Abstract: This paper presents the setup, the assessment methods, and the results of a flight trial that was conducted in June 2016 in order to demonstrate integration of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) into the current airspace, while also acknowledging that there are challenges to overcome. An RPAS demonstrator received a flight plan from the ground control station (GCS) using a ground-based data link, departing from Braunschweig-Wolfsburg airport and flying towards Leipzig/Halle airport on published routing. When approaching Leipzig/Halle airport, the data link was lost as predicted, and the arrival procedure was altered by air traffic control (ATC), which showed that an additional and dedicated RPAS controller at arrival airports might be valuable and advantageous. Focus of this paper is the description of the components that were used during the trial and their interconnectivity, the evaluation of quantitative recorded data and the qualitative experienced difficulties and challenges. Assessment of the recorded data is divided into data link quality, data link latency, and flight following performance (vertical and lateral following accuracy), with the latter being linked to existing performance based navigation (PBN) parameters by ICAO and height-keeping performance values by EASA. The paper concludes with a discussion on the investigated integration concept.

Abstract: The goal of the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System (NAS) is to achieve “file-and-fly” access to all classes of airspace. This means the UAS will fly without limitations or waivers in airspace shared with other manned and unmanned aircraft. In the case of large UAS operating in a similar manner to transport category aircraft in terminal, en-route and oceanic/remote environments, this includes the ability to perform area navigation.

Abstract: The FAA's recently announced 2016 Performance Based Navigation (PBN) National Airspace System (NAS) Navigation Strategy states that it will retain and expand Distance Measuring Equipment (DME/N) infrastructure to help ensure continued Area Navigation (RNAV) service during Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) outages. The targeted navigation performance using DME/DME in this strategy is RNAV 2.0 in the En Route Domain without requiring Inertial Reference Unit (IRU) and RNAV 1.0 in some large Terminal Areas. It is expected that DME will still play an important role as an alternative RNAV navigation source beyond 2030. It is, therefore, desirable to determine if the performance of DME can be improved to enable PBN of higher navigation accuracy to better meet future air traffic needs. This paper investigates the benefit of a newly developed DME/N pulse using Genetic Algorithms (GA) that can provide much higher ranging accuracy than the conventional Gaussian or Smoothed Concave Polygon (SCP) pulse while meeting the pulse shape requirements in current DME specifications. The primary benefit analysis will compare the achievable DME/DME positioning accuracy with a current DME ground network and compare the DME ground network requirements needed to meet RNAV 0.3 and 92.6 m surveillance positioning accuracy using the conventional Gaussian and the GA-based pulses in selected areas in Conterminous US (CONUS) NAS.

Abstract: Area navigation (RNAV) and other appropriate navigation specifications of the ICAO Performance Based Navigation concept represents a significant shift from conventional radio navigation to navigation primarily based on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which is poised to become the primary, and potentially only, means of air navigation. Here we demonstrate that using RNAV to define routes in one airspace sector over Croatia can reduce the number of potential conflicts between aircraft and thereby increase flight efficiency. At the same time, this can reduce the costs associated with air traffic management, thereby increasing effectiveness.

Abstract: The paper outlines a new methodology for controlling the accuracy of navigation fields of aircraft (AC) short-range navigation systems by means of equipment based on GLONASS technologies.

Abstract: Seamless navigation using one single mobile device would ease navigation. This goal demands detection of context. That is the environment (outdoor, indoor, car, etc.) and behaviour (walk, run, climb, etc.) of the location and user. Each positioning technology (inertial, radio frequency, sound, etc.) has its inherent characteristics. If correctly designed, the navigation system uses multiple sensors and combines the best characteristics of the available sensors in an optimal way. Battery consumption and accuracy of the system meets the needs for all environments. The user would not be aware of how the device works so well all the time—a seamless navigation device. This chapter provides a review of the available sensors and methods that can be used to complement GNSS, in scenarios where GNSS is not enough for seamless navigation.

