Aircraft Position Validation Using Radar and Inertial Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft locating systems using inertial and radionavigation sensors suffer from inaccuracies and environmental dependencies, leading to unreliable positioning, especially in reduced visibility conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dual-location system combining inertial and radionavigation sensors with a radar unit to determine aircraft position, utilizing radar detection of ground elements to validate or correct inertial positions, incorporating alert systems and trajectory adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inertial sensors are used for locating the aircraft, then the locating system can operate independently of environmental conditions, but the positioning accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines inertial sensors (first locating unit) with a radar system (second locating unit) into a unified locating device. The inertial sensors provide continuous operation and reliability, while the radar provides high positioning accuracy through detection of ground characteristic elements. The two systems work together to resolve the contradiction between operational reliability and positioning accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If radionavigation sensors are used for locating the aircraft, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the system becomes dependent on environmental conditions and susceptible to breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges radionavigation sensors with the radar system. The radar detects ground characteristic elements and determines aircraft position independently of external radionavigation signals. This combination maintains the positioning accuracy benefit while eliminating the environmental dependency and breakdown susceptibility of pure radionavigation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system acts as an intermediary between the aircraft and the ground, using detection of ground characteristic elements to determine position. This intermediary approach replaces direct reliance on external radionavigation signals that are vulnerable to environmental interference, providing a more reliable positioning method.
3Measurement precision
If a dual-location system combining inertial sensors and radar is implemented, then positioning accuracy and reliability are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system serves multiple functions: it detects ground characteristic elements for positioning, provides validation of inertial sensor data, and can guide aircraft trajectory. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive positioning and guidance capabilities in a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by comparing data from the inertial sensors with data from the radar detection. This feedback mechanism validates the inertial position and allows for corrections, ensuring high positioning accuracy while managing system complexity through intelligent data processing and cross-validation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances positioning accuracy and reliability by validating inertial positions with radar data, ensuring safe and precise aircraft guidance during landing, even in low visibility conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the second locating unit comprising a radar, the method comprising: a first phase of determining a position of the aircraft, called first position, by the first locating unit according to a signal supplied by the or at least one sensor, simultaneously with the first determination phase, a second phase of determining a position of the aircraft, called second position, by the second locating unit, the second determination phase comprising: the detection by radar, of the characteristic elements of the zone overflown
Data Source
AI summary
A method of locating an aircraft in flight by means of a locating device including at least one sensor and a radar, the method including a first phase of determining a position of the aircraft, referred to as the first position, by means of the at least one sensor according to a signal supplied by the at least one sensor, a second phase of determining, at the same time as the first determination phase, a position of the aircraft, referred to as the second position, by means of the radar, and a phase of comparing data associated with the first position and data associated with the second position after which the first position is either validated or invalidated.