Abstract: Various methods can, for example, depict information for use by a pilot or other individual in an aircraft. In an exemplary embodiment, the method may include providing, in a hardware display, a graphical vertical profile displaying an aircraft to the pilot of the aircraft. This method may further include providing, in the vertical profile, an indication of the relative speed of at least one other aircraft and a graphical indication of a clearance window for vertical maneuvers for the aircraft of the pilot. Further embodiments of the present invention concern systems and software for implementing the related method embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: There is provided an avionics system that provides several avionics functions within a single LRU. In one embodiment, the system comprises a software-configurable RF assembly, one or more processor assemblies that are configured to provide multiple TAWS/TCAS/Mode S/ADS-B/ATC functions, interfaces to allow connections to aircraft electronics and data loaders, and multipurpose antennas. In one embodiment, a common processor architecture allows generic avionics processors to be configured to operate a number of TAWS/TCAS/Mode S/ADS-B/ATC functions without the need for multiple LRUs, and software-defined RF functions allow RF circuitry that interfaces to the processors to handle current and future communication needs.

Abstract: There is provided an avionics system that provides several avionics functions within a single LRU. In one embodiment, the system comprises a software-configurable RF assembly, one or more processor assemblies that are configured to provide multiple TAWS/TCAS/Mode S/ADS-B/ATC functions, interfaces to allow connections to aircraft electronics and data loaders, and multipurpose antennas. In one embodiment, a common processor architecture allows generic avionics processors to be configured to operate a number of TAWS/TCAS/Mode S/ADS-B/ATC functions without the need for multiple LRUs, and software-defined RF functions allow RF circuitry that interfaces to the processors to handle current and future communication needs.

Abstract: There is provided an avionics system that provides several avionics functions within a single LRU. In one embodiment, the system comprises a software-configurable RF assembly, one or more processor assemblies that are configured to provide multiple TAWS/TCAS/Mode S/ADS-B/ATC functions, interfaces to allow connections to aircraft electronics and data loaders, and multipurpose antennas. In one embodiment, a common processor architecture allows generic avionics processors to be configured to operate a number of TAWS/TCAS/Mode S/ADS-B/ATC functions without the need for multiple LRUs, and software-defined RF functions allow RF circuitry that interfaces to the processors to handle current and future communication needs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention enhance existing ITP (In-Trail Procedure) algorithms by providing additional information to the flight crew. The additional information may enable the flight crew to appropriately modify own aircraft airspeed, and thereby, ground speed, in order to qualify for ITP procedures.

Abstract: A delineated collision avoidance system may comprise a processor for executing one or more instructions that implement one or more functions of the collision avoidance system, a transceiver for transmitting information from and receiving information for the host aircraft, and memory for storing the one or more instructions for execution by the processor to implement the one or more functions of the collision avoidance system to: receive from the transceiver information from another aircraft, generate from the received information a track for the other aircraft, and determine whether the track will intersect within a predefined period of time a region of interest around the host aircraft. In a variation, the system may include a display and the memory may include instructions to: determine whether a predefined condition is satisfied and change an appearance of a symbol shown on the display to indicate that the predefined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: An aircraft control system is delineated for a host aircraft, the system comprising a processor for executing one or more instructions that implement one or more functions of the aircraft control system, a transceiver for transmitting information from and receiving information for the host aircraft, and memory for storing the one or more instructions for execution by the processor to implement the one or more functions of the aircraft control system to: receive from the transceiver information from another aircraft, and generate from the received information a signal for use in the host aircraft to control separation between the host aircraft and the other aircraft while the aircraft are within a predefined range of a location where the aircraft plan to land.

Abstract: A vertical profile for an in-trail procedure can provide a pilot with enhanced situational awareness. Such a vertical profile may be able to provide a graphical indication of a clearance window for change in altitude procedures, as well as the underlying bases for such a window. A method can include providing, in a hardware display, a graphical vertical profile displaying an aircraft to a pilot of the aircraft. The method can also include providing, in the vertical profile, an indication of the relative speed of at least one other aircraft and a graphical indication of a clearance window for vertical maneuvers for the aircraft of the pilot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method. The method includes receiving data representing a position of a host aircraft, and based on the position of the host aircraft, receiving data extracted from a database representing an elevation of at least one of a terrain and an obstacle surrounding the host aircraft. The method further includes displaying, on a display, information including the position of the host aircraft and the extracted data, and identifying a subset of the displayed information as relevant for situational awareness. Further, the method includes displaying, on the display, an indicia of a maximum elevation within the subset of the displayed information.

Abstract: There is presented a system and method for providing aircraft runway guidance. One delineated runway alert system for a host aircraft comprises: a processor for executing one or more instructions that implement one or more functions of the runway alert system; a data storage device including geographical runway information; a receiver for obtaining current location data of the host aircraft; an apparatus to provide a current heading of the host aircraft; a data entry device for receiving data indicating a desired runway; memory for storing the one or more instructions for execution by the processor to implement the one or more functions of the runway alert system to: receive the identity of the desired runway; provide an indicia of: the desired runway; and the position of the host aircraft in relation to the desired runway.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention enhance existing ITP algorithms by providing additional information to the flight crew. The additional information may enable the flight crew to appropriately modify own aircraft airspeed, and thereby, ground speed, in order to qualify for ITP procedures.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for preventing aircraft collisions with forward looking terrain avoidance (FLTA) functionality based on a terrain avoidance profile used to evaluate potential terrain threats based on the projected flight path of an aircraft in flight, and a clear terrain profile to determine whether the terrain threat has been cleared. If the terrain avoidance profile conflicts with terrain, a collision threat may exist whereby the pilot is notified and a terrain avoidance maneuver is executed. During the terrain avoidance maneuver the clear terrain profile extends in a direction substantially parallel with the horizon at or near the present altitude of the aircraft to check whether it is safe to return to the previous flight path angle or otherwise end the terrain-avoiding maneuver. When the clear terrain profile no longer conflicts with the terrain threat, a terrain clear indicator is then issued to the pilot.

