Abstract: A system and method of providing aerial navigation. Techniques are described for receiving global positioning system data, receiving local positioning system data such as instrument landing system data, generating a virtual target flight path using the global positioning system data and the local positioning system data, and presenting a virtual target flight path indicator corresponding to the virtual target flight path. In one implementation, the system includes a user interface, a global positioning component, a local positioning component, and a processing system.

Abstract: A system for estimating an antenna boresight direction. The novel system includes a first circuit for receiving a Doppler measurement and a line-of-sight direction measurement corresponding with the Doppler measurement, and a processor adapted to search for an estimated boresight direction that minimizes a Doppler error between the Doppler measurement and a calculated Doppler calculated from the estimated boresight direction and the line-of-sight direction measurement. The line-of-sight direction measurement is measured relative to the true antenna boresight, and the calculated Doppler is the Doppler calculated for a direction found by applying the line-of-sight direction measurement to the estimated boresight direction. In a preferred embodiment, the first circuit receives a Doppler measurement and a line-of-sight direction measurement from each of a plurality of pixels, and the processor searches for an estimated boresight direction that minimizes a sum of squares of Doppler errors for each of the pixels.

Abstract: Systems and methods that coordinate assignments of aircraft operating within a controlled airspace to ground radios are provided. In one embodiment, such a system includes an air traffic control (ATC) facility (12), a plurality of ground radios (16A-16C), and a network manager (20) communicatively coupled to the air traffic control facility (12) and the ground radios (16A-16C). The air traffic control facility is responsible for controlling aircraft (14A-14I) operating within the airspace (10) and providing ATC information to the network manager (20). The ground radios (16A-16C) are operable to provide communications between the air traffic control facility (12) and the aircraft (14A-14I). The network manager (20) is operable to assign each aircraft (14A-14I) to one of the ground radios (16A-16C) based on network management considerations using the ATC information.

Abstract: A method of navigating a mobile platform. A reflectable electronic signal is transmitted. A reflection of the reflectable signal is received. A position of the mobile platform is determined based upon the reflection of the reflectable signal. A platform position signal is transmitted to the mobile platform. The platform position signal provides the mobile platform the determined position of the mobile platform. The mobile platform is navigated based upon the platform position signal.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a collision avoidance system for a host aircraft comprising a plurality of sensors for providing data about other aircraft that may be employed to determine one or more parameters to calculate future positions of the other aircraft, a processor to determine whether any combinations of the calculated future positions of the other aircraft are correlated or uncorrelated, and a collision avoidance module that uses the correlated or uncorrelated calculated future positions to provide a signal instructing the performance of a collision avoidance maneuver when a collision threat exists between the host aircraft and at least one of the other aircraft.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing elevation terrain using an airborne weather radar. Method techniques include sampling first and second radar returns from a weather radar at two portions of an antenna. First radar returns are removed from second radar returns to generate third radar returns for a third portion of the antenna. The third portion of the antenna is included in the second portion but not the first portion. Changes in the third radar return are analyzed to sense elevation of the terrain.

Abstract: A method of detecting obstacles on board an aircraft while in the vicinity (44) of a touchdown point (27, 42), includes the following operations: selecting/determining a path (41) to be followed by the aircraft overflying the touchdown point; the aircraft overflying the touchdown point following the overflight path, and during the overflight recording signals/data delivered by an on-board rangefinder observing a portion of space extending below the aircraft; analyzing the rangefinder data to detect the presence of obstacles and to determine their positions in a terrestrial frame of reference, where appropriate to determine their dimensions; and recording the detected obstacle position data, and dimensions, if any, in a memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for at least semi-autonomously controlling a vehicle so as to avoid collisions are provided. A sensor is utilized to scan an area proximate the vehicle for a potential object of collision. The apparatus calculates navigational states of the potential object of collision relative to the vehicle to determine that the vehicle is on a course to enter within a predetermined miss distance relative to the potential object of collision. The apparatus alters the course of the vehicle based on the calculated navigational states.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining an estimated speed of an aircraft relative to ground being overflown by the aircraft, in which use is made of the sum of an acceleration measurement of the aircraft plus a difference value, the difference value being obtained from observation data or signals relating to a region of the ground.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a DVOR apparatus includes a main device outputting a radio frequency (RF) signal, a distributor distributing the RF signal output from a main device into a plurality of systems, and sideband antennas radiating the RF signal, wherein, the main device includes a RF signal output unit outputting the RF signal, a measuring unit measuring power levels of reflected waves, a determining unit determining presence or absence of faulty power levels from the measurement results, a generating unit generating selection signals to control selections of outputs of the RF signal for the distributor, a comparison unit comparing the selection signals with the determining results, and a specifying unit specifying faulty sideband antennas and a faulty transmission path of the RF signal among the main device and the distributor from the comparison results.

