Interferometric GPS Flight Referencel Autoland System: Flight Test Results

Frank van Graas, David W. Diggle, Richard M. Hueschen

Abstract:	An Interferometric GPS Flight Reference System (IGPS FRS) has been implemented and flight tested on a transport category aircraft. The underlying principle of operation is similar to that used for kinematic surveying, and is also referred to as differential carrier-phase tracking. The objectives of the IGPS FRS include: 0.1 meter accuracy rms (each axis); one or more updates per second; UTC (Universal Time, Coordinated) time synchronization better than 0.1 ms: real-time, all-weather operation; and repeatable flight paths. The latter requirement calls for full aircraft integration and coupled flight. Specific applications for this system include evaluation of approach/landing systems and test range calibration. In addition, feasibility studies in the areas of precision landing/autoland, low-visibility surface operations (taxiing, docking), high-speed turn-off, parallel runway operations, input to electronic charts, and 4-D navigation can also be supported. This paper discusses the IGPS FRS architecture, its principles of operation, the aircraft integration, and the initial static calibration and flight test performance results. These are the first reported results for an Interferometric GPS Flight Reference/Autoland System that resolves carrier-phase ambiguities in flight while simultaneously providing high-precision guidance to a transport category aircraft through direct coupling to its flight control system.
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:	855 - 870
Cite this article:	van Graas, Frank, Diggle, David W., Hueschen, Richard M., "Interferometric GPS Flight Referencel Autoland System: Flight Test Results," 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. 855-870.
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