Patent · US Expired

Terrain closure warning system with altitude rate signal conditioning

US3958219A · kind A · utility

43Cited by
17References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 18, 1975
Grant dateMay 18, 1976
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 18, 1995

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG08G5/80
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

In an aircraft terrain warning system utilizing a radar altimeter wherein the rate of closure to the terrain is compared with the aircraft's altitude above the terrain to generate a warning signal when the closure rate is excessive for a particular altitude, the closure rate signal is limited and biased depending upon the aircraft's closure rate and configuration in order to significantly increase the time response of the system while at the same time reducing nuisance warnings. The amplitude limit on the closure rate signal is varied, above a predefined altitude, as a function of the closure rate signal in order to provide increased warning times at greater closure rates. Circuitry, responsive to the aircraft's flap positions, is also provided to alter the characteristics of rate limiter so as to provide warning parameters that more accurately reflect operating conditions at lower aircraft speeds.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.