Ground proximity warning system and methods for rotary wing aircraft
US5781126A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0607
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides ground proximity warning system and method for aircraft, particularly rotary wing aircraft such as helicopters. The warning system generally includes a barometric altitude rate detector, such an altimeter and a rate circuit, disposed to detect the rate of change of the barometric altitude of the aircraft. A controller is coupled to the detector for receiving the barometric altitude rate signals and adjusting the signals based on the ground effect from the main rotors when the aircraft is near the ground. Typically, the controller decreases the barometric altitude rate signals to compensate for the apparent increase in barometric altitude rate caused by ground effects. This reduces the number of nuisance warnings that may otherwise occur during takeoffs, landings or other low altitude flight conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.