GB2449123A - Pilot Warning System and Method - Google Patents
Pilot Warning System and Method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2449123A GB2449123A GB0709112A GB0709112A GB2449123A GB 2449123 A GB2449123 A GB 2449123A GB 0709112 A GB0709112 A GB 0709112A GB 0709112 A GB0709112 A GB 0709112A GB 2449123 A GB2449123 A GB 2449123A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- warning
- code
- aircraft
- interrogation
- surveillance radar
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 19
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G5/00—Traffic control systems for aircraft, e.g. air-traffic control [ATC]
- G08G5/0073—Surveillance aids
- G08G5/0082—Surveillance aids for monitoring traffic from a ground station
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D47/00—Equipment not otherwise provided for
- B64D47/02—Arrangements or adaptations of signal or lighting devices
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/74—Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems
- G01S13/76—Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems wherein pulse-type signals are transmitted
- G01S13/78—Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems wherein pulse-type signals are transmitted discriminating between different kinds of targets, e.g. IFF-radar, i.e. identification of friend or foe
- G01S13/781—Secondary Surveillance Radar [SSR] in general
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S13/91—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for traffic control
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B9/00—Safety arrangements
- G05B9/02—Safety arrangements electric
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G5/00—Traffic control systems for aircraft, e.g. air-traffic control [ATC]
- G08G5/0004—Transmission of traffic-related information to or from an aircraft
- G08G5/0013—Transmission of traffic-related information to or from an aircraft with a ground station
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
- Remote Sensing (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
A warning system and method for providing a warning to pilots of aircraft when out of radio contact with air traffic control, the system comprises: a ground station 3 which comprises a surveillance radar 5 for transmitting interrogation pulses to an aircraft, a control unit 9 for controlling operation of the surveillance radar; the control unit is operative to configure the interrogation pulse which is transmitted to the identified aircraft to include a warning code; and an airborne station which is fitted to the aircraft comprises a warning unit 19 for providing a visual and/or audible warning to the pilot, an input unit 7 for inputting an identification code such as a squawk code, a transponder 15 for receiving an interrogation pulse from the surveillance radar of the ground station and transmitting a reply pulse, which includes the identification code; a monitoring unit 17 for monitoring the interrogation pulse as received from the surveillance radar, the monitoring unit is operative to compare the warning code and the identification code, and based on a predetermined relationship there between, provide a warning to the pilot.
Description
PILOT WARNING SYSTEM AND METHOD
The present invention relates to a warning system and method for providing a warning to pilots when out of radio contact with air traffic control (ATC).
Pilots can be out of radio contact with ATC for a variety of reasons, for example, as a consequence of a pilot changing to an incorrect frequency, not correctly monitoring the current frequency and flying out of range of the current frequency.
A prolonged loss of radio contact can lead to significant problems for ATC, particularly in congested airspace. Also, since the events in New York on 11 September 2001, any aircraft which does not remain in communication with ATC can be considered a potential threat, to the point that, in certain circumstances, military aircraft can be scrambled to intercept such aircraft.
The progress of a flight is monitored by an air traffic cOntrol radar system which comprises two radars, namely, a primary surveillance radar (PSR) which comprises a rotating antenna and operates using traditional radar principles, transmitting radio pulses and listening for and timing the reflections from the skin or other metal components of aircraft, and a secondary surveillance radar (SSR) which utilizes a pair of antenna systems, one with an omni-directional pattern and the other with a highly-directional pattern.
The SSR operates by interrogating radio transponder devices which are installed in aircraft. * * ***.
The SSR transmits interrogation pulses, either continuously or selectively, : and a transponder in an aircraft that is within line-of-sight range receives *** * the interrogation pulse and transmits a reply pulse which identifies the aircraft.
S
* S. S..
S
At present, it is left to the pilot to realize that he/she has lost radio contact with ATC and to try to re-establish radio contact. This, however, can take a surprisingly long time, and, at the speeds of commercial jets, significant distances can be covered, even in short periods of time.
Commercial aircraft do Include a second radio which allows for the monitoring of an emergency frequency, typically 121.5 MHz, but this radio is also used for company calls, obtaining weather information and air-to-air communication, and so the emergency frequency is not always monitored, particularly if radio discipline is not particularly good. Also, some smaller private aircraft do not include a second radio.
In addition, some commercial aircraft also have a selective-calling (Selcal) receiver, which operates via the high- frequency (HF) radio to provide a two-tone signal, which alerts the pilot to contact ATC. However, not all commercial aircraft have a Selcal receiver, and not all ATCs have the ability to contact via HF radio.
