Browse Topic: Airports

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Augusta Regional Airport Preparation for Transformative VTOL Air Vehicle OperationsF-0081-2025-01325/20/2025
The emergence of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) air vehicles is transforming how people and freight are moved in short distances. This transformation has a profound impact on surrounding infrastructure necessary to provide Aircraft On Ground support for eVTOLs. The hover capabilities of eVTOLs have similar operating characteristics within terminal and uncontrolled airspace. However, the need to conserve battery energy via rapid approaches and departures affects terminal airspace management. To attract eVTOL operators, existing airports, landing zones, and vertiports are modifying their infrastructure to include fixed electric charging stations, additional taxiways, upgraded fire suppression systems, separate hangers, and capable MRO facilities. Augusta Regional Airport (KAGS) is the base airport for the annual Masters Golf Tournament which experiences five times the normal airport traffic and some 40,000 commuting patrons. eVTOLs can offset land traffic issues associated with commuters and supplies. Since KAGS is centroid to 32,000 square miles of territory void of major highways, basing eVTOLs can offer expedited transit services for people and goods which will have a profound impact on the economic viability and quality of life in the area.
Stanzione, Kaydon, Johnston, Diane
Roll Take-Off Model for Tiltrotor Preliminary DesignF-0081-2025-02455/20/2025
In the last years, new rotorcraft configurations have increased the attention among industries, through which the tiltrotor one due to its capability of combining both rotorcraft and aircraft advantages. However, there are situations where the vertical take-off mode could be enhanced in hard environmental and flight conditions. Therefore, to address this challenge, this work aims to develop a methodology to characterize a roll take-off model for a general tiltrotor configuration in such situations. By combining the integration of the equation of motion and geometrical assumptions, the runway distance is determined for an acceptable range of nacelle tilting angles. The process is developed by meeting the requirements defined by the regulations, combining the aircraft certification standards (CS23 and CS25) with the available tiltrotor certification basis from the FAA project #TC3419RC-R. Following the Nominal application, a sensitivity analysis is carried out, which studies the main effects on the results by varying one variable at a time in terms of weight, wing-loading, and disk-loading.
Passarelli D'Onofrio, Anna Sofia, Pecoraro, Matteo
History and Future of VTOL Air FreightF-0080-2024-13775/7/2024
Transporting cargo has been a goal of helicopter operations since the earliest days of development. The concept of carrying passengers and cargo from and to remote locations without a runway was originally exploited by the US military in times of peace and war. Early helicopter designs were limited in fixed useful load after onboarding crew and fuel. The 1940's saw helicopters transporting small, lightweight packages on an as-needed basis. The decade of the 1960's started seeing heavy lift helicopters transporting specialty loads in construction and logistics supply, again on an as-needed basis. Today, several Part 135 helicopter operators offer as needed VTOL cargo services. Blade Air Mobility has developed a successful public company business model in Part 135 passenger transport and is also expanding in carrying parcels. With the advent of transformative VTOL air vehicle designs, there has been increasing emphasis on examining parcel delivery on a regular basis. As omni-channel ecommerce drives the ever-increasing need for same day delivery post order. Retails and distributors need to compete with big box retailers and warehouse companies such as Walmart and Amazon, respectively. This results in reducing or eliminating over-the-road transport delivery. The future of parcel and cargo distribution is proposed to be with VTOL air vehicles. To understand the future of such distribution, it is imperative to examine the development of helicopter size, performance, and operational uses.
Stanzione, Kaydon, Schrage, Daniel
An Airport & Vertiport/Aircraft Compatibility Approach of Electric Vertical Takeoff & Landing Aircraft DesignF-0079-2023-180605/16/2023
ABSTRACT
Bris, Gaël, Nguyen, Loup-Giang
Safety Considerations on the Operation of Electric Vertical and Takeoff Landing (VTOL) Aircraft at Airports and VertiportsF-0078-2022-176105/10/2022
ABSTRACT
Bris, Gaël, Nguyen,  Loup-Giang
Carbon Neutrality, Reduction and Offset-Aviation Solutions in the 21st Century2021-01-00393/2/2021
Begun in 2016, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) was developed and agreed by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 191 Member States, while the Airport Carbon Accreditation was developed by the Airports, Council International Europe as a carbon management system and certification. The aviation industry has its own offsetting scheme to measure aviation emissions and carbon offsetting and it has become the first industry sector which leads the world making commitments to reduce emissions. CORSIA and the Airport Carbon Accreditation are programs that impose carbon management obligations on the aviation industry. The training product to be presented, will clarify for the first time how to go beyond mere compliance and exceed the carbon reduction requirements of these instruments by achieving carbon neutrality in operations, to decrease costs, boost revenue, productivity and customer experience for airlines, airports and ground service providers. The methodology that will be explained for achieving carbon neutrality involves gains in operational efficiency and the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) to reduce carbon in operations, and investment in reforestation and conservation projects (forest carbon credits) to offset emissions. Innovative practices and benefits of communicating with customers and the public about carbon neutral goals, milestones and achievements will be shared and explained. This training will describe how carbon neutrality when done right decreases operational costs, reduces health and safety risks, lowers environmental risks, and generates new revenue and sales through brand trust, customer loyalty and revenue science. For the very first time, tools, technologies and solutions on how to transition to a low-cost, high-revenue producing carbon neutral operations model for airlines, airports and ground service providers will be presented.
