Using GPS for Airborne Formation Control

Mark D. Goodwin, John J. Kusnierek

Abstract:	This paper describes the IntraFormation Posi- tioning System (IFPS) concept, development, and flight test results. IFPS maintains integrity of air- craft formation flight under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The system incorporates GPS, inertial, and doppler sensors, plus a data link with a ranging function. A feder- ated Kalman filter combines the sensor informa- tion in a relative navigation scheme. IFPS has no direct control or coordination of the satellite sets between aircraft. IFPS displays information on a plan-view situational awareness display and on a flight director display. Formation functions, such as join-up, formation type and spacing, are auto- mated. A developmental system was built and installed on two MH-53J helicopters. Fourteen test flights were flown with a high degree of success.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 6th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1993) September 22 - 24, 1993 Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, UT
Pages:	871 - 884
Cite this article:	Goodwin, Mark D., Kusnierek, John J., "Using GPS for Airborne Formation Control," Proceedings of the 6th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1993), Salt Lake City, UT, September 1993, pp. 871-884.
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