Abstract: An interface device that enables a GNSS-based precision approach through the Ground Base Augmentation System (GBAS) function known as the GNSS Landing System (GLS) and/or through Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) based Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV). The GLS interface device allows a GLS-capable multi-mode receiver to be used on a non-GLS-capable airplane without extensive changes to other airplane systems. The GLS interface device works by intercepting information to and from the multi-mode receiver and modifying the information to make the interface compatible with an airplane that uses ILS guidance. Similarly, the information modifications will make the airplane appear to the multi-mode receiver as if it were a GLS-capable airplane.

Abstract: An interface device that enables a GNSS-based precision approach through the Ground Base Augmentation System (GBAS) function known as the GNSS Landing System (GLS) and/or through Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) based Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV). The GLS interface device allows a GLS-capable multi-mode receiver to be used on a non-GLS-capable airplane without extensive changes to other airplane systems. The GLS interface device works by intercepting information to and from the multi-mode receiver and modifying the information to make the interface compatible with an airplane that uses ILS guidance. Similarly, the information modifications will make the airplane appear to the multi-mode receiver as if it were a GLS-capable airplane.

Abstract: A system for mitigating radio frequency interference includes a multiple patch antenna array including a multiplicity of patch antenna elements. The multiple patch antenna array is positioned relative to an interfering antenna such that signals from the interfering antenna cause interference with the multiple patch antenna array. The system also includes an auxiliary antenna positioned relative to the multiple patch antenna array. The system additionally includes a device to generate a spatial null in a direction to the interfering antenna from the multiple patch antenna array in response to a first signal from the auxiliary antenna and a second signal from the multiple patch antenna array. The first signal and the second signal are generated in response to a transmitted signal being received by the auxiliary antenna and the multiple patch antenna array. The spatial null permits simultaneous operation of the multiple patch antenna array and the interfering antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of delivering an alert from an aircraft to a search and rescue system. An alert from an aircraft is received via a communications satellite. The alert comprises identification information identifying the aircraft and position information identifying the position of the aircraft. In response to receiving the alert, an emulated distress radio beacon signal is generated. The emulated distress radio beacon signal comprises the identification information and the position information in a standard format of a signal generated by a distress radio beacon. The emulated distress radio beacon signal is broadcast from a location other than the aircraft as an emulated distress radio beacon transmission that is configured to be received and processed by the search and rescue system.

Abstract: A satellite navigation system including a digital controlled reception pattern antenna (DCRPA) subsystem and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver. The overall system is designed so that all radio frequency (RF) processing and digital sampling are incorporated in the DCRPA subsystem. The RF signal from each element of the DCRPA array is digitized separately. Then the resultant digital samples are combined into a single bit stream which is transmitted to the GNSS receiver. Preferably the GNSS receiver is a software defined radio. The arrangement allows the DCRPA subsystem and the GNSS receiver to be connected with a single coaxial cable. Such an arrangement would allow simple retrofit of CRPA antennas to existing airframe designs as well as simple and inexpensive installations on new aircraft designs.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a receiver for Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) verification of a target aircraft including a first input for receiving flight tracking information from a target aircraft that indicates positional information of the target aircraft. The receiver further includes a second input for receiving positional and heading information indicating the location and orientation of a multi-element array antenna configured to be attached to the receiver, and a processing module that generates a measured bearing derived from angle of arrival data, and an expected bearing of the target aircraft derived from the indicated positional information of the target aircraft and the positional and heading information defining the receiver location and orientation. A comparator compares the expected bearing to the measured bearing and verifies the ADS-B flight tracking information of the target aircraft and outputs an indication of authenticity based on the verification.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of delivering an alert from an aircraft to a search and rescue system. An alert from an aircraft is received via a communications satellite. The alert comprises identification information identifying the aircraft and position information identifying the position of the aircraft. In response to receiving the alert, an emulated distress radio beacon signal is generated. The emulated distress radio beacon signal comprises the identification information and the position information in a standard format of a signal generated by a distress radio beacon. The emulated distress radio beacon signal is broadcast from a location other than the aircraft as an emulated distress radio beacon transmission that is configured to be received and processed by the search and rescue system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of delivering an alert from an aircraft to a search and rescue system. An alert from an aircraft is received via a communications satellite. The alert comprises identification information identifying the aircraft and position information identifying the position of the aircraft. In response to receiving the alert, an emulated distress radio beacon signal is generated. The emulated distress radio beacon signal comprises the identification information and the position information in a standard format of a signal generated by a distress radio beacon. The emulated distress radio beacon signal is broadcast from a location other than the aircraft as an emulated distress radio beacon transmission that is configured to be received and processed by the search and rescue system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and aircraft tracker system for reporting state information for an aircraft. A state of the aircraft is identified using sensor data received from an aircraft sensor system in the aircraft. The state information is transmitted at a reporting rate set using the state of the aircraft identified from the sensor data, at least one of a crew command or a ground command when at least one of the crew command is received from a crew interface or the ground command is received from a ground source, and a policy defining priorities for reporting that are based on at least one of the crew command, the ground command, or the state of the aircraft identified from the sensor data.

