A GPU Stream Computing Approach to Terrain Database Integrity Monitoring

Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS) provide an aircraft pilot with a virtual 3-D image of surrounding terrain which is generated from a digital elevation model stored in an onboard database. SVS improves the pilot\u27s situational awareness at night and in inclement weather, thus reducing the chance of accidents such as controlled flight into terrain. A terrain database integrity monitor is needed to verify the accuracy of the displayed image due to potential database and navigational system errors. Previous research has used existing aircraft sensors to compare the real terrain position with the predicted position. We propose an improvement to one of these models by leveraging the stream computing capabilities of commercial graphics hardware. Brook for GPUs, a system for implementing stream computing applications on programmable graphics processors, is used to execute a streaming ray-casting algorithm that correctly simulates the beam characteristics of a radar altimeter during all phases of flight

Autonomous flight and remote site landing guidance research for helicopters

Automated low-altitude flight and landing in remote areas within a civilian environment are investigated, where initial cost, ongoing maintenance costs, and system productivity are important considerations. An approach has been taken which has: (1) utilized those technologies developed for military applications which are directly transferable to a civilian mission; (2) exploited and developed technology areas where new methods or concepts are required; and (3) undertaken research with the potential to lead to innovative methods or concepts required to achieve a manual and fully automatic remote area low-altitude and landing capability. The project has resulted in a definition of system operational concept that includes a sensor subsystem, a sensor fusion/feature extraction capability, and a guidance and control law concept. These subsystem concepts have been developed to sufficient depth to enable further exploration within the NASA simulation environment, and to support programs leading to the flight test

Aeronautical Engineering: A Continuing Bibliography with Indexes (supplement 194)

This bibliography lists 369 reports, articles and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in November 1985

Analytical evaluation of ILM sensors, volume 1

The functional requirements and operating environment constraints are defined for an independent landing monitor ILM which provides the flight crew with an independent assessment of the operation of the primary automatic landing system. The capabilities of radars, TV, forward looking infrared radiometers, multilateration, microwave radiometers, interferometers, and nuclear sensing concepts to meet the ILM conditions are analyzed. The most critical need for the ILM appears in the landing sequence from 1000 to 2000 meters from threshold through rollout. Of the sensing concepts analyzed, the following show potential of becoming feasible ILM's: redundant microwave landings systems, precision approach radar, airborne triangulation radar, multilateration with radar altimetry, and nuclear sensing

Aeronautical engineering: A continuing bibliography with indexes (supplement 247)

This bibliography lists 437 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in December, 1989. Subject coverage includes: design, construction and testing of aircraft and aircraft engines; aircraft components, equipment and systems; ground support systems; and theoretical and applied aspects of aerodynamics and general fluid dynamics

Aeronautical Engineering: A special bibliography with indexes, supplement 64, December 1975

This bibliography lists 288 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in November 1975

Aeronautical Engineering: A continuing bibliography with indexes, supplement 155, December 1982

This bibliography lists 272 reports, articles and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in November 1982

High-speed civil transport flight- and propulsion-control technological issues

Technology advances required in the flight and propulsion control system disciplines to develop a high speed civil transport (HSCT) are identified. The mission and requirements of the transport and major flight and propulsion control technology issues are discussed. Each issue is ranked and, for each issue, a plan for technology readiness is given. Certain features are unique and dominate control system design. These features include the high temperature environment, large flexible aircraft, control-configured empennage, minimizing control margins, and high availability and excellent maintainability. The failure to resolve most high-priority issues can prevent the transport from achieving its goals. The flow-time for hardware may require stimulus, since market forces may be insufficient to ensure timely production. Flight and propulsion control technology will contribute to takeoff gross weight reduction. Similar technology advances are necessary also to ensure flight safety for the transport. The certification basis of the HSCT must be negotiated between airplane manufacturers and government regulators. Efficient, quality design of the transport will require an integrated set of design tools that support the entire engineering design team

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration interdisciplinary studies in space technology at the University of Kansas

A broad range of research projects contained in a cooperative space technology program at the University of Kansas are reported as they relate to the following three areas of interdisciplinary interest: (1) remote sensing of earth resources; (2) stability and control of light and general aviation aircraft; and (3) the vibrational response characteristics of aeronautical and space vehicles. Details of specific research efforts are given under their appropriate departments, among which are aerospace engineering, chemical and petroleum engineering, environmental health, water resources, the remote sensing laboratory, and geoscience applications studies

Aeronautical engineering: A continuing bibliography, supplement 122

This bibliography lists 303 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in April 1980