ION GNSS 2012
Session C2: Aviation Applications 2

Title: Integrated GNSS/INS Positioning Combined with SRTM Digital Elevation Model for Safe Approach, Landing and Takeoff Phase of a Flight
Author(s): A. Ciecko, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland
Date/Time: Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 2:58 p.m.
Room: 206 (NCC)

The paper presents preliminary results of the project concerning integration of GNSS/INS (Global Navigation Satellite System/Inertial Navigation System) solution with SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) DEM (Digital Elevation Model) for air navigation. The project has been financed by National Science Centre of Republic of Poland. The project assumes creation of a mathematical model of air navigation based on GNSS and INS solution as well as integration of the result with a digital elevation model (DEM). Such a solution will allow the future implementation of a fully functional navigation system in any type of the aircraft. Thanks to the system, the pilot will have a permanent access to an accurate and reliable information on the actual elevation and possible obstacles in the vicinity of the plane in each phase of flight, regardless of weather conditions. It is estimated that about one-third of serious accidents involving aircraft transport is the result of hitting the Earth´s surface by a plane performing completely smooth and normal flight plan, run by well-prepared and efficient staff, these accidents are commonly called CFIT - Controlled Flight Into Terrain. In April 2010, a Polish Air Force Tupolev Tu-154M aircraft crashed in Smolensk (Russia), killing 96 people including President of Poland and his wife in CFIT accident. Disasters are often caused by errors of pilots, but their incidence is always composed by many additional factors among which a central role play harsh weather conditions and unexpected equipment failures. Innovative application proposed under this project, which combines the best features of GNSS/INS would increase the possibility of avoiding the tragedy in these situations. The paper presents in detail theoretical and practical possibilities of Septentrio AsteRx2i HDC - a dual-frequency GPS/GLONASS/INS receiver purchased within the project. Description of algorithms used in the receiver´s software as well as results of first practical experiments with Septentrio AsteRx2i HDC are given . The first trials were done with a car which allowed for acquaintance with the receiver and practical tests of different configuration of measurement unit. Preliminary results of the flight trials are also presented in the paper. Detailed results of preliminary tests, advantages and disadvantages as well as theoretical possibilities of AsteRx2i HDC are presented and discussed. An accurate and reliable position determined by integrated GNSS/INS technology will be an ideal input for mathematical model which will allow for safe air navigation. Proposed solution will use the latest achievements and technologies, including the latest localization technologies to increase integrity and safety during critical phases of a flight, especially during the approach, landing and takeoff of an aircraft. The paper presents currently used integration strategies for GNSS and INS: loose, tight, ultra-tight and deep integration and an attempt of best method selection for the critical air navigation operations. The review concerns possibility of use of presented strategies with Septentrio AsteRx2i HDC receiver. Proposed model of safe air navigation also assumes prediction of airplane positioning based on previous trajectory. Discussion on possible prediction models is also presented. Current status of the project as well as planned practical experiments and future actions will sum up the paper.

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