Demonstration of Decimeter-level Real-time Positioning of an Airborne Platform

M. Armatys, R. Muellerschoen, Y. Bar-Sever, R. Meyer

Abstract:	We demonstrate the ability of the NASA Global Differential GPS (GDGPS) System to support 10 to 20 cm accurate real-time airplane positioning, anywhere in the world, independent of local navigational aids or infrastructure. The demonstrations were carried out in a series of flight experiments from February through September 2002. Experiments using the NASA AirSAR DC-8 airplane based at the Dryden Flight Research Center, CA were carried out over the continental United States and used Inmarsat global satellite beams to receive the GDGPS differential correction data stream. Experiments on the NASA P-3 from the Wallops Island Flight Facility, VA were conducted over Greenland using an Iridium modem to receive the GDGPS differential correction data stream. The 1 Hz differential corrections, comprising GPS orbits and clock offsets relative to the GPS broadcast ephemeris, are computed at the GDGPS Operations Center, from the NASA Global GPS Network data. In addition to the Inmarsat receiver and Iridium modem, the aircraft positioning payload includes a geodeticquality, 12-channel dual-frequency GPS receiver and a connection from the plane’s avionics pressure transducer to receive external pressure. A Linux PC laptop, running JPL’s Real Time GIPSY (RTG) software, combines the measurements and differential corrections to estimate the plane position at 1 Hz. We will discuss the derivation and validation of truth trajectories using post-processing, and describe the performance of the real time positioning system in terms of accuracy, and availability. We will address the operational challenges and the broad potential benefits from this capability.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 2003 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 22 - 24, 2003 Disneyland Paradise Pier Hotel Anaheim, CA
Pages:	558 - 561
Cite this article:	Armatys, M., Muellerschoen, R., Bar-Sever, Y., Meyer, R., "Demonstration of Decimeter-level Real-time Positioning of an Airborne Platform," Proceedings of the 2003 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, Anaheim, CA, January 2003, pp. 558-561.
Full Paper:	ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit Sign In