Engineering topics

Mcconnell, W. J., Jr.

Publications and source records attributed to Mcconnell, W. J., Jr..

3 records

NASA NTRS1979

Study for incorporating time-synchronized approach control into the CH-47/VALT digital navigation system

Techniques for obtaining time synchronized (4D) approach control in the VALT research helicopter is described. Various 4D concepts and their compatibility with the existing VALT digital computer navigation and guidance system hardware and software are examined. Modifications to various techniques were investigated in order to take advantage of the unique operating characteristics of the helicopter in the terminal area. A 4D system is proposed, combining the direct to maneuver with the existing VALT curved path generation capability.

Mcconnell, W. J., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1976

A technique for generating arbitrarily shaped curved approach paths

A technique for creating and using arbitrarily curved flight paths is described, in conjunction with either automatic or manual guidance. Operating techniques for VTOL aircraft in the terminal area environment are investigated. Straight lines and elliptical segments to connect a series of data points into a continous approach path were developed. Software was created to allow the generation of arbitrarily shaped altitude and speed profiles in conjunction with the lateral curved paths.

Mcconnell, W. J., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Development of the NASA VALT digital navigation system

The research to develop and fabricate a terminal area navigation system for use in the NASA VTOL Approach and Landing Technology (VALT) program. The results of that effort are reported. The navigation system developed and fabricated was based on a general purpose airborne digital computer. A set of flight hardware units was fabricated to create the necessary analog, digital and human interface with the computer. A comprehensive package of software was created to implement the control and guidance laws required for automatic and flight director approaches that are curved in two planes. A technique was developed that enables the generation of randomly shaped lateral paths from simple input data. The lateral path concept combines straight line and elliptical-curved segments to fit a continuous curved path to the data points. A simple, fixed base simulation was put together to assist in developing and evaluating the system. The simulation was used to obtain system performance data during simulated curved-path approaches.

Mcconnell, W. J., Jr.↗