Flight testing of an Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AGCAS) which could eliminate 95% of military accidents involving controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) is under way in the USA.
The system has been installed on a Lockheed Martin Block 50 F-16D assigned to the US Air Force Flight Test Centre at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
PROGRAMME
The goal of the programme, jointly sponsored by the US and Swedish air forces, is to reduce the number of aircraft and lives lost in the high speed/low altitude environment typical of many fighter missions. With the AGCAS, the pilot selects a minimum height above terrain for the mission. The system computes the aircraft's position and constantly predicts its trajectory.
If the trajectory falls below the preset minimum clearance, warning symbols illuminate in the cockpit for five seconds.
If the situation persists, the flight control system automatically levels the aircraft and starts a 5g pull up until it is clear of the approaching
Terrain.
Another potential benefit of AGCAS is in preventing crashes from what is known as "g-induced loss of consciousness" where pilots experience temporary blackouts due to a lack of blood flow to the brain caused by significant g-forces.
Lockheed Martin is responsible for overall systems integration, while other contractors involved in the programme include Saab, Orbital Sciences and SCI.
AGCAS has three main components: a data transfer unit, a data cartridge and a fly-up computer software unit.
Source: Flight Daily News
