FAA/NRaD Simulation Testing of the E-Systems GPS-Based CAT IIIb

S. Newman, P. Meisinger, G. Romrell, G. Johnson, C. Mannis, M. Park

Abstract:	Simulation testing of a state-of-the-art GPS based aircraft landing system was successfully performed by the Naval Command, Control and Ocean Surveillance Center (NCCOSC) Research, Development, Test and Engineering Division (NRaD), Warminster, under sponsorship of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Satellite Program Office (ANG-510). The system tested was provided by E-Systems Montek Division under an FAA contract to demonstrate feasibility of Differential GPS (DGPS) based technology to support FAA Category (CAT) IIIb precision approach and landing requirements. The E-Systems equipment incorporates Ashtech GPS receivers utilizing Kinematic Carrier Phase Tracking (KCPT) DGPS technology developed by E-Systems and Ashtech to solve the position/approach problem. The NRaD laboratory testing comprised high fidelity RF simulation tests in which all GPS signals were simulated in a computer controlled environment. The successful testing drew upon advanced NRaD T&E capabilities which resulted from a laboratory improvement program targeting state-of-the-art accuracy and repeatability in the simulation of GPS satellite signals under dynamic conditions to the centimeter level required for Category IIIb. The simulation testing evaluated the system as a navigation sensor providing high data rates suitable for flight control. The tests were designed to measure the basic accuracy of the system as well as its response to applied anomalous conditions such as multipath, various satellite geometries, satellite failures, and variations in signal strength not possible to test in the field. E-Systems technically supported the NRaD laboratory test program by assisting in all phases from the initial test planning through the installation and checkout phase during which NRaD personnel were trained in the operation of the landing system. The equipment provided by E-Systems included a Ground Reference System and data link, Ground Integrity Monitor, and a palletized Airborne Landing System which had been previously successfully flown. This paper discusses the architecture of the E- Systems DGPS system including system description and principles of operation and the NRaD laboratory facilities with a detailed description of the efforts required to achieve the accuracy and performance repeatability required for evaluation of CAT IIIb systems. This paper concludes with a presentation of the test results, demonstrating the unprecedented accuracy and robustness of the E-Systems DGPS Landing system, as well as pointing the way for future improvements.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 9th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1996) September 17 - 20, 1996 Kansas City, MO
Pages:	77 - 86
Cite this article:	Newman, S., Meisinger, P., Romrell, G., Johnson, G., Mannis, C., Park, M., "FAA/NRaD Simulation Testing of the E-Systems GPS-Based CAT IIIb," Proceedings of the 9th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1996), Kansas City, MO, September 1996, pp. 77-86.
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