In-trail Spacing Control for Commercial Aircraft Position Keeping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft traffic congestion in commercial flying settings is a challenge due to the inability to utilize position keeping algorithms effectively, as commercial aircraft rarely fly in formation, limiting air traffic capacity and increasing flight delays.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows an aircraft to maintain in-trail spacing with another aircraft using desired spacing intervals in time or distance, utilizing flight plan information and autopilot systems for stable tracking performance, even during climbs, descents, or turns, and during merging on different flight paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If formation flight position keeping algorithms are used, then spacing between aircraft can be maintained, but commercial aircraft cannot utilize this because they seldom fly in formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional formation flight concept by allowing commercial aircraft to maintain spacing without requiring formation flight configuration. Instead of requiring aircraft to fly in formation to use position keeping algorithms, the system adapts the algorithms to work with commercial aircraft operating independently but maintaining precise in-trail spacing, effectively reversing the dependency relationship between formation flight and spacing control
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters from formation flight mode to in-trail spacing mode, allowing the position keeping algorithms to function with commercial aircraft by modifying how spacing is defined and maintained. The system uses flight plan information and reported positions rather than formation flight data, adapting the control parameters to suit commercial aviation operations
2Productivity
If aircraft are spaced more precisely during flight, then air traffic capacity increases, but this requires new position keeping systems not available in commercial settings
Solution Approach 1:
The position keeping system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various commercial aviation scenarios including in-trail spacing, merging operations, and different flight phases (climb, descent, level flight). By making the system universal across different operational modes, it becomes a viable solution for commercial aircraft without requiring separate specialized systems for each scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables aircraft to self-manage their spacing through onboard computers that automatically calculate and maintain precise distances using flight plan information and reported positions from other aircraft. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex ground-based control systems while achieving the productivity gains from precise spacing
3Measurement precision
If in-trail spacing is maintained during climbs, descents or turns, then tracking performance improves, but this requires stable position keeping algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The position keeping algorithms are designed to be dynamic rather than static, automatically adapting to changing flight conditions during climbs, descents, and turns. The system continuously updates spacing calculations based on current flight phase and aircraft state, maintaining stability and tracking performance throughout maneuvering operations rather than requiring separate control modes for each flight phase
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle position keeping systems and methods. The system reduces vehicle congestion by maintaining a position of a first vehicle relative to a second vehicle, determining guidance corrections based on a track state referenced to the second vehicle that take into account a tracking position error indicative of the error in the position of the first vehicle. The guidance corrections maintain desired spacing between the first vehicle and at least the second vehicle.