of waypoint-to-waypoint data are clearly communicated to an aircraft crew, including communication via specific visual mapping data, and are armed with the capability of informing a crew visually exactly where it is in relation to assigned travel instructions. Similar methodology, enabled similar system structure, is used for the control of other airport-related vehicles.

Abstract: A ground traffic control system for use in controlling the movement of an aircraft and various other vehicles on the grounds of an airport. The system and methodology involve, with regard to aircraft, the precursor transmission of a full packet of travel-route information (routes and waypoints) that is sent, according to operation of the system, as a singularity just prior to controlled travel of an aircraft. Portions of assigned travel routes that are based upon an assembly of waypoint-to-waypoint data are clearly communicated to an aircraft crew, including communication via specific visual mapping data and are armed with the capability of informing a crew visually exactly where it is in relation to assigned travel instructions. Similar methodology, enabled similar system structure, is used for the control of other airport-related vehicles.

Abstract: A fluid drop system for an aircraft for use in firefighting is described. The preferred embodiment uses electronic control circuitry coupled with a hydraulic controller that opens and closes the fluid tank's door panels to rate-control fluid drops based on fluid volume remaining in the tank. The circuitry produces a command generated drop rate profile based upon manual drop rate and drop fraction selector controls. It does so by constant comparison of the instantaneous volume of fluid remaining in the tank with a predetermined, desired instantaneous remnant volume in accordance with a defined, declining-volume profile, e.g. one defining a constant drop rate. A stabilized feedback control circuit ensures that, at any instant of time, the opening in the tank's door panels releases a volume of fluid that will maintain the remnant tank volume equal to the desired tank volume.

Abstract: A fluid drop system for an aircraft for use in firefighting is described The preferred embodiment uses electronic control circuitry coupled with a hydraulic controller that opens and closes the fluid tank's door panels to rate-control fluid drops based on fluid volume remaining in the tank. The circuitry produces a command generated drop rate profile based upon manual drop rate and drop fraction selector controls. It does so by constant comparison of the instantaneous volume of fluid remaining in the tank with a predetermined, desired instantaneous remnant volume in accordance with a defined, declining-volume profile, e.g. one defining a constant drop rate. A stabilized feedback control circuit ensures that, at any instant of time, the opening in the tank's door panels releases a volume of fluid that will maintain the remnant tank volume equal to the desired tank volume.