GPS-Based Terrain Avoidance System

The FAA has documented many crashes, in all aviation domains, which it categorizes as "controlled flights into terrain." This proposal describes a GPS-based terrain avoidance system. The system extrapolates the region immediately ahead of the aircraft and alerts the pilot when the current flight vector intercepts the safety margins surrounding upcoming terrain obstacles. It performs its task using a set of proprietary "Adaptive Realtime Altitude Detection" (ARAD) algorithms. These compare the present GPS-derived latitude, longitude and elevation above sea level, with the Defense Digital Terrain Elevation Data for the same location. By extrapolating ahead of the current position, the ARAD algorithms give the pilot adequate time to take evasive action. The pilot can view his present location on a laptop computer which displays both topographic maps and FAA aeronautical charts. Phase I of this project will demonstrate a prototype system including realtime display software, and the integrated USGS, FAA and DTED databases for the area around LAX. Upon project completion, we will release all documentation and data rights to qualitifed US firms, free of charge, in the interest of creating jobs. This project has the endorsement of the State of California. Anticipated Benefits: The proposed navigation/terrain collision avoidance system has widespread application in the commercial and general aviation sectors. It serves commercial pilots by providing a collision avoidance system for use outside FAA controlled airspace. It serves private pilots, particularly those operating under Visual Flight Rules, by providing a ground collision prevention system vastly superior to any they currently employ.