Abstract: The Advanced Trajectory Modeling project is studying how new data exchange capabilities can improve the trajectory models used by ground and aircraft automation systems. More accurate models support both Performance Based Navigation (PBN) and Trajectory Based Operations (TBO) concepts. The project has identified various aircraft intent and state data elements available from aircraft and Flight Management Systems (FMS) that could be downlinked to ground automation systems. These data are extracted from onboard avionics systems, and downlinked to ground automation systems, using technologies that are rapidly being adopted. Once downloaded, the data are used in advanced trajectory models to support Trajectory Based Operations (TBO). We are implementing these aircraft-derived data elements and trajectory model improvements in an exploratory simulation study to assess the capability for different aircraft types with different equipment capabilities to provide the data, and for ground automation systems to make use of the data to improve trajectory model accuracy. Our approach, using actual systems, provides both an initial assessment of feasibility and anticipated performance benefits. This paper provides background on the project and describes project progress to date.

Abstract: According to the application requirements of autonomous navigation for unmanned vehicles which mainly used for forest exploration and border patrols, this paper designs a cost effective GNSS/SINS integrated system based on the fiber optic gyro (FOG). After that, the alignment method of SINS and the integrated navigation algorithm are also improved. By fusing the valid data of GNSS/FOG-SINS with Kalman filter, the error of inertial devices can be corrected and the high-precision inertial navigation results are used to locate by the satellite navigation system. At the end of this paper, the simulation and the vehicle field test are done, from which we can see that the tested accuracy can meet the practical precision requirement of the integrated navigation system when the satellite signal is blocked in the complex terrain environment for one minute.

Abstract: The general development principles of the civil aviation air navigation systems for the next years according to the concept of International Civil Aviation Organization (IСAO) CNS/ATM are stated in the article. It was reflected in the Global air navigation plan of IСAO accepted in 2013. The author considered the structure of block modernization of aviation system directed to optimization according to four main characteristics, such as: operations at the airports; systems and data interoperable on a global scale; optimum capacity and flexible flight routes, and also effective trajectories of flight. At the same time the main attention in the plan is paid to questions of the performance based navigation (PBN), the basic theses of which lean on four main units that make the concept of PBN. The possible ways of the specified blocks implementation taking into account features of the Russian Federation airspace use are considered in this paper. On the basis of the carried-out analysis conclusions are drawn on gradual transition from the RNAV navigation specifications to the RNP specifications, on increase in accuracy of navigation by modernization of ground radio navigational aids, both on a flight route and airspace of airfield area, on need of continuing the development of inexact calling schemes, using GNSS, with the subsequent transition to schemes of exact landing approaches by means of functional additions to GLONASS – GBAS and SBAS, also on the need of opportunities research in the domestic system SBAS (SDKM) for the increase in accuracy of navigation at various stages of flight. At the same time, standard instrument routes of arrival and departure (SID/STAR) have to be carried out in the mode of constant climb or continuous descent.

Abstract: Advanced technologies of air traffic management suggest changing-over to free routing (procedures for dynamic change in the flight route) in order to improve the efficiency of aviation transport. These technologies are based on the Performance-based Navigation (PBN) concept and the use of satellite navigation systems. However, the accuracy of such systems depends on the position of navigation satellites with respect to the user and is different in the provided airspace. That is why the optimal flight trajectory must be constructed with account of its reliability in the varying accuracy field of the satellite navigation system. The accuracy field can be defined by the values of the geometrical dilution of precision (GDOP). To construct the trajectory the authors relied on the optimization criterion and chose the A∗ algorithm (A star) implemented in the LabView graphical programming environment. The software package for simulating the GLONASS orbital movement and computing the accuracy fields within the provided airspace was implemented in the LabView as well. Using the mathematical modelling the authors constructed optimal flight trajectories in the GLONASS accuracy field with some prohibited zones within the provided airspace.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant airport vehicle integrated navigation system as a structural part of Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) is presented in the report. The structure of airport vehicle navigation system algorithms, algorithms of complex information processing (CIP), with an increased resistance to internal and external disturbances of unknown origin and realizing functions of detection, control and exclusion of satellite signals from navigation solution, which contain errors of different origin and type are given. Based on this approach integrity monitoring algorithm of navigation system is built. The basis of system is strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS), corrected by global navigation system (GNSS) receiver and odometer dead reckoning system (ORS). Two approaches to improve the reliability of system navigation definitions are offered, one of which is based on the navigation data autonomous integrity monitoring coming from the GNSS receiver and the second — on the use of data from ORS and nonholonomic properties in case of vehicle moving without a slip. Simulation results of airport vehicle navigation system error estimation process and detection of navigation satellites failures are given, confirming developed algorithms operability and efficiency.

