GPS-Based Terrain Following/Terrain Avoidance System

The U.S. Navy has a need for a covert system which will assist the V-22 pilot to navigate using terrain following techniques while maintaining maximum safety against terrain impact. This proposal describes a GPS-based terrain following/terrain avoidance system. The system extrapolates the region immediately ahead of ther aircraft and alerts the pilot when the current flight vector intercepts the safety margins surrounding upcoming terrain obstacles. The system performs its task using a set of proprietary "Adaptive Realtime Altitude Detection" (ARAD) algorithms. These compare the present GPS-derived aircraft latitude, longitude, and evaluation above sea level, with the Defense DTED data for the same location. The ARAD algorithms extrapolate ahead of the current position, giving the pilot adequate time to take evasive action in avoiding upcoming terrain. The pilot can view his current location on a computer which displays topographical and military aeronautical charts. Phase I of this project will demonstrate a prototype system including realtime display software, and the integrated graphical databases for the area around Los Angeles. Upon project conclusion, we will release all documentation and data rights to qualified U.S. firms, free of charge, in the interest of maximizing commercialization.