Abstract: Systems and methods for aiding in pilot awareness of obstacles relative to aircraft features. An exemplary processor receives sensor information from one or more sensors mounted in an aircraft feature (e.g. light modules), determines if at least one obstacle is located within a predefined field of view based on the received sensor or database information and generates an image. The image includes an ownship icon having at least one feature representing wingtips of the aircraft and at least one indicator associated with the determined at least one obstacle. A display device presents the generated image. The display device presents a tip of a first sense coverage area adjacent to one wingtip feature associated with the port wing and a tip of the second sense coverage area adjacent to one wingtip feature associated with the starboard wing. The indicator is presented within at least one of the coverage areas.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing improved situational awareness for an aircraft while taxiing. An exemplary method generates reflectivity data based on an associated emission at a transceiver located on an aircraft. At a processor, targets are determined if a portion of the generated reflectivity data is greater than a predefined threshold. Then, the analyzed targets are determined as to whether they are within a dynamically defined three-dimensional envelope. The envelope is based on wingtip light module speed and trajectory. On a display device, an indication of the nearest target is presented at the associated range to the nearest target.

Abstract: An electric taxi system (ETS) for an aircraft may include a ground speed sensor, a speed selection unit and a speed computer coupled to the ground speed sensor and to the speed selection unit. The speed computer may produce a speed error signal. A motor controller coupled to a wheel motor may control speed of the wheel motor responsively to the speed error signal.

Abstract: A method of displaying aircraft operating and position information with an electronic display unit comprises determining a position of a first aircraft at an airport; determining an optimum speed range of the first aircraft; determining a first aircraft speed of the first aircraft; displaying on a screen of the display unit a map of at least part of the airport; displaying a first aircraft symbol on the map, the first aircraft symbol displayed in a position on the map indicative of position of the first aircraft; and displaying an optimum speed range symbol having a lower bound end and a higher bound end in a position on the map such that the first aircraft symbol is between the lower bound end and the higher bound end when the first aircraft speed is within the optimum speed range.

Abstract: A method of displaying aircraft operating and position information with an electronic display unit comprises determining a position of a first aircraft at an airport; determining an optimum speed range of the first aircraft; determining a first aircraft speed of the first aircraft; displaying on a screen of the display unit a map of at least part of the airport; displaying a first aircraft symbol on the map, the first aircraft symbol displayed in a position on the map indicative of position of the first aircraft; and displaying an optimum speed range symbol having a lower bound end and a higher bound end in a position on the map such that the first aircraft symbol is between the lower bound end and the higher bound end when the first aircraft speed is within the optimum speed range.

Abstract: A pilot interface panel may comprise at least one input mechanism configured to receive at least one user input, generate at least one input signal corresponding to the at least one user input, and send the at least one input signal to a controller. The controller may be configured to control movement of an electric taxi system of an aircraft in a manner according to the at least one input signal, wherein the electric taxi system may be configured to rotate at least one wheel of the aircraft by force from a purely electromotive source. The pilot interface panel may further comprise at least one safety mechanism, which may be configured to prevent at least one of the at least one input mechanisms from receiving an inadvertent user input resulting from an unintended action by the user.

Abstract: An electric taxi system (ETS) for an aircraft may include a ground speed sensor, a speed selection unit and a speed computer coupled to the ground speed sensor and to the speed selection unit. The speed computer may produce a speed error signal. A motor controller coupled to a wheel motor may control speed of the wheel motor responsively to the speed error signal.

Abstract: A lever control system integrates taxi operation using an electric motor in an aircraft with speed control of a jet engine in the same aircraft. The lever control system provides a smooth transition between the electric motor system used for aircraft taxi operation, and a jet engine system used to fly the aircraft. The lever control system may include a reverse lockout mechanism to prevent unintended reverse taxi movement of the aircraft.