Abstract: The required navigation performance authorisation required (RNP AR) approach, which is one of the performance-based navigation procedures, enables safer and efficient flight operations in busy and challenging mountainous areas. The RNP system increases situational awareness of pilots because of including monitoring and alerting service on board and ensuring lateral track accuracy of up to ± 0.1 NM. In this study, RNP AR approach (RNP AR APCH) procedures which will be a solution to prevent controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents are defined. CFIT accidents mostly occur in the approach and landing phase of flights because of the lack of precision approaches. Moreover, flight operational safety assessment (FOSA) methodology published for only RNP AR APCH procedures is assessed. The FOSA is a significant part of the operational authorisation for RNP AR APCH procedures and also is applied to evaluate particular cases and could be useful method for mitigating the risk of CFIT.

Abstract: This paper presents the setup, the assessment methods, and the results of a flight trial that was conducted in June 2016 in order to demonstrate integration of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) into the current airspace, while also acknowledging that there are challenges to overcome. An RPAS demonstrator received a flight plan from the ground control station (GCS) using a groundbased data link, departing from Braunschweig- Wolfsburg airport and flying towards Leipzig/Halle airport on published routing. When approaching Leipzig/Halle airport, the data link was lost as predicted, and the arrival procedure was altered by air traffic control (ATC), which showed that an additional and dedicated RPAS controller at arrival airports might be valuable and advantageous. Focus of this paper is the description of the components that were used during the trial and their interconnectivity, the evaluation of quantitative recorded data and the qualitative experienced difficulties and challenges. Assessment of the recorded data is divided into data link quality, data link latency, and flight following performance (vertical and lateral following accuracy), with the latter being linked to existing performance based navigation (PBN) parameters by ICAO and heightkeeping performance values by EASA. The paper concludes with a discussion on the investigated integration concept.

Abstract: Performance-based Navigation (PBN) allows aviation operations to be conducted based on actual operational requirements rather than the requirements of ground-based equipment. Although the general operational benefits of PBN procedures have been recognized by various studies, there is a need to specify the actual benefits in terms of the frequency of event anomalies that could be expected from the use of PBN procedures. The study reviewed some of the available literature and identified some operational improvements as reported by previous authors. The study then proceeded to review archival data from the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) database with a view to identifying the link between the use of PBN procedures and reported event anomalies. Overall, there were significantly fewer reported event anomalies when PBN procedures were used than when PBN procedures were not used. It is suggested that air operators and air navigation service providers conduct appropriate risk and safety assessments in their consideration of an increased use of PBN procedures.

Abstract: A robust and high-integrity navigation system is required for supporting Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations in dense urban environments. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) provides the primary means of navigation in civil aviation for manned and unmanned aircraft. GNSS however has failure modes that might be exacerbated in urban environments, leading to loss of navigation data or significant performance degradations. This paper presents a performance-based sensor switching strategy that allows fulfilling UAS navigation requirements in areas where GNSS is unavailable or exhibits degraded performance. An error analysis of GNSS is accomplished to inform the design of a performance evaluation module capable of predicting and assessing in real-time the current UAS navigation performance. In an integrated multi-sensor architecture based on GNSS (primary positioning sensor), Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Vision-Based Navigation (VBN), Adaptive Boolean Decision Logics (ABDL) are implemented to prioritise the various available navigation sensors to maintain the required level of performance. The designed architecture was tested in a virtual UAS test-bed to determine points at which sensor switching could be initiated. An UAS flight in an urban environment was simulated, along with different modes of individual sensor loss and degradation. The designed functionalities are targeted to address the challenging navigation performance requirements emerging in the UAS Traffic Management (UTM) context, enabling seamless and robust operation of UAS in the event of intermittent sensor accuracy, availability, continuity and integrity.

Abstract: A decision-making method of navigation for the small spacecraft is proposed. Attitude information is obtained by microelectromechanical gyroscope and geomagnetism sensor. Kalman filter and other information fusion techniques are used to improve the navigation accuracy. The long-term on-orbit navigation control of small aircraft is realized, reducing the cost of on-orbit navigation.