Abstract: There is provided an avionics system that provides several avionics functions within a single LRU. In one embodiment, the system comprises a software-configurable RF assembly, one or more processor assemblies that are configured to provide multiple TAWS/TCAS/Mode S/ADS-B/ATC functions, interfaces to allow connections to aircraft electronics and data loaders, and multipurpose antennas. In one embodiment, a common processor architecture allows generic avionics processors to be configured to operate a number of TAWS/TCAS/Mode S/ADS-B/ATC functions without the need for multiple LRUs, and software-defined RF functions allow RF circuitry that interfaces to the processors to handle current and future communication needs.

Abstract: There is presented a system and method for providing aircraft runway guidance. One delineated runway alert system for a host aircraft comprises: a processor for executing one or more instructions that implement one or more functions of the runway alert system; a data storage device including geographical runway information; a receiver for obtaining current location data of the host aircraft; an apparatus to provide a current heading of the host aircraft; a data entry device for receiving data indicating a desired runway; memory for storing the one or more instructions for execution by the processor to implement the one or more functions of the runway alert system to: receive the identity of the desired runway; provide an indicia of: the desired runway; and the position of the host aircraft in relation to the desired runway.

Abstract: A delineated collision avoidance system may comprise a processor for executing one or more instructions that implement one or more functions of the collision avoidance system, a transceiver for transmitting information from and receiving information for the host aircraft, and memory for storing the one or more instructions for execution by the processor to implement the one or more functions of the collision avoidance system to: receive from the transceiver information from another aircraft, generate from the received information a track for the other aircraft, and determine whether the track will intersect within a predefined period of time a region of interest around the host aircraft. In a variation, the system may include a display and the memory may include instructions to: determine whether a predefined condition is satisfied and change an appearance of a symbol shown on the display to indicate that the predefined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: An aircraft control system is delineated for a host aircraft, the system comprising a processor for executing one or more instructions that implement one or more functions of the aircraft control system, a transceiver for transmitting information from and receiving information for the host aircraft, and memory for storing the one or more instructions for execution by the processor to implement the one or more functions of the aircraft control system to: receive from the transceiver information from another aircraft, and generate from the received information a signal for use in the host aircraft to control separation between the host aircraft and the other aircraft while the aircraft are within a predefined range of a location where the aircraft plan to land.

Abstract: A subsystem of an avionics system is operated in a first mode for receiving software via a port; and in a second mode in accordance with a circuit that includes a terminator coupled to the port. By using the terminator to convey information regarding a desired configuration for operation in the second mode, communication and wiring is avoided between subsystems of the avionics system for conveying such information. In one implementation, operation in the second mode includes performing a collision avoidance function (e.g., providing a TCAS advisory). Configuration information in accordance with the circuit may specify an arrangement of shared antennas between multiple transponders and/or mode changes related to using an antenna for a collision avoidance function in a hijack mode of operation.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for preventing aircraft collisions with forward looking terrain avoidance (FLTA) functionality based on a terrain avoidance profile used to evaluate potential terrain threats based on the projected flight path of an aircraft in flight, and a clear terrain profile to determine whether the terrain threat has been cleared. If the terrain avoidance profile conflicts with terrain, a collision threat may exist whereby the pilot is notified and a terrain avoidance maneuver is executed. During the terrain avoidance maneuver the clear terrain profile extends in a direction substantially parallel with the horizon at or near the present altitude of the aircraft to check whether it is safe to return to the previous flight path angle or otherwise end the terrain-avoiding maneuver. When the clear terrain profile no longer conflicts with the terrain threat, a terrain clear indicator is then issued to the pilot.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for preventing aircraft collisions with forward looking terrain avoidance (FLTA) functionality based on a terrain avoidance profile used to evaluate potential terrain threats based on the projected flight path of an aircraft in flight, and a clear terrain profile to determine whether the terrain threat has been cleared. If the terrain avoidance profile conflicts with terrain, a collision threat may exist whereby the pilot is notified and a terrain avoidance maneuver is executed. During the terrain avoidance maneuver the clear terrain profile extends in a direction substantially parallel with the horizon at or near the present altitude of the aircraft to check whether it is safe to return to the previous flight path angle or otherwise end the terrain-avoiding maneuver. When the clear terrain profile no longer conflicts with the terrain threat, a terrain clear indicator is then issued to the pilot.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for preventing aircraft collisions with forward looking terrain avoidance (FLTA) functionality based on a terrain avoidance profile used to evaluate potential terrain threats based on the projected flight path of an aircraft in flight, and a clear terrain profile to determine whether the terrain threat has been cleared. If the terrain avoidance profile conflicts with terrain, a collision threat may exist whereby the pilot is notified and a terrain avoidance maneuver is executed. During the terrain avoidance maneuver the clear terrain profile extends in a direction substantially parallel with the horizon at or near the present altitude of the aircraft to check whether it is safe to return to the previous flight path angle or otherwise end the terrain-avoiding maneuver. When the clear terrain profile no longer conflicts with the terrain threat, a terrain clear indicator is then issued to the pilot.