Nyamdorj, Bolormaa, Anaka, Wayne, Stoica, Andrei, Sushant, Sushant, Ortega, Joshua, Helm, Brittney, Moreira, Paula
House Noise-Reduction Measurements for Use in Studies of Aircraft Flyover NoiseAIR1081A (Current)12/22/2020
A-21 Aircraft Noise Measurement Aviation Emission Modeling
Photogrammetric Frost Roughness Measurements in Cold-Soaked Conditions2019-01-19706/10/2019
Cold-soaked fuel frost (CSFF) is a form of aircraft wing contamination that occurs when a vehicle caries sufficient fuel for multiple trips or take-offs and landings. Following the first trip, which may reach altitudes above 10,000 m (33,000 ft), the fuel for the subsequent trips is carried in the wing tanks and may reach temperatures below -25 °C. In certain times of the year at some airports, temperatures and humidity levels will form CSFF on the aircraft wing surfaces over the fuel tanks. Unless an exemption is granted for the specific aircraft model, aircraft are not allowed to takeoff if the wing surfaces are contaminated by frost. Because aircraft operators desire to minimize vehicle time spent at airports, aircraft manufacturers are expected to pursue designs that safely operate with CSFF at takeoff and to pursue certification exemptions for aircraft models enabling CSFF takeoffs. To assist manufacturers in the design of future aircraft and to assist regulators in evaluating certification exemption requests, more information about frost roughness characteristics and evolution in CSFF conditions is required. However, because of the material and optical properties of frost, measuring CSFF properties using traditional roughness measurement presents challenges. For this investigation, a photogrammetric approach based on “structure-from-motion” algorithms traditionally employed in aerial surveying was developed to characterize the evolution of CSFF roughness. Using the approach, measurements of frost roughness evolution were performed in the Baylor Frost Tunnel (BFT) for two basic air temperature, humidity, surface temperature, and velocity conditions with frost time up to two hours. An analysis of variance approach was used to determine the sensitivity frost growth rates to the environmental conditions. The resulting measurements demonstrate different evolution histories with air velocity and air temperature being the most important factors governing roughness growth.
Miyauchi, Taber, McClain, Stephen T., Zhang, Tongxin, O'Neal, Dennis L., Riley, James T.
Runway Deicing Product Anti/Deicing Performance Assessment: Review and Future Directions2019-01-19746/10/2019
Every winter, northern airport operations are disrupted by heavy snowstorms and freezing precipitations. A simple snow accumulation or a thin layer of ice can affect aircraft operations (take-off, landing and taxi), and increase the risk for passengers and crew members, by rendering the runway slippery. Any deficits in deicing operations can also lead to flight delays and even cancellations that cost a lot to the industry. In order to maintain the runway and taxiway in a safe and useable condition, airport authorities use mechanical tools, but also chemical products. Chemical products available on the market for use in airports are principally in solid forms and liquid form, and are denominated as Runway Deicing Product (RDP). All of the products used in airport should meet the technical requirements of one of the two Aerospace Materials Specifications (AMS) documents: the AMS1431D Compound, Solid Runway and taxiway Deicing/Anti-icing and the AMS1435C Fluid, Generic, Deicing/Anti-icing Runways and Taxiways. Most of the products are used as freezing point depressants and are applied on snow, ice or packed snow covers to create holes and facilitate the mechanical removal. Over the past ten years, efforts have been brought along to adapt and to develop methods in order to assess the deicing and the anti-icing performance of the products. Some of those methods are included in actual SAE documents and some are in development. This paper will present a review of those methods and also cover the future directions of the research and development in the field.
Brassard, Jean-Denis, Laforte, Caroline, Tremblay, Marc Mario, Volat, Christophe
Prediction of Weather Impacts on Airport Arrival Meter Fix Capacity2019-01-13503/19/2019
This paper introduces a data driven model for predicting airport arrival capacity with 2-8 hour look-ahead forecast data. The model is suitable for air traffic flow management by explicitly investigating the impact of convective weather on airport arrival meter fix throughput. Estimation of the arrival airport capacity under arrival meter fix flow constraints due to severe weather is an important part of Air Traffic Management (ATM). Airport arrival capacity can be reduced if one or more airport arrival meter fixes are partially or completely blocked by convective weather. When the predicted airport arrival demands exceed the predicted available airport’s arrival capacity for a sustained period, Ground Delay Program (GDP) operations will be triggered by ATM system. Severe imbalances between demand and capacity occur most frequently when the airport capacity is severely degraded due to either bad airport terminal surface weather or inclement convective weather around airport arrival fixes. A model that predicts the weather-impacted airport arrival meter fix throughput may help ATM personnel to plan GDP operations more efficiently. This paper identifies the characteristics of air traffic flow across arrival meter fixes at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The proposed approach, based on machine-learning methods, is developed to predict the weather impacted EWR arrival Meter Fix (MF) throughput. Sector forecast coverage is used to envision the weather impact on airport arrival MF flow, and the validation is accomplished by using Convective Weather Avoidance Model (CWAM) 0.5 to 2-hour and Collaborative Convective Forecast Product (CCFP) 4 to 8-hour look-ahead forecast data for the period of April-September in 2014. Furthermore, the regression tree ensemble learning of random forests approach for translating a sector forecast coverage model to EWR arrival meter fix throughput is examined. The results suggest that ATM decision makers in charge of MF flow control and GDP planning may benefit from adopting the airport arrival meter capacity prediction models to estimate the inclement weather impacts.
