Flight Management System Upgrade Using Data Concentrator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight management systems on aircraft, such as those on MD-80/90 aircraft, face limitations in navigation database storage capacity, lacking RNP VNAV and RNAV capabilities using GPS-based navigation solutions, and require costly and time-consuming complete replacements to upgrade, which is inefficient and costly for commercial aviation fleets.
Innovation Solution
The upgrade involves retaining legacy AFMC and other components while replacing the legacy EFIS system with a data concentrator unit, integrated flat panel display, and GPS receiver, enabling increased navigation database storage capacity and RNP, VNAV, and RNAV capabilities using GPS-based navigation, while maintaining the legacy AFMC's performance capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the legacy EFIS system is replaced with modern components (data concentrator unit, integrated flat panel display, GPS receiver), then navigation capabilities including RNP VNAV, RNAV, and GPS-based navigation are improved, but system complexity and upgrade costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into functional modules: legacy AFMC for performance calculations, data concentrator unit for data processing, integrated flat panel display for visualization, and GPS receiver for positioning. Each module can be independently selected, installed, and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while improving navigation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated flat panel display serves multiple functions including navigation display, system status monitoring, and interface with flight crew. The data concentrator unit processes data from multiple sources (legacy AFMC, GPS receiver, other aircraft systems) to provide comprehensive navigation information, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the complete preexisting flight management system is replaced with a new system, then all navigation shortcomings are resolved, but upgrade costs and aircraft downtime increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The legacy AFMC and other proven components are extracted from the old system and retained in the upgraded configuration. Only the specific deficient components (EFIS system, navigation database storage) are replaced, allowing the aircraft to be upgraded without complete system replacement and minimizing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The upgrade process is designed to install new components (data concentrator unit, GPS receiver, integrated display) while maintaining compatibility with existing legacy systems. This preliminary planning allows for phased implementation and testing, reducing aircraft downtime compared to complete replacement approaches.
3Reliability
If the legacy AFMC is retained in the upgraded system, then proven performance capabilities are maintained, but the system lacks GPS-based navigation and RNP VNAV capability
Solution Approach 1:
The data concentrator unit acts as an intermediary between the legacy AFMC and the new GPS receiver and integrated display system. It translates and processes data between different systems, enabling the legacy AFMC to work with modern GPS-based navigation solutions, RNP VNAV, and RNAV capabilities without requiring complete system replacement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A preexisting FMS system may be upgraded to increase its functionality while still taking advantage of certain components of the legacy system previously provided on the aircraft and replacing other preexisting components with different components for enhancing the functionality of the FMS system. The preexisting IRU, CADC, DME receiver and DFGC in the upgraded FMS system are in communication with the legacy AFMC but, instead of employing the legacy EFIS which existed in the prrexisting FMS system, the EFIS is replaced by a data concentrator unit as well as the display control panel and integrated flat panel display, and a GPS receiver. The upgraded FMS system is capable of such increased functionality as increased navigation database storage capacity, RNP, VNAV and RNAV capability utilizing a GPS based navigation solution, and RTA capability, while still enabling the legacy AFMC to exploit its aircraft performance capabilities throughout the flight.