Sun, Oct 03, 2010
Agreement Covers 4-D Trajectory To Increase Traffic
Predictability
The FAA has finalized a research agreement with Honeywell to
evaluate and demonstrate NextGen Air Traffic Management technology
that will allow aircraft to fly more direct routes to save on fuel
and emissions and arrive in a precise location at a precise time,
which they hope will improve on-time arrivals and reducing delays
into airports.
4-Dimensional Flight Trajectory-Based Operations will
incorporate precise timing and accurate data position to improve
air traffic operations. 4-D Trajectory management includes time as
the fourth dimension in aircraft trajectories. Aircraft will
automatically fly faster or slower to avoid congestion into
airports, smoothing traffic flow and improving capacity.
Honeywell will demonstrate the benefits and work with FAA to
define standards of 4-D Flight Management Systems Trajectory Based
Operations, which is expected to increase the overall
predictability of traffic, with benefit to airlines and air traffic
management.
“When 4-D trajectories are implemented, both pilot and air
traffic control workload will be improved by reducing the need for
changing speed commands and intermediate level off during
descent,” said Chad Cundiff, vice president, Crew Interface
Products, Honeywell Aerospace. “With much more precise
aircraft location data than is available today, pilots will utilize
more direct approaches to save fuel and emissions, and the spacing
between planes can be improved to better predict arrival
times.”
Honeywell and the FAA will leverage existing technology and FMS
capabilities used on Boeing and Airbus fleets as a starting point
to defining new standards to meet new requirements for 4-D. Work is
expected to begin in 2010 for an initial 12-month time period.
Honeywell is also carrying out similar manufacturing and research
projects for Europe’s future air traffic management program
SESAR (single European sky ATM research). Honeywell has developed a
number of technologies to drive modernization of the global air
traffic management system.
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