Wang, Yao
Characterization and Discrimination of Aircrafts and Runways Winter Maintenance Anti-Icing Fluids2017-01-21409/19/2017
Aircrafts and runways de-icing operations with anti-icing fluids are still the most commonly used methods. In the specific case of aircrafts, they do contain glycols. Nevertheless, since two decades now, major environmental concerns are raised, along with important associated costs. Furthermore, once applied either on aircrafts or on runways, these fluids are diluted because of water brought from adverse weather conditions (rain, snow, icy conditions), conducting to increasing the freezing point from a subzero level to 0°C. The characterization of the freezing points of these fluids is indeed crucial for safety reasons. For years now, Raman spectroscopy is used for the characterization of these fluids, specifically the freezing point. But the presence of dyes did perturb the usual spectroscopic characterization. Three fluids, from their pure commercial form to highly diluted rate, were then studied by means of Raman spectroscopy at a new laser wavelength, and with the support of multivariate data analysis (MDA). Each fluid belonged to a specific type of aircraft anti-icing fluid (I, II and IV). The discrimination of the fluids between each other was obtained. Spectroscopic data was organized through MDA in such a way that neither the presence of a dye nor the dilution would allow any confusion. The identification of the evolution of freezing temperatures with dilution was elaborated, with their rapid increase as dilution increased too. MDA allowed also the elaboration of prediction models, and such tool conducted to the forecast of concentration in anti-icing, or of its freezing temperature on the basis of the Raman signature of the considered fluid, with a given degree of confidence.
Marchetti, Mario, Casteran, Guillaume, Jobard, Celine, Saintot, Bruno, Bourson, Patrice, Fontana, Marc
The Seat Interference Potential as an Indicator for the Aircraft Boarding Progress2017-01-21139/19/2017
Passenger boarding is always part of the critical path of the aircraft turnaround: both efficient boarding and online prediction of the boarding progress are essential for a reliable turnaround progress. However, the boarding progress is mainly controlled by the passenger behavior. A fundamental scientific approach for aircraft boarding enables the consideration of individual passenger behaviors and operational constraints in order to develop a sustainable concept for enabling a prediction of the boarding progress. A reliable microscopic simulation approach is used to model the passenger behavior, where the individual movement is defined as a one-dimensional, stochastic, and time/space discrete transition process. The simulation covers a broad range of behaviors and boarding strategies as well as the integration of new technologies and procedures. Future cabin management systems will provide an enabling infrastructure to further improve the overall turnaround process and to allow for on-line prediction of specific handling processes. The paper provides a method to indicate the progress of the aircraft boarding. In this context, the aircraft seats are used as a sensor network with the capability to detect the status (free or occupied) of each seat. These individual seat statuses are used to derive an aggregated interference potential of the current seating condition with regards to the passenger seating process. The interference potential is a major indicator for the expected aircraft boarding time. In combination with an integrated airline/airport information management (e.g. sequence of boarding passengers) the boarding progress will be transformed from a black box to a transparent progress with the operator’s online ability to react to significant deviations from the planned progress.
Schultz, Michael
Runway Independent High Speed CarterCopter BizJetF-0073-2017-123015/9/2017
ABSTRACT Carter Aviation Technologies, LLC has spent over 20 years developing aircraft concepts utilizing its Slowed Rotor/Compound (SR/C™) technology, a technology that offers VTOL capability with fixed-wing cruise performance in a much simpler and less expensive method than other high speed VTOL approaches, with a rotor always in autorotation in case of emergency. Key to this technology is a rotor and related control system that can be dramatically slowed in flight while remaining stable. Multiple manned demonstrators have demonstrated the feasibility of the technology, as well as provided solid experimental flight test data on performance potential. Carter is now utilizing this technology for a new aircraft concept, the CarterCopter BizJet, to provide runway independent operation with business jet cruise performance, carrying up to nine people at top speeds exceeding 500 mph (435+ ktas or 805+ km/hr). This paper will focus on this new platform, its features, and capabilities.
Jr., Jay, Lewis, Jeffrey
Fluid, Deicing/Anti-Icing, Runways and Taxiways Glycol BaseAMS1426D (Current)8/15/2016
This specification covers a glycol-base deicing/anti-icing material in the form of a liquid.
G-12 Runway Deicing Product Committee
Energy Self Sufficient Aircrafts Can Become Reality through New Propulsion Design Approaches2015-01-24849/15/2015
This paper focuses on the key problem of future aeronautics: which relates on energy efficiency and environmental footprint on a scientific point of view. Reducing emissions and increasing the energy efficiency would be both a key element to propel the market and increase the diffusion of personal aerial transport against ground transportation. Novel vehicle concepts and systems will be necessary to propel this innovation which could revolutionize our way of moving. This paper approaches an energetic preliminary design of a vehicle concept which could fulfill this social and cultural objective. Low cost energy efficient vehicles, which could be suitable for personal use with a high economic efficiency and without needs of airports, seem actually a real dream. Otherwise, is it a feasible goal or a scientific dream? Otherwise, a design method based on first and second law and thermodynamic and constructal law could allow reaching those goals. This paper presents a preliminary design of a propulsion concept which could have the ambition and demonstrate the theoretical feasibility, using mostly existing industrial components and indicating the few ones which are not disposable today, but giving preliminary guidelines for their development.
