Abstract: A method of predicting performance characteristics of an aircraft including modeling thrust-minus-drag of an aircraft with at least one mathematical model using aircraft specific data and input parameters which define the performance characteristics. Coefficients of the at least one mathematical model are learned over at least one flight. The performance characteristics are predicted as a function of the learned coefficients representative of a combined and non-independent thrust-minus-drag relationship.

Abstract: A feedback control system which uses estimated back electromotive force(EMF) from a controlled actuator to provide feedback into the control system and improve control of the actuator. Back EMF is estimated from current through the actuator and voltage across the actuator. The estimated back EMF signal is fed back into the control system where it serves as a rate term. In the preferred embodiment the back EMF signal is used in combination with an actuator position signal which is also feedback into the control system. A complementary filter conditions both the rate and position signals for improved performance. The invention is particularly suited for controlling linear actuators which do not provide conventional rate feedback signals.

Abstract: A flight critical computer system for an aircraft includes dual independent lanes having two processors in each lane. The first lane has a primary processor and a redundant processor and provides a first command signal. The second lane includes a primary processor and a redundant processor and provides a second command signal. A first monitor compares the primary processor of the first lane with the primary processor of the second lane and generates first comparison signals as a function of disagreement therebetween. A second monitor compares the output signals of the redundant processor of the second lane and the primary processor of the first lane and generates second comparison signals as a function of disagreement therebetween. A third monitor compares the primary processor of the second lane with the redundant processor of the first lane and generates third comparison signals as a function of disagreement therebetween.

Abstract: A housing for fiber optic components reduces stress on optical fibers and protects the components from environmental shock and vibration. The housing includes a protective body having a receiving space wherein the fiber optic component is positioned. A rigid adhesive applied to the fibers in a specific stress reducing profile near the ends of the receiving space secures the component out of contact with the wall of the receiving space without inducing stress on the jacketless optical fibers. A gel support material fills the receiving space surrounding the component and providing vibration isolation. The invention is particularly uses for housing fiber optic couplers which are subject to shock, vibration, and temperature extremes.

Abstract: A method of processing a plurality of tracks representative of one or more target aircraft in a vicinity of a surveillance aircraft, where each track is generated in response to target reply signals provided by the target aircraft in response to interrogation signals transmitted by the surveillance aircraft, includes eliminating a portion of the plurality of tracks which are duplicate tracks of the same target aircraft. The remaining tracks are maintained and updated in response to the target reply signals provided by the target aircraft. A threat level for each of the remaining tracks is determined and two or more of the remaining tracks which are possibly representative of a same target aircraft are merged resulting in a composite track. The composite track is output to a display device utilizing information from a particular remaining track of the composite track having the greatest threat level to the surveillance aircraft while continuing to maintain and update all the remaining tracks.