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Smyth, R. K.

Publications and source records attributed to Smyth, R. K..

8 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

Digital Instrumentation Analysis and Navigation System (DIANS) for system identification

Hardware, software, and performance features of the Digital Instrumentation and Navigation System (DIANS) designed for NASA research to collect flight data as a strap-down system are detailed. The support software for the system has a cross compiler, a linkage editor, and cross assembler, extended communication capabilities, postflight processing applications, and compilers for PASCAL, FORTRAN, CBASIC and MT. The DIANS microcomputer has a 1 Mbyte RAM module, a fast floating point processor board, a 68000 monoboard computer with 64 RAM, a 128 Kbyte bubble memory card, and a navigation radio. The system also carries a battery for full system operation for over an hour. The support software is also stored on a host mainframe computer, which has a CP/M operating system. Pitch, roll, and heading data are gathered from the on-board system, and communication is possible between the airborne and ground-based computer.

Smyth, R. K.↗
NASA NTRS1983

A system study for the application of microcomputers to research flight test techniques

The onboard simulator is a three degree of freedom aircraft behavior simulator which provides parameters used by the interception procedure. These parameters can be used for verifying closed loop performance before flight. The air to air intercept mode is a software package integrated in the simulation process that generates a target motion and performs a tracking procedure that predicts the most likely next target position, for a defined time step. This procedure also updates relative position parameters and gives adequate fire commands. A microcomputer based on an aircraft spin warning system periodically samples the assymetric thrust and yaw rate of an airplane and then issues voice synthesized warnings and /or suggests to the ilot how to respond to the situation.

Smyth, R. K.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Avionics and controls in review

The article surveys the changes which will occur in avionics and controls due to microprocessor technology. Attention is given to five broadly applicable technologies: (1) flight path management technology, (2) automatic control systems, (3) crew station technology, (4) integration and interfacing technology, and (5) fundamental technologies. Areas discussed include inertial navigation, guidance, weather avoidance, propulsion control systems, display technology, flight-system management, functional integration of avionics, and airborne information processing.

Smyth, R. K.↗
NASA NTRS1979

State of the art for digital avionics and controls, 1978

A brief summary of a comprehensive state of the art survey is presented. The survey includes five broadly applicable technology areas: flight path management, aircraft control systems, crew station & human factors, integration & interfacing technology, and fundamental technology. In addition the survey included military technologies which have a technology transfer potential to the five broadly applicable technology areas.

Smyth, R. K.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Basic avionics module design for general aviation aircraft

The design of an advanced digital avionics system (basic avionics module) for general aviation aircraft operated with a single pilot under IFR conditions is described. The microprocessor based system provided all avionic functions, including flight management, navigation, and lateral flight control. The mode selection was interactive with the pilot. The system used a navigation map data base to provide operation in the current and planned air traffic control environment. The system design included software design listings for some of the required modules. The distributed microcomputer uses the IEEE 488 bus for interconnecting the microcomputer and sensors.

Smyth, R. K.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Preliminary Candidate Advanced Avionics System (PCAAS)

Specifications which define the system functional requirements, the subsystem and interface needs, and other requirements such as maintainability, modularity, and reliability are summarized. A design definition of all required avionics functions and a system risk analysis are presented.

Teper, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Advanced Digital Avionics System for general aviation

Objectives and functions of the Advanced Digital Avionics System (ADAS) for general aviation are outlined with particular reference to navigation, flight control, engine management, ATC surveillance, flight management, communications, and the pilot controls and displays. The resulting ADAS design comprises the selection of off-the-shelf avionics to be integrated with ADAS-unique elements including new pilot displays and controls along with a microcomputer control complex (MCC). Reasons for which the ADAS achieves increased avionics capability are mentioned, including overall system integration through the MCC and pilot orientation from navigation map display.

Smyth, R. K.↗