The present inventor has recognized that the SSR can be utilized to provide a warning signal to the pilot of an identified aircraft which has lost radio contact with ATC, requiring the pilot to contact ATC, and the present invention encompasses both traditional SSR and Mode S equipped SSR.
In one aspect the present invention provides a warning system for providing a warning to pilots of aircraft when out of radio contact with air traffic control, the system comprising: a ground station which comprises a surveillance radar for transmitting interrogation pulses to aircraft, a control unit for controlling operation of the surveillance radar, and an input unit by which an aircraft is identified to which a warning is to be provided, wherein, * in response to the identification of an aircraft to which a warning Is to be S..
provided, the control unit is operative to configure the interrogation pulse ... which is transmitted to the identified aircraft to include a warning code; and an airborne station which is fitted to an aircraft and comprises a warning unit for providing a warning to the pilot, an input unit for inputting an identification code, a transponder for receiving an interrogation pulse from the surveillance radar of the ground station and transmitting a reply pulse, which includes the identification code, in response to the interrogation pulse as received from the surveillance radar, a monitoring unit for monitoring the interrogation pulse as received from the surveillance radar, wherein, in response to the identification of a warning code In the interrogation pulse, the monitoring unit is operative to compare the warning code and the identification code, and, in response to determination of a predetermined relationship between the warning code and the identification code, actuate the warning unit to provide a warning to the pilot.
In one embodiment the surveillance radar is the secondary surveillance radar of an air traffic control radar system.
In one embodiment the predetermined relationship between the warning code and the identification code is a match.
In one embodiment the warning code is the identification code as received in the reply pulse from the identified aircraft.
In another embodiment the interrogation pulse comprises an address code and the warning code appended thereto.
In one embodiment the address code comprises a unique address code as used in a Mode S equipped secondary surveillance radar.
In one embodiment the identification code comprises a squawk code. * I ***
In one embodiment the warning unit provides an audible warning.
III
In another embodiment the warning unit provides a visual warning. * I II..
In a further embodiment the warning unit provides both an audible and visual warning.
In another aspect the present invention provides a method of warning pilots of aircraft when out of radio contact with air traffic control, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting interrogation pulses to aircraft; receiving reply pulses from the aircraft in response to the interrogation pulses, wherein the reply pulses each include an identification code assigned to the respective aircraft; identifying an aircraft to which a warning is to be provided; transmitting an interrogation pulse, which includes a warning code identifying the aircraft to which a warning is to be provided; receiving interrogation pulses at an aircraft; monitoring an interrogation pulse as received at the aircraft; in response to the identification of a warning code in the interrogation pulse, comparing the warning code and the identification code; and in response to determination of a predetermined relationship between the warning code and the identification code, providing a warning to the pilot.
In one embodiment the interrogation pulses are transmitted from a surveillance radar.
In one embodiment the surveillance radar is the secondary surveillance radar of an air traffic control radar system.
In one embodiment the predetermined relationship between the warning code and the identification code is a match.
In one embodiment the warning code is the identification code as received in the reply pulse from the identified aircraft. * S S.,.
:. In another embodiment the interrogation pulse comprises an address code * : and the warning code appended thereto.
S
*. In one embodiment the address code comprises a unique address code as *.... used In a Mode S equipped secondary surveillance radar.
In one embodiment the identification code comprises a squawk code.
In one embodiment the warning isan audible warning.
In another embodiment the warning is a visual warning.
In a further embodiment the warning is both an audible and visual warning.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described hereinbelow by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically represents a warning system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The warning system comprises a ground station 3, which comprises a secondary surveillance radar (SSR) 5 for transmitting an interrogation pulse IP to an aircraft, a display unit 6 for displaying the position of aircraft within a predetermined proximity of the SSR 5, an input unit 7 by which an operator identifies an aircraft to which a warning is to be provided and a control unit 9 which controls the operation of the SSR 5 in response to the identification of an aircraft using the input unit 7, and an airborne station 11, which is fitted to an aircraft and comprises a transponder 15 for receiving an interrogation pulse IP from the SSR 5 and transmitting a reply pulse RP to the SSR 5 in response to the interrogation pulse IP, a monitoring unit 17 for monitoring the interrogation pulse IP from the SSR 5, and a warning unit 19 for providing a warning to the pilot in response to the S... identification of the aircraft by the monitoring unit 17. * .
* In this embodiment the SSR 5 of the ground station 3 and the transponder of the airborne station 11 use an interrogation pulse IP and a reply pulse RP, which provides for the interrogation pulses IP to be transmitted at one frequency, typically 1030 MHz, and the reply pulses RP to be transmitted at a different frequency, typicallylOgO MHz.
