Abstract: A system and method relates to a weather detection system using millimeter wave radar data. Processing electronics receives millimeter wave radar (MMWR) data and senses a presence of weather spatial extent using return strength data associated with the MMWR data. The processing electronics uses spectral width data associated with the MMWR data to assign a level to the weather in the spatial extent.

Abstract: Present novel and non-trivial systems and methods for altitude data from a radar system and employing such data to verify altitude data from another source. A processor receives reflection point data generated by an aircraft radar system and reference point data from an applicable data source. Based upon the reflection point data and reference point data, first altitude data representative of a first measurement of aircraft altitude is generated. Then, the processor receives second altitude data representative of a second measurement of aircraft altitude from another source. Validity of the second altitude data may be determined by comparing it with the first data, after which validity advisory data may be generated that, is responsive to the validity determination. Then, the processor may provide the validity advisory data to a presentation system, whereby validity information of the second altitude data is presented to the pilot.

Abstract: A terrain awareness and warning system (“TAWS”) provides input to a terrain alert (“TA”) processor from at least one real-time aircraft system or sensor and a source of terrain data; the processor determines a terrain clearance surface and a terrain airspace alert surface, and if one surface penetrates the other, the processor generates an alert signal and provides an alert signal to a crew alerting system. The two surfaces are determined by the processor by executing an algorithm(s) embedded in software containing the disclosed embodiments and methods. At least one criterion used to define an aircraft terrain alert surface is programmed to include real-time and/or static input factor data provided by at least one system or sensor input from an aircraft. Such input factor could be used to define a terrain clearance surface.

Abstract: A terrain awareness system includes a processor for receiving radar returns and providing terrain and/or obstacle alerts or warnings in response to the radar returns. The processor receives information from a database and the information is used to select the radar transmit function and/or the radar reception function to optimize the performance of the system.

Abstract: A method of and system for determining the altitude of an aircraft can use a relative altitude estimate using information from an onboard radar. The altitude can be referenced to a runway for landing operations. The radar can produce relative altitude information from the range to the landing point and a precision estimation of the vertical angle to the landing point. The vertical angle estimate can be made with a phase processing antenna/radar system.

Abstract: An aircraft weather radar system for displaying an indication of a threat level presented by an obstacle to the aircraft on an electronic display. The weather radar system includes a radar antenna configured to receive radar returns from a radar sweep. The weather radar system additionally includes processing electronics configured to determine a movement vector of the obstacle using the radar returns. The processing electronics are further configured to determine the threat level of the obstacle to the aircraft based on the determined movement vector, to generate parameters for an indication based on the determined threat level and to cause the indication to be displayed on an electronic display.

Abstract: A method of determining an angle with a beam to terrain for a terrain avoidance system includes receiving first data associated with first returns associated with a first portion of an antenna. The method further includes receiving second data associated with second returns associated with a second portion of the antenna, wherein the first portion is different than, intersects, or includes the second portion. The method further includes determining the angle to terrain using the first data and second data.

Abstract: An aircraft weather radar system can be used with a terrain avoidance system to provide a terrain database. The weather radar system includes a processor and/or other electronics coupled to an antenna. The processor determines terrain data based on weather radar returns received from the antenna. The processor can utilize a variety of techniques for determining terrain data or estimates.

Abstract: An aircraft weather radar system can be used with a terrain avoidance system. The aircraft weather radar system is coupled to an antenna. A processor receives radar returns received by the antenna. The processor determines terrain elevation estimates for use with the terrain avoidance system from the radar returns. The terrain elevation estimates are compared to stored terrain elevation data used with the terrain avoidance system to verify position or to check the integrity of the stored elevation data. The processor can be part of a terrain avoidance system, a weather radar system, a navigation system, or can be a standalone system.

Abstract: An incursion detection system can be utilized with an aircraft. The incursion detection system can be utilized to determine a possible presence of obstacles associated with a runway, taxi-way, or other path of an aircraft. The incursion detection system preferably utilizes a sensor, such as a radar system, and a signal received on a wireless receiver. The wireless receiver can be part of an ADS-B system. A processing device determines a presence of at least one obstacle in a path based upon first data derived from the wireless receiver and/or second data received from the sensor.

Abstract: A circuit for a display used on an aircraft causes the display to display a composite terrain image. The composite terrain image can be formed from first terrain data from a terrain database and second terrain data from a radar system. A display control circuit can generate a display signal for the composite terrain image. The display signal is received by the display. The composite terrain image can be viewed by a pilot.

Abstract: A terrain awareness and warning system includes electronics for receiving radar returns and providing terrain and/or obstacle alerts or warnings in response to the radar returns. The electronics receives information from a database and the information is utilized to suppress false alerts or warnings.