Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating a flight profile for search and rescue (SAR) operations. The method comprises monitoring flight parameters of an in-flight aircraft engaged in star operations through the aircraft's flight management system (FMS). The flight parameters are transmitted to a ground-based FMS that accesses a terrain database and a real-time weather database. With this information, the ground-based FMS generates a star flight profile for the aircraft. The flight profile is then transmitted to the in-flight aircraft's FMS.

Abstract: A system for providing obstacle alerts to an in-flight aircraft has been developed. The system includes a transceiver on board the vehicle that transmits performance parameters of the vehicle and a remotely located antenna that receives the performance parameters from the transceiver. Also included is a remotely located terrain database stores obstacle characteristics of terrestrial obstacles located in proximity to the vehicle. A remotely located computer system receives the performance parameters from the antenna and the obstacle characteristics in proximity to the vehicle from the terrain database. The computer system calculates a vehicle safety envelope based on the performance parameters and an obstacle safety envelope based on the obstacle characteristics. The computer system generates an obstacle alert for the vehicle if the vehicle safety envelope conflicts with the obstacle safety envelope.

Abstract: A method for providing obstacle alerts to an in-flight aircraft has been developed. First, parameters of an in-flight aircraft are transmitted to a ground based processor station. The station calculates an aircraft safety envelope based on these parameters. The station accesses the characteristics of obstacles stored in a terrain database and calculates an obstacle safety envelope. Finally, the station determines if the aircraft safety envelope conflicts with the obstacle safety envelope and generates an alert for the aircraft if a conflict exists.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating a flight profile for search and rescue (SAR) operations. The method comprises monitoring flight parameters of an in-flight aircraft engaged in star operations through the aircraft's flight management system (FMS). The flight parameters are transmitted to a ground-based FMS that accesses a terrain database and a real-time weather database. With this information, the ground-based FMS generates a star flight profile for the aircraft. The flight profile is then transmitted to the in-flight aircraft's FMS.

Abstract: A method for providing obstacle alerts to an in-flight aircraft has been developed. First, parameters of an in-flight aircraft are transmitted to a ground based processor station. The station calculates an aircraft safety envelope based on these parameters. The station accesses the characteristics of obstacles stored in a terrain database and calculates an obstacle safety envelope. Finally, the station determines if the aircraft safety envelope conflicts with the obstacle safety envelope and generates an alert for the aircraft if a conflict exists.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for displaying information on a display device associated with an aircraft. A method comprises rendering a synthetic perspective view of terrain on the display device, wherein the synthetic perspective view of terrain is based on a set of terrain data corresponding to a region proximate the aircraft. The method further comprises obtaining location data for a first object, wherein the location data is based at least in part on a beacon signal associated with the first object, and rendering a graphical representation of the first object on the display device. The graphical representation of the first object overlies the synthetic perspective view of terrain and is positioned in accordance with the location data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for displaying information on a display device associated with an aircraft. A method comprises rendering a synthetic perspective view of terrain on the display device, wherein the synthetic perspective view of terrain is based on a set of terrain data corresponding to a region proximate the aircraft. The method further comprises obtaining location data for a first object, wherein the location data is based at least in part on a beacon signal associated with the first object, and rendering a graphical representation of the first object on the display device. The graphical representation of the first object overlies the synthetic perspective view of terrain and is positioned in accordance with the location data.