Abstract: A collision and conflict avoidance system for autonomous unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) uses accessible on-board sensors to generate an image of the surrounding airspace. The situation thus established is analyzed for imminent conflicts (collisions, TCAS violations, airspace violations), and, if a probable conflict or collision is detected, a search for avoidance options is started, wherein the avoidance routes as far as possible comply with statutory air traffic regulations. By virtue of the on-board algorithm the system functions independently of a data link. By taking into account the TCAS zones, the remaining air traffic is not disturbed unnecessarily. The system makes it possible both to cover aspects critical for safety and to use more highly developed algorithms in order to take complicated boundary conditions into account when determining the avoidance course.

Abstract: On adjusting a target specification data error predicted value so as to become larger on detecting maneuver of a target, the target specification data error predicted value is adjusted, in consideration of type of the maneuver and a course of the target, so as to make a direction of varying specification data large and to make a direction of constant specification data small. It is therefore possible to quickly recover a delay of the following of the varying specification data and to avoid increasing an error of the constant specification data.

Abstract: A weather radar system coupled to a weather radar antenna, including a receive circuit for receiving radar returns received by the antenna and a processor for summing portions of the radar return data to obtain a null response. The null response is utilized to determine presence of terrain.

Abstract: This method uses for the estimation of a distance, a propagation distance transform considering only the paths which are both accessible to the aircraft taking account of its vertical flight profile and complying with air regulations. The propagated distance Dp is accompanied by a propagated altitude Ap which at all points follows the vertical flight profile of the aircraft, while being greater than the altitudes of these points and complying with the air regulation constraints at these points. This is obtained by subjecting the propagation to compliance with the vertical flight profile of the aircraft, constraints of the elevations of the points of the relief and air regulation constraints.

Abstract: A weather radar system coupled to a weather radar antenna, including a receive circuit for receiving radar returns received by the antenna and a processor for summing portions of the radar return data to obtain a null response. The processor adjusts the phase or power of at least one portion of the radar return data using a steering vector or a tuning vector.

Abstract: An aircraft-based terrain display system includes a radar system configured to measure terrain data in proximity to an aircraft. The system further includes a memory coupled to the radar system and configured to store terrain data associated with the terrain data collected from the radar system. A processor is coupled to the memory and configured to use the terrain data stored in memory to generate a terrain image having a perspective view. An aircraft display coupled to the processor is configured to display the terrain image.

Abstract: A method of identifying a runway is disclosed. A first scan of an area of ground known to include a runway is performed. The first scan is accomplished using a weather radar system at a predetermined position. A first image is obtained from the first scan. The first image is stored in a memory. A second scan of an area of ground proposed to include the runway is performed. The second scan is accomplished using a weather radar system at what is believed to be the predetermined position. A second image is obtained from the second scan. The first image is retrieved from the memory. It is determined whether features in the first image correlate to features in the second image. A runway confirmation signal is sent to a pilot of the aircraft when there is a substantial certainty of correlation between the first and second images.

