Astronomy:Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System
File:Auto-GCAS saves F-16.webm The Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS) enhances safety by mitigating controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents.[1] The Auto-GCAS team was awarded the 2018 Collier Trophy for the design-integration and flight testing in the F-35, marking the year's greatest achievement in aeronautics.[2] This team includes the Air Force Research Laboratory, Lockheed Martin, the F-35 Joint Program Office, the Defense Safety Oversight Council, and NASA.[2]
The Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System uses inputs from terrain mapping, aircraft location, and automation to avoid ground collisions. The Auto-GCAS system detects imminent ground contact and warns the pilot. If there is no pilot response, the Auto-GCAS takes control, maneuvering to avoid ground contact. When on a safe trajectory, with pilot awareness, control returns to the pilot.[3] Pilot unresponsiveness can be attributed to many factors including: distraction, task saturation, incapacitation, and unconsciousness. The Auto-GCAS system successfully reduced the leading cause of F-16 pilot fatalities.[3]
NASA started working on Auto-GCAS starting in 1997.[4] The system was then jointly developed at the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works[3] and at NASA. In July 2019, seven years ahead of schedule, Lockheed Martin began integration of Auto-GCAS into the F-35 fleet.[5]
References
- ↑ "AFRL - Automatic Collision Avoidance Technology (ACAT)". WPAFB. https://www.wpafb.af.mil/Welcome/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1578307/afrl-automatic-collision-avoidance-technology-acat/. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System Team to Receive the 2018 Robert J. Collier Trophy" (PDF) (Press release). NAA. April 5, 2019.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Saving the Good Guys with Auto GCAS Technology". Lockheed Martin. https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/autogcas.html. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
- ↑ "NASA-Pioneered Automatic Ground-Collision Avoidance System Operational". NASA. February 11, 2015. https://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/Features/Auto-GCAS_Installed_in_USAF_F-16s.html. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
- ↑ "Lockheed Martin integrates ground collision avoidance system in F-35A". airforce-technology.com. July 25, 2019. https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/lockheed-ground-collision-avoidance-f-35a/. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
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