Trancossi, Michele, Dumas, Antonio, Niccolai, Guido, Pascoa, Jose
Novel Aircraft Ground Operation Concepts Based on Clustering of Interfaces2015-01-24019/15/2015
The projected uptick in world passenger traffic challenges the involved stakeholders to optimise the current aviation system and to find new solutions being able to cope with this trend. Since especially large hub airports are congested, operate at their capacity limit and further extensions are difficult to realise. Delays due to late arrival of aircraft or less predictable ground operation processes disrupt the airport operations in a serious way. Various concepts improving the current turnaround processes have been presented thus far, whereby radical aircraft design changes have little chances for realisation in the short term. By maintaining the established overall aircraft configuration, the concepts promote higher probability to become commercially available for aircraft manufactures and operators. Based on a clustering of aircraft interfaces, such as doors and service panels, for state-of-the-art passenger aircraft, concepts targeting to reduce the required resources and time are presented. First studies show that relocating and installing wider passenger doors allow shortening the passenger egress and ingress process by up to 55% compared to current short-to-medium haul aircraft. From a cabin layout point of view, a merger of two galleys and spatial separation from the cabin entrance area would enable a parallelisation of de-/boarding and catering operations which save up time to 20%. The implementation of these single improvements radically shortens the average turnaround time by almost 55% for a full-service carrier and 32% for a low-cost carrier scenario. Furthermore, weight penalties due to additional installed aircraft systems are translated into block fuel deltas of around +0.3% on a 500 nm (926 km) trip. The presented concepts promote a large improvement potential to turnaround time with minor-to-moderate aircraft modifications as well as a higher level of process robustness and thus have the potential to increase airline revenues.
Schmidt, Michael, Nguyen, Philipp, Hornung, Mirko
Hamburg Airport Relies on Drive Technology to Keep Bags MovingTBMG-229349/1/2015
Hamburg Airport in Germany handles nine million pieces of baggage every year. For the baggage handling staff, the reliability of the conveyor system and the prevention of faults are the highest priorities. The breakdown of even a single component of the system would result in a backlog and unacceptable delays.
Anti-Icing Comparative Performance Skid Test for Runway Deicers2015-01-20766/15/2015
This study presents a new method to evaluate and compare the anti-icing performance, i.e., the ability to delay the reformation of ice, of runways and taxiways deicing/anti-icing fluids (RDF) under icing precipitation, based on the skid resistance values, obtained with the Portable Skid Resistance Tester (PSRT). In summary, the test consists of applying, on a standardized concrete pavement sample, a given quantity of de-icing fluid. Following this application, the concrete sample is submitted to low freezing drizzle intensities, in a cold chamber at −5.0 ± 0.3°C. The skid resistance of concrete is measured at 5 minute intervals, until the concrete becomes completely iced. The anti-icing performance of 5 different fluids, both experimental and commercial, was assessed in comparison with a reference solution of 50% w/w K-formate. The anti-icing performance is analyzed based on two parameters: the duration (Icing Protection Time, IPT) and the effectiveness of this protection. Under test conditions, alcohol-based fluids provide significantly more efficient anti-icing protection compared to the acetate and formate-based fluids.
Laforte, Caroline, Wesley, Neal, Tremblay, Marc Mario
Conclusive Aircraft Lighting Approach for Reducing Maintenance and Improving Safety2014-01-21239/16/2014
Advanced technologies in LED's have the potential to reduce maintenance and improve aircraft safety. Aircrafts need adequate illumination for night time landing. New technology such as high-power LEDs allow for better suited light distributions, more whitish light compatible for mesopic lighting conditions and reduced glare in adverse weather conditions. LEDs and the associated electronics are more susceptible to harsh environmental conditions and this needs to be accounted for in the design of the equipment. Highly conductive metal core PCBs (MCPCB) allow for adequate cooling in a mirror telescopic optical arrangement when coupled with robust active cooling. Closed loop optical feedback of output flux ensures constant performance over the lifetime of the light unit and allows for indication of remaining useful life to the operator to plan maintenance activities. Parylene coating inhibits premature degradation of the LEDs induced by water vapor and corrosive gases.
Hessling, Andre
Bell 412EPI Engine and Glass Cockpit UpgradeF-0070-2014-96545/20/2014
This paper introduces the Bell 412EPI engine and glass cockpit upgrade. Design features of the Pratt and Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6T-9 Twin Pac® and the Bell BasiX-Pro® Integrated Avionics System are described. The certification approach, aircraft development, and flight testing are discussed. Procedures and flight profiles for Category A takeoffs are shown for three types of surfaces, Ground Level Helipad, Elevated Helipad, and Runway. Example time histories of measured data are presented for Rejected Takeoffs and Completed Takeoff maneuvers. Hover and Category A performance data are shown, and comparisons are made to the baseline Bell 412EP. A fifteen percent increase in hot day takeoff power available results in increased hover capability. New 30-second OEI, 2-minute OEI, and Continuous OEI ratings provide substantial increases in Category A gross weight capability.
Schillings, John, Oltheten, Erik, Greenwood, Jeff, Thomas, BJ, Runge, Hans, Sowers, Dale
De-Icer Quantification and Phase Transition Detection by Raman Spectroscopy2013-01-21019/17/2013
Winter maintenance is based on the intervention of operating services, as well as the use of deicers. Each year, in France, thousands of tons of deicers are spread through runways and taxiways. On the airport sector, the main deicers are sodium or potassium acetates and formates. All these deicers aim to prevent ice formation (preventive strategy) and/or improve the ice melting of snow residual film (curative strategy) at temperatures below 0°C. The operating principle of these compounds is based on the lowering of the solution's freezing point once dissolved in water. The phase diagram's knowledge is predominant to determine the deicer's amount to be applied on the surface. It provides a way to optimize their amounts applied with respect to weather conditions, present or forecasted. The Center for Technical Studies of Equipment in East of France (CETE de l'Est) developed and implemented a method based on Raman spectroscopy to characterize aqueous solutions of airport de-icers. This application determines the phase transition temperatures of these solutions, according to their concentration. The spectroscopic tool being portable, its use could be easily conducted on the field, avoiding any sample collections. Furthermore, this spectroscopic tool enables the determination of the amount of de-icers used to generate the solution. This study also highlighted some differences between the freezing curves of different deicers, as well as the possible presence of phases with unknown chemical and mechanical properties, such as the metastable phase potassium formate. Additional lessons related to winter maintenance could be taken, on the shelf-life of these products as an example.