Abstract: Systems and methods for terrain contour matching navigation are provided. In one embodiment, a method for terrain contour matching navigation comprises: receiving at least one sample point representing the position of an aircraft, the at least one sample point including a horizontal position and an altitude sample; correlating a first sample point of the at least one sample point across a reference basket array having a plurality of elements; determining a correlation quality; when the correlation quality does not achieve a pre-determined quality threshold, performing at least one additional correlation of an additional sample point of the at least one sample point across the reference basket array; and when the correlation quality does achieve a pre-determined quality threshold, calculating a position error based on the correlating of the first sample point and any additional correlations of any additional sample points.

Abstract: Systems and methods for handling information from wireless nodes, including nodes for communication with aircraft, are disclosed. A system in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes a sensor configured to sense information corresponding to a characteristic of a wireless node. The wireless node can be one of a plurality of wireless nodes configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The wireless nodes can also be linked to a non-wireless network portion. The system can further include a transmitter configured to transmit the information via the network, and a receiver operatively coupled to the transmitter to receive the information via the network. Accordingly, the system can be used to automatically identify and track diagnostic information corresponding to the state of one or more wireless nodes.

Abstract: A method of tracking a target. The method includes the steps of acquiring a first spectral image of a scene that includes the target, designating a spectral reference window, in the first spectral image, that includes a respective plurality of pixel vectors, acquiring a second spectral image, of the scene, that includes a respective plurality of pixel vectors, and hypercorrelating the spectral reference window with the second spectral image, thereby obtaining a hypercorrelation function, a maximum of the hypercorrelation function then corresponding to a location of the target in the scene.

Abstract: A system for determination of kinematics of a moving object comprising: a sensor producing angular data for the object at a number of observation times, a state initialization unit, receiving angular data from the sensor and on basis thereof determining a first kinematic state of the object, and a tracking filter having a prediction unit, arranged to determine a predicted kinematics state of the object on bases of a kinematic model of the object, wherein the kinematic model comprises a guidance law locked on a known position, and at least one previously determined kinematic state of the object, and a state updating unit, receiving angular data from the sensor and the predicted kinematic state of the object, and on basis thereof determining an updated kinematic state of the object.

Abstract: A system for aiding the landing of an aircraft on a runway uses an angular vertical position of the aircraft and includes at least one landing aid radio. In a stand-alone manner, the position of the aircraft in latitude and longitude is determined, and the position of the threshold of the runway in latitude and longitude is determined. A computing unit corrects, on the basis of positions of the aircraft and of the threshold of the runway, the angular vertical position of the aircraft. The corrected angular vertical position is used to aid the landing of the aircraft.

Abstract: A station for assisting the control of an aircraft includes warning means (5) adapted to deliver an alert for avoiding a later collision when there is a risk that the predicted flight trajectory of the aircraft crosses any predicted flight path of another aircraft. An arrangement (4) is adapted to determine whether the aircraft carrying said station is within an airspace volume with defined geometrical dimensions and time of appearance and disappearance or not and make the function of the warning means dependent upon this comparison by, when located in said airspace volume, deactivating said warning means with respect to other aircraft of a predefined identity, and when not located in said airspace volume, activate or keep the function of said warning means activated with respect to aircraft of said predefined identity. (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an avoidance system and method for directing an aircraft away from an exclusion zone. The exclusion zone may be any three dimensional space for example about a building or city. The avoidance system uses a constant signal from a ground based transmitter and an aircraft's receiver which receives and processes the signal and activates the avoidance system by engaging the flight director system or autopilot to steer away from the exclusion zone.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a position of a hovering vehicle that incorporates a radar altimeter is described. The method includes receiving signals at the radar altimeter based on a change of horizontal direction, operating the radar altimeter to generate a Doppler frequency spectrum based on the received signals, and determining a change in vehicle direction and velocity which will reduce a width of the Doppler frequency spectrum of the received signals. A radar altimeter which generates the Doppler frequency spectrum is also described.

