Aircraft ground monitoring system

Abstract

System for monitoring performance of an aircraft during ground-related operating condition, such as take-off and landing, to predict whether the aircraft can safely complete the operation. The performance of various known types of aircraft is predicted as a function of the distance which the aircraft has traveled along a runway. The actual progress of a known type of aircraft along a runway is then monitored to determine the actual velocity and position of the aircraft. Using the performance model for the known aircraft type, the remaining distance required for the aircraft to accomplish a particular operation, such as to reach take-off velocity or to decelerate to a stop, is predicted. The predicted distance is compared with the actual runway distance remaining for the aircraft to travel, and an alarm signal condition is generated if the actual remaining distance is less than the predicted required distance. The comparison is also made between the measured velocity of an aircraft moving along the runway and the predicted velocity which that type of aircraft should have attained, at various locations along the length of the runway. A warning signal is generated if the actual velocity is unacceptably different from predicted. The present system also predicts safe abort points conditions. Runway/taxiway intersection monitoring and control is also provided.