Durickovic, Ivana, Marchetti, Mario, Poissonnier, Stephanie, Casteran, Guillaume, Mansour, Rachel, Schweigert, Nathalie, Mars, Benoit
Aircraft Noise Source Identification Using a Microphone Array: Montreal-Trudeau Airport Test Campaign2013-01-21299/17/2013
This paper summarizes the techniques used during a microphone array test campaign performed at Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau Airport in Montréal, Québec (Canada) during the summer of 2012. Emphasis is put on the actual measurement campaign as only a limited amount of analysis has been performed at this stage. An aircraft position tracking tool is presented along with the beamforming algorithms that were used. Over 500 aircraft were recorded during this test. A comparison of known tonal sources associated to a specific aircraft type is made between different airlines in order to evaluate the repeatability of the method.
Lapointe, Robby, Berry, Alain, Camier, Cédric, Blais, Jean-Francois, Patenaude-Dufour, Mathieu, Gauthier, Philippe-Aubert, Padois, Thomas, Provencher, Jonathan
Power Management System for the Electric Taxiing System Incorporating the More Electric Architecture2013-01-21069/17/2013
With airlines increasingly directing their attention to operating costs and environmental initiatives, the More Electric Architecture for Aircraft and Propulsion (MEAAP) is emerging as a viable solution for improved performance and eco-friendly aircraft operations. This paper focuses on electric taxiing that does not require the use of jet engines or the auxiliary power unit (APU) during taxiing, either from the departure gate to take-off or from landing to the arrival gate. Many researchers and engineers are considering introducing electric taxiing systems as part of efforts to improve airport conditions. To help cut aircraft emissions at airports, MEAAP seeks to introduce an electric taxiing system that would reduce the duration for which engines and APUs operate while on the ground. Given this goal, the aircraft electrical system deployed for use at airports must rely on a power source other than the jet engines or APU. A report based on a specific airport indicates that use of the jet engine and APU while on the aircraft is on the ground consumes 3% of all fuel consumed during the course of a flight. Cutting engine operating times during taxiing, including wait and standby times, should reduce both fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions. This would require an electric power management system that shuts down the main power supply, including the engines and APU. Clearly, the alternative electric power source would simultaneously need to supply power not just for taxiing propulsion, but for all aircraft electric and electronics systems. This paper examines these systems and proposes an ecologically-sound (ECO) solution for reducing aviation emissions at airports.
Oyori, Hitoshi, Morioka, Noriko
USV3: An Autonomous Space Vehicle with Re-Entry and Landing Capability2013-01-21969/17/2013
CIRA, the Italian Aerospace Research Centre, in the framework of the national space program has carried out a feasibility study of a future re-entry spacecraft concept with automatic re-entry and landing operational capability. Such vehicle will be injected in a LEO orbit (i.e. 300km) by the VEGA launcher to execute few revolutions around the Earth and then perform an automatic re-entry flight. After de-boosting by the VEGA AVUM upper stage the vehicle will execute an autonomous flight from hypersonic to subsonic regimes allowing terminal area energy maneuvers, approach and landing on conventional runways. Different challenging design and technology performance shall be fulfilled by the vehicle configuration, materials and functional architecture. In particular, the vehicle shall exhibit improved aerodynamic and maneuverability characteristics together with innovative GNC approach allowing more flexibility in the re-entry trajectories, as compared to typical lifting re-entry vehicles. Possible re-entry trajectory duration beyond one hour is particularly challenging for TPS design, because it has a direct impact on the thickness of the insulator used to protect the internal cold structure and avionics subsystems. A new challenging task of autonomous landing on conventional runway was added to this vehicle compared with previous CIRA studies and experiences and asking for a landing gear design constrained by the limited volume available and the high speed at touch down. The present paper describes, after a general overview of the mission and vehicle requirements and of the mission scenario, the main results of the analysis carried out during feasibility phase of the study on Aerodynamics and Aerothermodynamics, Re-entry Trajectories, Structures and Mechanisms, Thermal Protection System and on the overall system.
De Stefano Fumo, Mario, Guidotti, Giuseppe, Paletta, Nicola, Richiello, Camillo, Vecchione, Ludovico
Optimization of Airships with Constructal Design for Efficiency Method2013-01-21689/17/2013
It is possible to define a novel optimization method, which aims to overcome the traditional Multidisciplinary Design Optimization. It aims to improve Constructal design method to optimize complex systems such as vehicles. The proposed method is based on the constructal principle and it is articulated in different stages: 1 preliminary top-down design process to ensure that the full system has one of the best configurations for the specified goals (contour conditions for constructal optimization could be stated ensuring an effective optimization at full-system level). 2 constructal optimization of the elemental components of the system to maximize the system performances; 3 eventually a competitive comparison between different configurations choosing the better one. The definition of an optimized flying vehicle (an airship) has been produced an example of this improved design method with the objective of minimizing the energy consumption during flight. Following this method, this paper aims defining the guidelines for an effective energetic optimization of an airship. The produced results allow defining a novel airship concept, which optimizes the airship shape to reach three fundamental energetic goals: energy consumption minimization, photovoltaic energy production maximization, definition of the conditions for energetically self-sufficient flight. This paper also demonstrates that the resulting architecture can fit perfectly novel operating conditions such as effective point to point logistic without any airport infrastructure having a potential breakthrough impact on the aerial logistic models and allowing an effective and better integration with any other terrestrial, maritime and aerial transport mode.