Abstract: A dual-mode target seeking apparatus having a seeker dome defining an aperture and transmissive to microwave frequency energy of a first frequency and to light wave energy at a second frequency and at a third frequency. An optics system within the seeker dome is transmissive to the microwave frequency energy reflective to the light wave energy received via the aperture. A first detector receives the microwave frequency energy via the aperture, and a second detector images a target by the light wave energy of the second and third frequencies via the optics system.

Abstract: In some pseudo-orthogonal waveform embodiments, a radar system transmits pseudo-orthogonal waveforms and performs multiple correlations on a combined single receiver channel signal. In some quadratic polyphase waveform embodiments, a radar system may simultaneously transmit frequency separated versions of a single quadratic polyphase waveform on a plurality of transmit antennas, combine the return signal from each antenna into a combined time-domain signal, and perform a Fourier transformation on the combined time-domain signal to locate a target. The radar system may identify a target, such as sniper's bullet, incoming projectile, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) or a mortar shell. In some embodiments, the system may estimate the target's trajectory to intercept the target. In some embodiments, the system may estimate the target's trajectory and may further extrapolate the target's trajectory to locate the target's source, such as the sniper.

Abstract: An attitude sensing apparatus for determining the attitude of a mobile unit is provided that can reliably estimate an alignment angle between a GPS antenna coordinate system and an IMU coordinate system with good accuracy regardless of the magnitude of the alignment angle. Based on observation of the difference between a GPS angular velocity and an IMU angular velocity, an alignment angle estimating section estimates an alignment angle and sensor errors. An alignment angle adder and a sensor error adder cumulatively add and update the estimated alignment angle and sensor errors, respectively. The estimated alignment angle is fed back to an inertia data converter while the estimated sensor errors are fed back to an inertia data correcting section. The apparatus repeatedly performs estimation until the estimated alignment angle gradually approaches a true alignment angle by successively feeding back estimated values to a flow of alignment angle estimation process.

Abstract: A position-adaptive radar method and device for small UAV platforms capable of detecting “leakage signals” that, for example, propagate between two buildings or “leak through” penetrable surfaces such as walls or layers of the ground. The position-adaptive radar comprises a monostatic radar receiver that measures and processes leakage signals and then “self adapts” in position to establish line-of-sight between a mini-UAV platform and an obscuration channel that propagates the leakage signal. This allows a mini-UAV platform to process signals in real-time while gathering intelligence information and locating objects-of-interest that may be embedded within an obscuration channel.

Abstract: A plurality of sensor vehicles collect imaging data from an assigned location of a target region having targets and non-targets. The imaging data may be combined based on its location and the combined data is matched to a threat object map to identify the actual targets from the non-targets. In some embodiments, the sensor vehicles may be redirected to collect velocity and/or range information on the identified targets.

Abstract: A guidance system guides a driver to drive a service vehicle, such as a baggage loading vehicle, into a prescribed parking position adjacent to an aircraft without colliding with the aircraft. The guidance system includes at least two indicator markers, preferably marker lights, arranged spaced apart from one another on the aircraft. The two markers present a prescribed visual pattern, e.g. an alignment of the two markers, along a line of sight defining a safe approach path. If the driver steers along this safe approach path so that he sees the prescribed visual pattern of the markers, then a collision between the vehicle and the aircraft will be avoided. Alternatively, a projector projects a light pattern such as a projected boundary marker line onto the ground surface adjacent to the aircraft to mark a safe collision-free approach path.

Abstract: A system and method of providing situational awareness and weapon targeting is presented. The method includes determining the location of one or more enemy sites and one or more friendly sites. A “Do Not Engage” (DNE) zone is determined around each of the friendly sites and an “Allowable Engagement” (AE) zone is established around each of the enemy sites, wherein none of the AE zones overlap any of the DNE zones. An engagement plan is then determined based on the AE zones and integrity bounds on candidate munitions. The system includes a processing and communications network and a sensor element in communication with the processing and communications network. The system also includes a command control element in communication with the processing and communications network and an operating elements section in communication with the processing and communications network.

