Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Jackson, C. T., Jr..
The program described was initiated in 1975 to provide the critical information for the design of an advanced avionics system suitable for general aviation. Emphasis is on the use of data busing, distributed microsensors, shared electronic displays and pilot entry devices, innovative low-cost sensors, and improved functional characteristics. Design considerations include cost, reliability, maintainability, and modularity.
Experiments on an automatic multisensor navigation concept are being conducted in a Cessna 402B. The test system consists of VOR, DME, and air data sensors controlled by a Hewlett Packard 9820A electronic calculator which processes the data and, by means of a four-state Kalman filter, outputs position and ground and wind velocities to a map display. Novel features which make such a system potentially low-cost include frequency-scanning operation of a single VOR receiver and a single DME transceiver and use of a shed-vortex true airspeed sensor. Results obtained during flight in a local area where six to eight DME NAVAIDS were receivable yielded better than 1/4-mile accuracy.
Using data obtained in flight, three position determining algorithms for use by general aviation aircraft were evaluated representing increasing software requirements. These were a DME only, DME/air data and blended DME/air data. Although each step represented additional software with resultant increase in position accuracy, all could be performed on a programmable electronic desk calculator. Results from the computation of aircraft position using the three algorithms are presented. The algorithms employed can be extended to accept VOR, TACAN bearing, ADF, or other NAVAID Data. To obtain the flight data an experimental system was configured and flown on a general aviation aircraft. Principal hardware elements (all with low-cost potential) were a programmable calculator, a single DME receiver (multiplexed for multiple DME use) and a low-cost air speed sensor (shed-vortex principle). The flight test demonstrated satisfactory performance of these principal elements.
Turn rate gyro installation angle and airspeed effects on instrument reliability, presenting in-flight investigation results relative to turn rate information usefulness under various flight conditions
Simulated flight test of double-Delta supersonic transport for performance characteristics, handling qualities, and climbing characteristics
Validation of research flight simulator for jet transport handling qualities and airworthiness criteria during takeoff
Fixed-cockpit piloted simulator studies of delta-planform and variable-wing-sweep supersonic transport configurations for investigation of handling qualities