Abstract: Being as the pivot of avionics system, Flight Management System (FMS) plays an important role in flight planning, trajectory prediction, navigation and guidance of aircrafts. Aiming at researching the functions and validations of FMS, the advanced FMS simulation is constructed. Performance Based Navigation (PBN) and Trajectory Based Operation (TBO) require high-fidelity and high-accuracy data, of which are the magnetic variation data and atmospheric data. The influences of those supporting data on trajectory prediction module and guidance module are discussed. The basic data structures of those databases with a modified algorithm and a two-stage interpolation method to generate accurate continuous three-dimensional data are proposed. The databases and models have been validated on an actual comprehensive simulation of FMS.

Abstract: Providing improved efficiency in the terminal environment around high-capacity airports, Established on RNP leverages Required Navigation Performance technology to safely allow reduced aircraft-to-aircraft separation during curved simultaneous approaches. As one element in a comprehensive safety analysis, this paper describes the methodology and results used to estimate the mid-air collision risk when at least one aircraft leaves the intended approach path by inadvertently selecting an unintended flight procedure. The analysis considers three possible cases where an aircraft could be put at risk of collision during such an event: one where the trailing aircraft flying to the intended runway may be put at risk; a second where an aircraft flying to the incorrectly selected runway is put at risk; and, a third case, which only occurs when more than three parallel runways are available, where an aircraft flying to a runway between the intended runway and the incorrectly selected runway is put at risk of collision. The analysis concludes that all three cases could pose significant risk if not appropriately mitigated with controller monitoring and procedure design, but the third case is the most severe.

Abstract: Established on Required Navigation Performance (EoR) (RNP) is an operational concept which leverages performance-based navigation (PBN) to eliminate the separation requirement of 1000 feet vertically or 3 nautical miles horizontally. EoR promises many benefits to the National Airspace System (NAS) such as increased navigational performance, reduced pilot and controller work load, and lower track miles flown. Prior work presented the results from human-in-the-loop experimentation designed to assess these operations and the development of collision risk models that leverage these experimental results. This paper focuses on the application of the models recently derived and interpretation of results obtained. The results indicate mid-air collision risk is between 10−9 and 10−10 per operation for simultaneous independent EoR operations to dual parallel runways separated by 3600 feet or greater and to triple parallel runways separated by 3900 feet or greater regardless of whether the turns were designed with TF or RF legs.

Abstract: In order to improve the performance of the integrated navigation system, a new navigation resource management method based on an efficiency function is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the framework of the navigation resource management method is established. Secondly, the representation of the efficiency function is given, which based on the navigation accuracy, the sensor accuracy and the navigation task. Finally, this method is simulated and compared to the traditional data fusion method. The simulation results show that the positioning accuracy and the computing time of this method are improved by 20.1% and 26.7%, respectively. This method makes full use of the sensor accuracy, and manages the navigation resource effectively. It effectively improves the navigation accuracy and the computational efficiency.

Abstract: Current and future planetary exploration missions involve a landing on the target celestial body. Almost all of these landing missions are currently relying on a combination of inertial and optical sensor measurements to determine the current flight state with respect to the target body and the desired landing site. As soon as an infrastructure at the landing site exists, the requirements as well as conditions change for vehicles landing close to this existing infrastructure. This paper investigates the options for ground-based infrastructure supporting the onboard navigation system and analyzes the impact on the achievable navigation accuracy. For that purpose, the paper starts with an existing navigation architecture based on optical navigation and extends it with measurements to support navigation with ground infrastructure. A scenario of lunar landing is simulated and the provided functions of the ground infrastructure as well as the location with respect to the landing site are evaluated. The results are analyzed and discussed.

Abstract: In the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) performance based navigation strategy announced in 2016, the FAA stated that it would retain and expand the Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) infrastructure to ensure resilient aircraft navigation capability during the event of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) outage. However, the main drawback of the DME as a GNSS back up system is that it requires a significant expansion of the current DME ground infrastructure due to its poor distance measuring accuracy over 100 m. The paper introduces a method to improve DME distance measuring accuracy by using a new DME pulse shape. The proposed pulse shape was developed by using Genetic Algorithms and is less susceptible to multipath effects so that the ranging error reduces by 36.0–77.3% when compared to the Gaussian and Smoothed Concave Polygon DME pulses, depending on noise environment.