Abstract: A system for mitigating radio frequency interference includes a multiple patch antenna array including a multiplicity of patch antenna elements. The multiple patch antenna array is positioned relative to an interfering antenna such that signals from the interfering antenna cause interference with the multiple patch antenna array. The system also includes an auxiliary antenna positioned relative to the multiple patch antenna array. The system additionally includes a device to generate a spatial null in a direction to the interfering antenna from the multiple patch antenna array in response to a first signal from the auxiliary antenna and a second signal from the multiple patch antenna array. The first signal and the second signal are generated in response to a transmitted signal being received by the auxiliary antenna and the multiple patch antenna array. The spatial null permits simultaneous operation of the multiple patch antenna array and the interfering antenna.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking the position of an aircraft. A tracking device comprises a satellite navigation system receiver, a satellite communications transceiver, and a processor hermetically sealed within a housing attached on an outside of the aircraft. The satellite navigation system receiver is used to identify the position of the aircraft using navigation signals received from a satellite navigation system. The processor generates position information identifying the position of the aircraft as identified using the navigation system receiver. The processor sends the position information to a receiving station via a communications satellite in a low Earth orbit using the satellite communications transceiver. The position information is automatically generated by the processor and sent to the receiving station at a desired rate.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and aircraft tracker system for reporting state information for an aircraft. A state of the aircraft is identified using sensor data received from an aircraft sensor system in the aircraft. The state information is transmitted at a reporting rate set using the state of the aircraft identified from the sensor data, at least one of a crew command or a ground command when at least one of the crew command is received from a crew interface or the ground command is received from a ground source, and a policy defining priorities for reporting that are based on at least one of the crew command, the ground command, or the state of the aircraft identified from the sensor data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking the position of an aircraft. A tracking device comprises a satellite navigation system receiver, a satellite communications transceiver, and a processor hermetically sealed within a housing attached on an outside of the aircraft. The satellite navigation system receiver is used to identify the position of the aircraft using navigation signals received from a satellite navigation system. The processor generates position information identifying the position of the aircraft as identified using the navigation system receiver. The processor sends the position information to a receiving station via a communications satellite in a low Earth orbit using the satellite communications transceiver. The position information is automatically generated by the processor and sent to the receiving station at a desired rate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of delivering an alert from an aircraft to a search and rescue system. An alert from an aircraft is received via a communications satellite. The alert comprises identification information identifying the aircraft and position information identifying the position of the aircraft. In response to receiving the alert, an emulated distress radio beacon signal is generated. The emulated distress radio beacon signal comprises the identification information and the position information in a standard format of a signal generated by a distress radio beacon. The emulated distress radio beacon signal is broadcast from a location other than the aircraft as an emulated distress radio beacon transmission that is configured to be received and processed by the search and rescue system.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a receiver for Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) verification of a target aircraft including a first input for receiving flight tracking information from a target aircraft that indicates positional information of the target aircraft. The receiver further includes a second input for receiving positional and heading information indicating the location and orientation of a multi-element array antenna configured to be attached to the receiver, and a processing module that generates a measured bearing derived from angle of arrival data, and an expected bearing of the target aircraft derived from the indicated positional information of the target aircraft and the positional and heading information defining the receiver location and orientation. A comparator compares the expected bearing to the measured bearing and verifies the ADS-B flight tracking information of the target aircraft and outputs an indication of authenticity based on the verification.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a receiver for Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) verification of a target aircraft including a first input for receiving flight tracking information from a target aircraft that indicates positional information of the target aircraft. The receiver further includes a second input for receiving positional and heading information indicating the location and orientation of a multi-element array antenna configured to be attached to the receiver, and a processing module that generates a measured bearing derived from angle of arrival data, and an expected bearing of the target aircraft derived from the indicated positional information of the target aircraft and the positional and heading information defining the receiver location and orientation. A comparator compares the expected bearing to the measured bearing and verifies the ADS-B flight tracking information of the target aircraft and outputs an indication of authenticity based on the verification.

Abstract: An onboard monitor that ensures the accuracy of data representing the calculated position of an airplane during final approach to a runway. This airplane position assurance monitor is a software function that uses dissimilar sources of airplane position and runway data to ensure the accuracy of the respective data from those dissimilar sources. ILS data and GPS or GPS/Baro data are the dissimilar sources of airplane position data used by this function. This function will calculate the airplane's angular deviations from the runway centerline and from the glide slope with onboard equipment and then compare those angular deviations to the ILS angular deviation information.

Abstract: A monitor on-board an aircraft which uses radio altitude measurements as the basic observable altitude during runway approach. The basic concept utilizes the aircraft's navigation system, which includes means to store and retrieve radio altitude thresholds as a function of the distance along the desired path from the runway thresholds. These threshold functions are determined in advance based on a radio altitude reference which is defined as the expected radio altimeter measurement that would be made if the airplane were exactly on the desired reference path. Vertical containment monitoring is achieved by comparing the radio altitude measurement to computed thresholds for both too high and too low. During the approach, an annunciation message can be generated if the radio altitude measurement is above or below the threshold limits.

Abstract: An onboard monitor that ensures the accuracy of data representing the calculated position of an airplane during final approach to a runway. This airplane position assurance monitor is a software function that uses dissimilar sources of airplane position and runway data to ensure the accuracy of the respective data from those dissimilar sources. ILS data and GPS or GPS/Baro data are the dissimilar sources of airplane position data used by this function. This function will calculate the airplane's angular deviations from the runway centerline and from the glide slope with onboard equipment and then compare those angular deviations to the ILS angular deviation information.

Abstract: An onboard monitor that ensures the accuracy of data representing the calculated position of an airplane during final approach to a runway. This airplane position assurance monitor is a software function that uses dissimilar sources of airplane position and runway data to ensure the accuracy of the respective data from those dissimilar sources. ILS data and GPS or GPS/Baro data are the dissimilar sources of airplane position data used by this function. This function will calculate the airplane's angular deviations from the runway centerline and from the glide slope with onboard equipment and then compares those angular deviations to the ILS angular deviation information.