In this embodiment the interrogation pulse IP can be configured to include a warning code WCODE, which is utilized by the monitoring unit 17 in determining whether the warning unit 19 is to be actuated, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.
In another embodiment the interrogation pulse IP can comprise an address code and a warning code WCODE appended thereto, and the address code can comprise a unique address code, such as a 24 bit address code, as used in a Mode S equipped secondary surveillance radar.
In this embodiment the transponder 15 comprises at least one transponder aerial 21, an input device 23 by which a squawk code SCODE, here a 4-digit code assigned by ATC, is input by an operator, typically the pilot, and a transponder 25 which is operative to receive an interrogation pulse IP from the transponder aerial 21 and the squawk code SCODE from the input device 23 and transmit a reply pulse RP in response to the interrogation pulse IP.
The reply pulse RP has a format which is determined by the interrogation mode, in this embodiment in a conventional manner. There are several transponder modes, which include Mode 3/A and Mode S, which provide the squawk code SCODE for the aircraft as assigned by ATC. Mode S is a more recent development which provides multiple information formats to a selective interrogation and each aircraft or transponder 15 Is assigned an address code, typically a unique 24-bit address code.
By providing the squawk code SCODE in the reply pulse RP which is returned 0** S to the ground station 3, the control unit 9 Is operative to identify the squawk code SCODE from the reply pulse RP as received by the SSR 5 and attribute * * the squawk code SCODE to the aircraft as represented on the display unit 6. S* S
Where an operator at ATC is unable to contact an aircraft, the operator through operation of the input device 7 can cause the monitoring unit 9 to configure the interrogation pulses IP to include a warning code WCODE.
In this embodiment the monitoring unit 17 monitors the interrogation pulse IP for a warning code WCODE, and, where the interrogation pulse IP includes a warning code WCODE, the monitoring unit 17 compares the warning code WCODE to the squawk code SCODE as received from the input device 23.
Where there is a predetermined relationship between the warning code WCODE and the squawk code SCODE, in this embodiment a match, the monitoring unit 17 Is operative to trigger the warning unit 19 to provide a warning to the pilot to contact ATC. In this embodiment the warning is an audible warning. In another embodiment the warning could be a visual warning. In a further embodiment the warning could be both an audible and visual warning.
In this way, the present invention, through use of the existing SSR architecture, provides for the pilot of an aircraft which has lost radio contact with ATC. Indeed, existing systems can readily be retro-fitted to operate in accordance with the present invention, and implemented substantially through revision of the control software.
Finally, it will be understood that the present invention has been described in its preferred embodiment and can be modified in many different ways without departing from the scope of the Invention as defined by the appended claims. * * * *** **.* * . S... S. * * * ..* I..
S S... * S S... *..e *
Claims (23)
1. A warning system for providing a warning to pilots of aircraft when out of radio contact with air traffic control, the system comprising: a ground station which comprises a surveillance radar for transmitting interrogation pulses to aircraft, a control unit for controlling operation of the surveillance radar, and an input unit by which an aircraft is identified to which a warning is to be provided, wherein, in response to the identification of an aircraft to which a warning is to be provided, the control unit is operative to configure the interrogation pulse which is transmitted to the identified aircraft to include a warning code; and an airborne station which is fitted to an aircraft and comprises a warning unit for providing a warning to the pilot, an input unit for inputting an Identification code, a transponder for receiving an interrogation pulse from the surveillance radar of the ground station and transmitting a reply pulse, which includes the identification code, in response to the interrogation pulse as received from the surveillance radar, a monitoring unit for monitoring the interrogation pulse as received from the surveillance radar, wherein, in response to the identification of a warning code in the interrogation pulse, the monitoring unit is operative to compare the warning code and the Identification code, and, in response to determination of a predetermined relationship between the warning code and the identification code, actuate the warning unit to provide a warning to the pilot.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the surveillance radar is the secondary surveillance radar of an air traffic control radar system. S..
3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined relationship between the warning code and the identification code : is a match.
S
4. The system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the warning code is the identification code as received in the reply pulse from the identified aircraft.
5. The system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the interrogation pulse comprises an address code and the warning code appended thereto.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the address code comprises a unique address code.
7. The system of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the identification code comprises a squawk code.
8. The system of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the warning unit provides an audible warning.
9. The system of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the warning unit provides a visual warning.
10. The system of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the warning unit provides both an audible and visual warning.
