Aircraft Navigation Using Terrestrial Radio Beacons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems using satellite positioning systems (GNSS) face challenges in ensuring accurate and reliable position calculations, particularly when satellite signals are weak or experience interference, and there is a risk of onboard receiver malfunction.
Innovation Solution
The development of an aircraft navigation method that utilizes terrestrial radio beacons, specifically DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) type radio beacons, to perform integrated position calculations compatible with RNP (Required Navigation Performance) navigation, thereby providing an alternative to satellite-based navigation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite positioning systems (GNSS) are used for aircraft navigation, then position calculation can be performed, but the system becomes vulnerable to weak signals, interference, and receiver malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the positioning system from satellite-based to terrestrial beacon-based. By using multiple terrestrial radio beacons (DME equipment) instead of satellite signals, the system achieves immunity to satellite signal interference while maintaining position calculation capability. The method involves receiving distance measurements from at least three terrestrial beacons and calculating position through trilateration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If terrestrial radio beacons are used for position calculation, then alternative navigation is available, but the calculated position does not meet RNP navigation integrity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing expected distance measurements and their uncertainties from multiple terrestrial beacons before flight. During navigation, the system compares actual measurements with pre-calculated values and uses uncertainty analysis to determine whether the position calculation meets RNP integrity requirements. This allows the system to proactively ensure measurement quality rather than reactively correcting issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the consistency of distance measurements from multiple terrestrial beacons and comparing them with pre-calculated expected values. The system uses uncertainty analysis to provide feedback on whether the current position calculation meets RNP requirements, and can switch between different beacon combinations based on this feedback to maintain integrity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple radio beacons are used to obtain distance estimates, then position accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the navigation system into distinct functional modules: beacon signal reception, distance measurement extraction, position calculation through trilateration, and uncertainty analysis. This modular approach allows the system to use multiple beacons for improved accuracy while managing complexity through clear separation of functions. The system can independently process measurements from each beacon and combine results mathematically.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and system for aircraft navigation along a predetermined air route, comprising an on-board navigation system (4) providing in-flight aircraft positioning integrity relative to said route respecting an expected level of positioning accuracy performance, and at least one radio receiver (24) on-board on the aircraft adapted to communicate with at least one terrestrial radio beacon adapted to provide a distance of the aircraft from said radio beacon.The system includes a module (18) configured to obtain, from a current aircraft position and stored data (20, 28), an N-tuple of radio beacons to be used, a module (22) configured to obtain a distance measurement of the aircraft from each of the N radio beacons of said N-tuple, a module (26) configured to calculate an integral position from the distance measurements obtained by a predetermined calculation method, and a module (30) configured to use the calculated integral position as the current integral position.