Abstract: A pilot interface panel may comprise at least one input mechanism configured to receive at least one user input, generate at least one input signal corresponding to the at least one user input, and send the at least one input signal to a controller. The controller may be configured to control movement of an electric taxi system of an aircraft in a manner according to the at least one input signal, wherein the electric taxi system may be configured to rotate at least one wheel of the aircraft by force from a purely electromotive source. The pilot interface panel may further comprise at least one safety mechanism, which may be configured to prevent at least one of the at least one input mechanisms from receiving an inadvertent user input resulting from an unintended action by the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to present braking distance information to crew of an installation aircraft. An exemplary embodiment determines a braking distance for a braking maneuver of the installation aircraft, wherein the braking distance is based on a current ground speed of the aircraft; and generates a graphical representation that is presented on a display, wherein a location of a graphical icon on the graphical representation indicates the determined braking distance from the installation aircraft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving situational awareness on an in-trail procedures display. The present invention provides a display with visual identification and indication for aircraft that do not meet the ITP criteria. In the in-trail procedures display, feedback is provided when a pilot selects an invalid ITP flight level, unambiguous feedback is provided to the pilot upon selection of a valid flight level, and valid inter-target aircraft located in intervening flight levels after selection of a valid flight level are positively identified and invalid target aircraft for selection are uniquely identified.

Abstract: Systems and methods for aiding in pilot awareness of obstacles relative to aircraft features. An exemplary processor receives sensor information from one or more sensors mounted in an aircraft feature (e.g. light modules), determines if at least one obstacle is located within a predefined field of view based on the received sensor or database information and generates an image. The image includes an ownship icon having at least one feature representing wingtips of the aircraft and at least one indicator associated with the determined at least one obstacle. A display device presents the generated image. The display device presents a tip of a first sense coverage area adjacent to one wingtip feature associated with the port wing and a tip of the second sense coverage area adjacent to one wingtip feature associated with the starboard wing. The indicator is presented within at least one of the coverage areas.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing improved situational awareness for an aircraft while taxiing. An exemplary method generates reflectivity data based on an associated emission at a transceiver located on an aircraft. At a processor, targets are determined if a portion of the generated reflectivity data is greater than a predefined threshold. Then, the analyzed targets are determined as to whether they are within a dynamically defined three-dimensional envelope. The envelope is based on wingtip light module speed and trajectory. On a display device, an indication of the nearest target is presented at the associated range to the nearest target.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to present braking distance information to crew of an installation aircraft. An exemplary embodiment determines a braking distance for a braking maneuver of the installation aircraft, wherein the braking distance is based on a current ground speed of the aircraft; and generates a graphical representation that is presented on a display, wherein a location of a graphical icon on the graphical representation indicates the determined braking distance from the installation aircraft.

Abstract: A display system includes instrumentation configured to obtain aircraft data comprising current flight status data of the host aircraft and current flight status data of neighboring aircraft located near the host aircraft. The system also includes a processor coupled to the instrumentation. The processor analyzes and filters the aircraft data, using lateral boundary criteria for the host aircraft, to identify a proper subset of the neighboring aircraft, and the processor generates image rendering display commands based upon the current flight status data of the host aircraft and based upon the current flight status data of neighboring aircraft included in the proper subset. A display element receives the image rendering display commands and, in response thereto, renders a vertical situation display that includes graphical representations of the host aircraft and each neighboring aircraft included the proper subset.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving situational awareness on an in-trail procedures display. The present invention provides a display with visual identification and indication for aircraft that do not meet the ITP criteria. In the in-trail procedures display, feedback is provided when a pilot selects an invalid ITP flight level, unambiguous feedback is provided to the pilot upon selection of a valid flight level, and valid inter-target aircraft located in intervening flight levels after selection of a valid flight level are positively identified and invalid target aircraft for selection are uniquely identified.

Abstract: A display system includes instrumentation configured to obtain aircraft data comprising current flight status data of the host aircraft and current flight status data of neighboring aircraft located near the host aircraft. The system also includes a processor coupled to the instrumentation. The processor analyzes and filters the aircraft data, using lateral boundary criteria for the host aircraft, to identify a proper subset of the neighboring aircraft, and the processor generates image rendering display commands based upon the current flight status data of the host aircraft and based upon the current flight status data of neighboring aircraft included in the proper subset. A display element receives the image rendering display commands and, in response thereto, renders a vertical situation display that includes graphical representations of the host aircraft and each neighboring aircraft included the proper subset.