11. A method of warning pilots of aircraft when out of radio contact with air traffic control, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting interrogation pulses to aircraft; receiving reply pulses from the aircraft in response to the S...
S....' interrogation pulses, wherein the reply pulses each include an identification code assigned to the respective aircraft; * identifying an aircraft to which a warning is to be provided; *..
* transmitting an interrogation pulse, which includes a warning code identifying the aircraft to which a warning is to be provided; receiving interrogation pulses at an aircraft; monitoring an interrogation pulse as received at the aircraft; -10 -in response to the identification of a warning code in the interrogation pulse, comparing the warning code and the identifIcation code; and in response to determination of a predetermined relationship between the warning code and the identification code, providing a warning to the pilot.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the interrogation pulses are transmitted from a surveillance radar.
13. The method of claim 12, whereIn the surveillance radar Is the secondary surveillance radar of an air traffic control radar system.
14. The method of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the predetermined relationship between the warning code and the identification code is a match.
15. The method of any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the warning code is the identification code as received in the reply pulse from the identified aircraft.
16. The method of any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the interrogation pulse comprises an address code to which the warning code is appended.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the address code comprises a unique address code. s. * * **.*
18. The method of any of claims 11 to 17, wherein the identification : code comprises a squawk code. S..
S
19. The method of any of claims 11 to 18, wherein the warning is an S...
audible warning.
-11 -
20. The method of any of claims 11 to 18, wherein the warning is a visual warning.
21. The method of any of claims 11 to 18, wherein the warning is both an audible and visual warning.
22. A warning system for providing a warning to pilots of aircraft when out of radio contact with air traffic control substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
23. A method of warning pilots of aircraft when out of radio contact with air traffic control substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing. S.
S * *** *.*. * S *.. S. * SSS S.. * * SSS * S **55
S
*5*SS* * .
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0709112.7A GB2449123B (en) | 2007-05-11 | 2007-05-11 | Pilot warning system and method |
| PCT/EP2008/003804 WO2008145254A1 (en) | 2007-05-11 | 2008-05-12 | Pilot warning system and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0709112.7A GB2449123B (en) | 2007-05-11 | 2007-05-11 | Pilot warning system and method |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0709112D0 GB0709112D0 (en) | 2007-06-20 |
| GB2449123A true GB2449123A (en) | 2008-11-12 |
| GB2449123B GB2449123B (en) | 2012-04-25 |
Family
ID=38219263
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0709112.7A Expired - Fee Related GB2449123B (en) | 2007-05-11 | 2007-05-11 | Pilot warning system and method |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2449123B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2008145254A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN106027139A (en) * | 2016-06-22 | 2016-10-12 | 北京七维航测科技股份有限公司 | High-precision moving object measuring system and method |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5933099A (en) * | 1997-02-19 | 1999-08-03 | Mahon; James | Collision avoidance system |
| WO2005010553A1 (en) * | 2003-07-29 | 2005-02-03 | Navaero Ab | Passive airborne collision warning device and method |
| US20050200501A1 (en) * | 1999-03-05 | 2005-09-15 | Smith Alexander E. | Aircraft boundary transition warnings and auto alerting |
| WO2006048525A1 (en) * | 2004-11-02 | 2006-05-11 | Airbus France | Radio-frequency communication system for aircraft |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3900846A (en) * | 1974-01-14 | 1975-08-19 | Lockheed Electronics Co | Computer automated radar terminal system |
| US7495612B2 (en) * | 1999-03-05 | 2009-02-24 | Era Systems Corporation | Method and apparatus to improve ADS-B security |
| WO2008060605A2 (en) * | 2006-11-17 | 2008-05-22 | Raytheon Company | Methods and apparatus to contact aircraft |
-
2007
- 2007-05-11 GB GB0709112.7A patent/GB2449123B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2008
- 2008-05-12 WO PCT/EP2008/003804 patent/WO2008145254A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5933099A (en) * | 1997-02-19 | 1999-08-03 | Mahon; James | Collision avoidance system |
| US20050200501A1 (en) * | 1999-03-05 | 2005-09-15 | Smith Alexander E. | Aircraft boundary transition warnings and auto alerting |
| WO2005010553A1 (en) * | 2003-07-29 | 2005-02-03 | Navaero Ab | Passive airborne collision warning device and method |
| WO2006048525A1 (en) * | 2004-11-02 | 2006-05-11 | Airbus France | Radio-frequency communication system for aircraft |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0709112D0 (en) | 2007-06-20 |
| WO2008145254A1 (en) | 2008-12-04 |
| GB2449123B (en) | 2012-04-25 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20130511 |