Trancossi, Michele, Dumas, Antonio, Madonia, Mauro
Open LED ProtectorsTBMG-157572/1/2013
Littelfuse, Inc. (Chicago, IL) has developed a new line of open LED protectors optimized to provide superior protection against open LEDs. The PLED6M Series LED protector is designed to provide a switching electronic shunt path when an LED in an LED string fails as an open circuit. This ensures that the entire array of LEDs will continue providing illumination even if a single LED in the string fails. The new LED protectors provide greater lighting reliability in applications where uninterrupted illumination is critical, such as street, subway, runway, and tunnel lighting, as well as vehicle headlights, roadside warning lights, and outdoor signage.
Amplifier Module for 260-GHz Band Using Quartz Waveguide TransitionsTBMG-1506811/1/2012
Packaging of MMIC LNA (monolithic microwave integrated circuit low-noise amplifier) chips at frequencies over 200 GHz has always been problematic due to the high loss in the transition between the MMIC chip and the waveguide medium in which the chip will typically be used. In addition, above 200 GHz, wirebond inductance between the LNA and the waveguide can severely limit the RF matching and bandwidth of the final waveguide amplifier module.
Energetic Design and Optimization of a Large Photovoltaic Stratospheric Unconventional Feeder Airship2012-01-216610/22/2012
This paper presents a model of energetic consumption and photovoltaic production for a large airship which acts as feeder connecting the ground with a large cruiser. The analysis of energy needs and productivity allows defining both an ideal sizing and operative mission profiles. The specialised mission of this airship is to ascent and descent. It includes also the connection with the airport buildings on the ground and with the cruiser at high altitude. Photovoltaic production has evaluated in terms of hydrogen and electric propulsion. They have estimated both and a calculation methodology has proposed. The evaluation has supported by CFD evaluations on aerodynamic behaviour of the system at various altitudes.
Dumas, Antonio, Trancossi, Michele, Madonia, Mauro
Embedded Graphics ProcessorTBMG-144558/1/2012
Rockwell Collins (Cedar Rapids, IA), a designer of communications and avionics systems for the aerospace and defense industries, has selected the AMD Radeon™ E2400 embedded graphics processor for inclusion in its integrated flight deck product, Pro Line Fusion™. Chosen for its 3D graphics rendering capabilities, the E2400 generates realistic graphical models of the external aircraft environment to improve awareness of terrain, obstacles, and runways in low-visibility conditions. Pilots use the critical information to make informed decisions through the various phases of flight.
Cryogenic 160-GHz MMIC Heterodyne Receiver ModuleTBMG-1221512/1/2011
A cryogenic 160-GHz MMIC heterodyne receiver module has demonstrated a system noise temperature of 100 K or less at 166 GHz. This module builds upon work previously described in “Development of a 150-GHz MMIC Module Prototype for Large-Scale CMB Radiation” (NPO-47664), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 35, No. 8 (August 2011), p. 27. In the original module, the local oscillator signal was saturating the MMIC low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) with power. In order to suppress the local oscillator signal from reaching the MMIC LNAs, the W-band (75–110 GHz) signal had to be filtered out before reaching 140–170 GHz. A bandpass filter was developed to cover 120–170 GHz, using microstrip parallelcoupled lines to achieve the desired filter bandwidth, and ensure that the unwanted W-band local oscillator signal would be sufficiently suppressed.
Modeling Weather Impact on Ground Delay Programs2011-01-268010/18/2011
Scheduled arriving aircraft demand may exceed airport arrival capacity when there is abnormal weather at an airport. In such situations, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) institutes ground-delay programs (GDP) to delay flights before they depart from their originating airports. Efficient GDP planning depends on the accuracy of prediction of airport capacity and demand in the presence of uncertainties in weather forecast. This paper presents a study of the impact of dynamic airport surface weather on GDPs. Using the National Traffic Management Log, effect of weather conditions on the characteristics of GDP events at selected busy airports is investigated. Two machine learning methods are used to generate models that map the airport operational conditions and weather information to issued GDP parameters and results of validation tests are described.
Wang, Yao, Kulkarni, Deepak
A New Methodology of Airport Zoning Aiming to Control the Encroachment and Adverse Effects of Noise2010-36-052810/17/2010
With the growth of urban areas, the areas adjacent to airports are becoming densely inhabited, causing a big problem known as encroachment. The encroachment occurs when a significant portion of the population is submitted to the adverse effects of noise, even outside the areas of restricted use established by the airport zoning. The metric used for the airport zoning in many countries and in Brazil is the DNL (Day Night Level). This metric is associated to the average sound energy produced by all aeronautical events during a period of 24 hours, with weighting of 10 dB(A) during the night. However, the use of DNL for airport zoning can lead to different results for noise levels, daytime and nighttime, depending on the seasonality of airport activity in those periods. The paper proposes a study of alternatives for the airport zoning based on the Brazilian Standard ABNT/NBR 10151. It also presents a comparative analysis between the indices of encroachment through a Geographic Information System for two Brazilian airports: the Congonhas Airport and the Recife Airport, aiming to adjust the municipal zoning to the airport zoning.
Heleno, T. A., Salazar, P. B., Slama, J. G.
