Abstract: A navigation, take-off, and landing support system (NTLS) that facilitates vertical landing at a landing area by an aerial vehicle comprises a plurality of pseudolites distributed proximate the landing area. Each pseudolite is configured to transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal that facilitates determining, by the aerial vehicle, its position and velocity relative to the pseudolite and whether the pseudolite is operating within a nominal operating range. A monitoring receiver is positioned proximate the landing area and is configured to receive RF signals from the pseudolites. A control system is in communication with the pseudolites and the monitoring receiver. The control system is configured to determine, based on the RF signals received from the monitoring receiver, whether the pseudolites are operating within a nominal operating range and to indicate to each of the pseudolites whether the pseudolite is operating within a nominal operating range.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring and testing for both possible fractures and corrosion in structural elements is disclosed. A frangible material layer including a thin breakable conductor sense loop and a resilient material layer including a conductive corrosion sense loop bonded on top of the frangible layer form an assembly which is bonded to a structural element to be tested. Portions of the conductive corrosion sense loop are exposed through weep holes in the resilient material layer. A fracture in the bonded structural element induces a disruption in both the frangible membrane and the thin breakable conductor sense loop and corrosion of the conductive corrosion sense loop changes its electrical properties. Measured electrical property changes of the disrupted conductor sense loop and/or the conductive corrosion sense loop reveal possible damage. Both sensor layers may utilize a single shared wireless communications tag to couple to an electrical measuring device.

Abstract: A sensor device for monitoring and testing for potential corrosion of structural elements is disclosed. A membrane including a thin conductor sense loop within it may be disposed near a structural element to be monitored. Measured changes in the electrical properties of the conductor sense loop reveal corrosion of the conductor and can indicate potential corrosion in the structural element. The sensor may also be implemented as a gasket. Connection to the sensor device may be through a connector or using a wireless reader which remotely energizes the sensor device.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring and testing for both possible fractures and corrosion in structural elements is disclosed. A frangible material layer including a thin breakable conductor sense loop and a resilient material layer including a conductive corrosion sense loop bonded on top of the frangible layer form an assembly which is bonded to a structural element to be tested. Portions of the conductive corrosion sense loop are exposed through weep holes in the resilient material layer. A fracture in the bonded structural element induces a disruption in both the frangible membrane and the thin breakable conductor sense loop and corrosion of the conductive corrosion sense loop changes its electrical properties. Measured electrical property changes of the disrupted conductor sense loop and/or the conductive corrosion sense loop reveal possible damage. Both sensor layers may utilize a single shared wireless communications tag to couple to an electrical measuring device.

Abstract: A sensor device for monitoring and testing the integrity of structural elements is disclosed. A frangible membrane including a thin breakable conductor sense loop is bonded to a structural element to be tested. A fracture in the bonded structural element induces a disruption in the both the frangible membrane and the thin breakable conductor sense loop. Measured electrical property change of the disrupted conductor sense loop reveals the fracture in the structural element. Connection to the sensor device may be through a connector or using a wireless reader which remotely energizes the sensor device. The sensor may also be implemented as a gasket and/or employ weep holes to the breakable conductor to reveal possible corrosion as well.

Abstract: A device (e.g., an ultra-wideband device) is added to a system including a legacy wired bus (e.g., a MIL-STD 1553 bus). The legacy bus has a legacy bus signal with a center frequency, and the device has a carrier signal with a frequency that is substantially higher than the center frequency. Adding the device to the system includes coupling the device to the bus, and adding equipment for superimposing the device carrier signal on the legacy bus signal.

Abstract: A sensor device for monitoring and testing for potential corrosion of structural elements is disclosed. A membrane including a thin conductor sense loop within it may be disposed near a structural element to be monitored. Measured changes in the electrical properties of the conductor sense loop reveal corrosion of the conductor and can indicate potential corrosion in the structural element. The sensor may also be implemented as a gasket. Connection to the sensor device may be through a connector or using a wireless reader which remotely energizes the sensor device.