Abstract: A method for calculating a center frequency and a bandwidth for a radar doppler filter is herein described. The center frequency and bandwidth are calculated to provide radar performance over varying terrain and aircraft altitude, pitch, and roll. The method includes receiving an antenna mounting angle, a slant range, and velocity vectors in body coordinates, calculating a range swath doppler velocity, a track and phase swath bandwidth, and a phase swath doppler velocity. The method continues by calculating a range swath center frequency based on the range swath doppler velocity, calculating a phase swath center frequency based on the phase swath doppler velocity, and calculating a level and verify swath bandwidth based upon the track and phase swath bandwidth.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for obtaining altitude-related data along roads. A vehicle includes equipment capable of determining the current absolute positions of the vehicle as it is being driven. The vehicle also includes equipment capable of determining a distance traveled by the vehicle. Two points along a road are selected. Altitude-related data are determined as a function of the horizontal difference between the absolute positions of the two points and the distance traveled by the vehicle between the two points.

Abstract: The Multiple-Antenna Jamming System (MAJS) is useful for missile-borne jamming of active protection system radars that operate in close proximity to the frequency band of the missile's radio frequency seeker. The MAJS utilizes multiple receiving and transmitting antennas to reduce shadowing effects due to the transmissive radome. It also channelizes the jamming signals into in-seeker-band and out-of-seeker band signals to synchronize the transmission of jamming signals with the emit-listen pattern of the missile seeker and to eliminate the problem of de-sensitizing the RF seeker from the jammer energy. The in-seeker-band jamming signals are transmitted only concurrently with the missile seeker emissions and any signals emanating from an enemy radar are received only during the listen mode of the missile seeker.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting obstacles in the flight path of an air vehicle are described. The air vehicle utilizes a radar altimeter incorporating a forward looking antenna and an electronic digital elevation map to provide precision terrain aided navigation. The method comprises determining a position of the air vehicle on the digital elevation map, selecting an area of the digital elevation map in the flight path of the air vehicle, based at least in part on the determined air vehicle position, and scanning the terrain representing the selected map area with the forward looking antenna. The method also comprises combining the digital elevation map data for the selected map area with radar return data for the scanned, selected area and displaying the combined data to provide a representation of the terrain and obstacles in the forward flight path of the air vehicle.

Abstract: A flight guidance system providing perspective flight guidance symbology using positioning and terrain information provides increased pilot situational awareness of an aircraft. The guidance system uses a positioning system and a detailed mapping system to provide a perspective display for use in an aircraft. A Perspective Flight Guidance (PFG) symbology set is thereby displayed on a pilot display. The PFG symbology set includes broken line symbols representing an open tunnel and providing flow field data, a half-bracket symbol to indicate that the aircraft is no longer in the open tunnel represented by the broken line symbols and a quickened flight path vector (QFPV) symbol to provide the pilot with predictive flight path information.

Abstract: A method of registering reconnaissance image data with map data is disclosed, comprising recording image data at a plurality of positions, together with the role, pitch and height above mean sea level data from an airborne navigation system and imaging system, and recording altitude of a reconnaissance craft from an altimeter; obtaining a difference between said recorded altitude data, and an altitude calculated from said navigation system data and a map data; selecting a difference data having a lowest standard deviation, and at a position of said selected difference data generating a three dimensional surface data using a bi-quadratic equation; generating a bi-quadratic surface of each of a plurality of positions for which data is recorded; generating a difference data between said bi-quadratic surface data, and height data obtained from said map, and minimising an error between bi-quadratic surface data and said height data by translating said position data relative to said map data, until minimum error is

Abstract: A method for testing a radar system utilizing flight test radar data is described. The method includes time synchronizing measured radar data with a GPS based time marker, storing at least a portion of the time synchronized radar data, storing the GPS data, processing the stored GPS data to correspond with a physical position of an antenna which received the radar data, providing a radar model, and comparing the processed radar model data to the stored radar data.