Situational Lightning ClimatologiesTBMG-84569/1/2010
Research has revealed distinct spatial and temporal distributions of lightning occurrence that are strongly influenced by large-scale atmospheric flow regimes. It was believed there were two flow systems, but it has been discovered that actually there are seven distinct flow regimes.
Demonstration of a Submillimeter-Wave HEMT Oscillator Module at 330 GHzTBMG-80576/1/2010
In this work, radial transitions have been successfully mated with a HEMT-based MMIC (high-electron-mobility-transistor-based monolithic microwave integrated circuit) oscillator circuit. The chip has been assembled into a WR2.2 waveguide module for the basic implementation with radial E-plane probe transitions to convert the waveguide mode to the MMIC coplanar waveguide mode. The E-plane transitions have been directly integrated onto the InP substrate to couple the submillimeter-wave energy directly to the waveguides, thus avoiding wirebonds in the RF path. The oscillator demonstrates a measured 1.7 percent DC-RF efficiency at the module level.
RF Device for Acquiring Images of the Human BodyTBMG-78775/1/2010
A safe, non-invasive method for forming images through clothing of large groups of people, in order to search for concealed weapons either made of metal or not, has been developed. A millimeter wavelength scanner designed in a unique, ring-shaped configuration can obtain a full 360° image of the body with a resolution of less than a millimeter in only a few seconds. Millimeter waves readily penetrate normal clothing, but are highly reflected by the human body and concealed objects. Millimeter wave signals are non-ionizing and are harmless to human tissues when used at low power levels.
ARINC REPORT 443ARINC443 (Current)4/7/2010
The purpose of this report is to illustrate to airfield and airport authorities the need for timely, accurate information regarding actual or planned changes to the physical airfield, recognize the changes in regulatory requirements in flight training, specifically visual database elements used in simulation, identify critical data elements for designing visual databases, and describe the elements and their uses in a simulated training environment. The list and descriptions of required visual database data elements will provide guidance to airfield and airport authorities and suppliers of data regarding minimum levels of data required to accurately create and maintain a visual representation of an airfield or other aircraft operating area. The report will also be used to provide information from airfield operators and managers concerning physical changes or additions to runways, taxiways, land-side gates, and the surrounding area.
Flight Simulator Engineering and Maintenance Committee
Electronic System for Preventing Airport Runway IncursionsTBMG-35292/1/2009
The figure is a block diagram of a proposed system of portable illuminated signs, electronic monitoring equipment, and radio-communication equipment for preventing (or taking corrective action in response to) improper entry of aircraft, pedestrians, or ground vehicles onto active airport runways. Such an entry, denoted a runway incursion, poses a risk of collision with an aircraft properly moving on the affected runway. The major causes of runway incursions are mistakes by pilots, ground-vehicle drivers, and control-tower personnel. Heretofore, there have been no automated, systematic, reliable means of monitoring and regulating airport ground traffic to prevent or correct for runway incursions. The main overall functions of the proposed system would be to automatically monitor aircraft ground traffic on or approaching runways and to generate visible and/or audible warnings to affected pilots, ground-vehicle drivers, and control-tower personnel when runway incursions take place.
Thermal Technology System Acquires Heat Data to Count PeopleTBMG-491110/1/2008
The Flowslide, developed by Royal Boon Edam Group Holding BV, is a combination of a revolving door and curved sliding panels, installed at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris. The Flowslide offers a complete physical separation between two crossing passenger flows on a single floor, allowing arriving and departing passengers to use a single door. The entry and exit points open and close alternatively within the curved wall of the revolving door, while keeping the passengers separate. As the two sets of passengers never come into contact with each other — despite using the same doorway — the Flowslide has enabled today's higher levels of security to be met, without the need to redevelop the terminal.
EMBEDDED INTERCHANGE FORMAT FOR AIRPORT MAPPING DATABASEARINC816-1 (Current)11/19/2007
This document defines an open encoding format for airport databases which are loaded in airborne systems. This format, when designed and implemented, will enable a quick, economic, and efficient use of AMDB. However, since industry does not require applications to be standardized, data interpretation is not addressed in this document.
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
Dispersion of De-Icing Chemicals to the Areas Along the Runways at Oslo Airport Gardermoen2007-01-33519/24/2007
Oslo Airport Gardermoen is located on the largest unconfined groundwater aquifer in Norway and acts upon strict governmental regulations concerning groundwater balance and contamination of groundwater and surface waters. In the cold Norwegian winter climate, de-icing of aircrafts and runway systems is necessary for safety reasons. The aircraft de-icing fluids (type 1 and type 2) are based on propylene glycol (PG). Potassium Formate (PF) is used for de-icing of runways and taxiways. Aircraft de-icing takes place on remote de-icing platforms. At each platform there is a system for drainage of excess de-icing fluid, but some is passively dispersed from the aircraft body to the area along the runways and mix with snow. During melting, release of de-icers to the ground occurs. In such events the chemicals need to be biologically degraded in the unsaturated zone to meet the governmental requirements. To avoid negative effects on the environment and to meet governmental regulations, information on use and dispersion of de-icing chemicals is essential. Quantity and distribution of the dispersion, surface run-off and infiltration processes in frozen soil is significant factors in order to determine the chemical load to the underground and potential load to local streams. The dispersion of de-icing chemicals has been monitored at Oslo Airport Gardermoen from 1999 - present. The results show that about 10% of used PG is dispersed to the area along the runways, and that the highest load is observed from 400 m to 1000 m after start position for take-off. The chemical load is also observed to be higher closer to the runway edge. The total load of PG is 100 - 200 tons per season (170-340 tons as COD). All 200 tons of Formate (70 tons as COD) used on the runway system is dispersed to the same area. The snow in the hot spot area can contain up to 10.000 ppm as COD, and the load can be up to 3 kg COD/m2 in one season. Results from the 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 seasons indicate that it is mainly PG type 2 that is being dispersed to the area along the runways, and the hypothesis is that most of the type 1 PG drips off the aircraft on the de-icing platforms or on the taxiways when taxing to the runway.
