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Flight tests of three-dimensional path-redefinition algorithms for transition from Radio Navigation (RNAV) to Microwave Landing System (MLS) navigation when flying an aircraft on autopilotThis report contains results of flight tests for three path update algorithms designed to provide smooth transition for an aircraft guidance system from DME, VORTAC, and barometric navaids to the more precise MLS by modifying the desired 3-D flight path. The first algorithm, called Zero Cross Track, eliminates the discontinuity in cross-track and altitude error at transition by designating the first valid MLS aircraft position as the desired first waypoint, while retaining all subsequent waypoints. The discontinuity in track angle is left unaltered. The second, called Tangent Path, also eliminates the discontinuity in cross-track and altitude errors and chooses a new desired heading to be tangent to the next oncoming circular arc turn. The third, called Continued Track, eliminates the discontinuity in cross-track, altitude, and track angle errors by accepting the current MLS position and track angle as the desired ones and recomputes the location of the next waypoint. The flight tests were conducted on the Transportation Systems Research Vehicle, a small twin-jet transport aircraft modified for research under the Advanced Transport Operating Systems program at Langley Research Center. The flight tests showed that the algorithms provided a smooth transition to MLS.
Document ID
19890005745
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Hueschen, Richard M. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 5, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1988
Subject Category
Aircraft Stability And Control
Report/Patent Number
NASA-TM-4089
NAS 1.15:4089
L-16458
Report Number: NASA-TM-4089
Report Number: NAS 1.15:4089
Report Number: L-16458
Accession Number
89N15116
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 505-66-41-04
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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