Abstract: A method of maneuvering target tracing is disclosed. The present invention relates to the field of target tracking and more generally to a method of employing multiple model and variable sampling rate technique, which achieve good tracking performance for a high-g maneuvering target. The results show that the present invention can handle the missile sudden maneuver better and are accurate.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for accurately locating moving targets. The system includes a targeting aircraft that has a radar system with a simultaneous SAR radar/moving target mode that generates an image and identifies moving targets in the generated image. The targeting aircraft also includes a mapping component that matches the generated image to a stored digital map, and generates moving target location information based on the matched image and map and the identified moving targets.

Abstract: A phase processor is disclosed which is configured to receive processed radar return data from a left radar channel, a right radar channel, and an ambiguous radar channel. The phase processor comprises a plurality of phase detectors each with an input and a reference input. The phase detectors are configured to determine a phase difference between radar return data received at the input and radar return data received at the reference input.

Abstract: A surface imaging radar system for an airborne platform, the system comprises a transmitter for generating a radar signal. The system also comprises an antenna configured to transmit a radar signal generated by the transmitter and receive radar return information from one or more directions directly below the airborne platform to an angular direction of approximately 30 degrees greater than straight down. The system also includes a processor configured to generate surface information based on the received radar return information and an image processor for generating an image based on the surface information.

Abstract: A phase processor is disclosed which is configured to receive processed radar return data from a left radar channel, a right radar channel, and an ambiguous radar channel. The phase processor comprises a plurality of phase detectors each with an input and a reference input. The phase detectors are configured to determine a phase difference between radar return data received at the input and radar return data received at the reference input.

Abstract: A method and system estimate, in real time, the amount of any delay in departure of an aircraft flight from an airport. Various embodiments include receiving in a first computer process a conditions input that includes at least one member of a set including departure airport conditions, arrival airport conditions, and fleet conditions; and estimating in a second computer process the amount of delay based on the conditions input. User interfaces and data structures are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for accurately locating moving targets. The system includes a targeting aircraft that has a radar system with a simultaneous SAR radar/moving target mode that generates an image and identifies moving targets in the generated image. The targeting aircraft also includes a mapping component that matches the generated image to a stored digital map, and generates moving target location information based on the matched image and map and the identified moving targets.

Abstract: An aircraft system and method for determining when to attempt acquisition of an intruder for active tracking. A link reliability score associated with the intruder is adjusted based upon the signal strength of transmissions, the frequency of the transmissions, and the number of previous attempts to acquire the intruder for active tracking.

Abstract: A method and system for pointing and stabilizing a device that needs to be pointed and stabilized with a desired direction, are disclosed, wherein current attitude measurement and attitude rate measurement of the device measured by an attitude producer, which includes an inertial measurement unit, and the desired direction information measured by a target coordinates producer are processed by a pointing controller to compute rotation commands to an actuator. An actuator rotates and stabilizes the device at the desired direction according to the rotation commands in the presence of disturbances and parametric uncertainties to account for the undesired vibration due to disturbances. A visual and voice device provide an operator with visualization and voice indication of the pointing and stabilization procedure of the device.

Abstract: A surface imaging radar system for an airborne platform, the system comprises a transmitter for generating a radar signal. The system also comprises an antenna configured to transmit a radar signal generated by the transmitter and receive radar return information from one or more directions directly below the airborne platform to an angular direction of approximately 30 degrees greater than straight down. The system also includes a processor configured to generate surface information based on the received radar return information and an image processor for generating an image based on the surface information.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for detecting self-alerts from upload messages in a TIS system to thereby eliminate the likelihood of TIS self-alerts appearing on CDTI displays. The present invention determines whether a self-alert was present in a previous traffic information uplink to determine whether a target in a current information uplink is real. Using a weighting algorithm, typically a fuzzy logic algorithm, a system in accordance with the present invention can distinguish between targets in consecutive radar sweeps to identify self-alerts. If the self-alert was not present in previous uplinks, then the system removes the self-alert from subsequent views on the CDTI. Thus, the present invention provides an improved visual display system for pilots and air traffic controllers.