Øvstedal, Jarl, Wejden, Bente
Ground-Penetrating RadarTBMG-468210/1/2006
AFRL engineers used prototypes of recently developed ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electronic cone penetrometer (ECP) devices to determine whether voids and anomalies in a particular airfield's subsoil were facilitating crack formation in an aircraft runway. Using the data collected during their Langley Air Force Base (AFB), Virginia, investigation, they were able both to determine the extent (and, in some cases, the cause) of the subsoil deterioration and to provide several recommendations for repairing abnormal or weakened portions of the runway. This field investigation also provided valuable information about the AFRL-developed prototype inspection devices; the evaluation results will aid designers in further refining these developmental products.
The Spatial Standard ObserverTBMG-189/1/2006
The spatial standard observer is a computational model that provides a measure of the visibility of a target in a uniform background image or of the visual discriminability of two images. Standard observers have long been used in science and industry to quantify the discriminability of colors. Color standard observers address the spectral characteristics of visual stimuli, while the spatial standard observer (SSO), as its name indicates, addresses spatial characteristics. The SSO is based on a model of human vision. The SSO was developed in a process that included evaluation of a number of earlier mathematical models that address optical, physiological, and psychophysical aspects of spatial characteristics of human visual perception. Elements of the prior models are incorporated into the SSO, which is formulated as a compromise between accuracy and simplicity. The SSO operates on a digitized monochrome still image or on a pair of such images. The SSO consists of three submodels that operate sequentially on the input image(s):
Airport Remote Tower Sensor SystemsTBMG-767/1/2006
Networks of video cameras, meteorological sensors, and ancillary electronic equipment are under development in collaboration among NASA Ames Research Center, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These networks are to be established at and near airports to provide real-time information on local weather conditions that affect aircraft approaches and landings.
Aerospace Engineering 2006-07-01AEROJUL067/1/2006
Designing reliable boards The makers of electronic hardware are boosting reliability by reducing the number of components that can fail while improving ruggedization for those circuit boards. Better seen, not heard Reducing noise profiles is a multi-targeted task for engine OEMs, airframers, airport authorities, and regulatory agencies. Farnborough 2006 "Sustainable Aviation" will be a key subject as representatives of the global aerospace industry meet at the Farnborough International Airshow.
System for Better Spacing of Airplanes En RouteTBMG-16236/1/2004
An improved method of computing the spacing of airplanes en route, and software to implement the method, have been invented. The purpose of the invention is to help air-traffic controllers minimize those deviations of the airplanes from the trajectories preferred by their pilots that are needed to make the airplanes comply with miles-in-trail spacing requirements (defined below). The software is meant to be a modular component of the Center-TRACON Automation System (CTAS) (TRACON signifies "terminal radar approach control"). The invention reduces controllers’ workloads and reduces fuel consumption by reducing the number of corrective clearances needed to achieve conformance with specified flow rates, without causing conflicts, while providing for more efficient distribution of spacing workload upstream and across air-traffic-control sectors.
Ground-Traffic Information-Management System for an AirportTBMG-23962/1/2002
A computer-based system, and a method built around the use of the system, have been developed to automate the acquisition, integration, and management of data that have been generated at different rates by multiple, heterogeneous, incompatible sources. The system [hereafter denoted the “TMS” (for “traffic-management system”)] in its original form is intended for use in improving the management of ground traffic at a large, busy airport in order to reduce delays. The TMS could also be adapted to scheduling the movements of multiple vehicles in other settings — for example, vessels in harbors, trucks or railroad cars in shipping yards, and railroad cars in switching yards. Still other uses for the TMS could include managing containers at a shipping dock, managing stock on a factory floor or in a warehouse, and training of a variety of airline, airport, and government personnel in the management of airport ground traffic.
Gasdynamics and Optics of an Aircraft Condensable Wake96554810/1/1996
The possibility of visualization of an aircraft jet-and-vortex wake above a landing strip is investigated. The processes of water vapor heterogeneous condensation and droplets coalescence due to turbulent pulsation are taken into account. Numerical examples for the case of B-747-type flyer take-off are presented.
Stasenko, A.L., Grinats, E.S., Kashevarov, A.V.
Fluid, Generic, Deicing/Anti-Icing Runways and TaxiwaysAMS1435 (Historical)4/1/1995
This specification covers deicing and anti-icing materials in the form of a fluid.
AMS J Aircraft Maintenance Chemicals and Materials Committee
GATE-AIRCRAFT TERMINAL ENVIRONMENT LINK (GATELINK)-AIRCRAFT SIDEARINC751 (Current)1/1/1994
This standard describes the electrical and optical interface definitions for Gatelink communications. Gatelink is a 100 Mbps full-duplex communication link between a communication system inside the airport terminal (or at the maintenance position) and a communication system onboard a parked aircraft.
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
AIRCRAFT FLOTATION ANALYSIS METHODSARP1821 (Historical)3/1/1993
This ARP covers techniques for both paved and unpaved airfields.
A-5 Aerospace Landing Gear Systems Committee
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