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At least 523 records · Page 29
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

A simulation study of crew performance in operating an advanced transport aircraft in an automated terminal area environment

A simulation study assessing crew performance operating an advanced transport aircraft in an automated terminal area environment is described. The linking together of the Langley Advanced Transport Operating Systems Aft Flight Deck Simulator with the Terminal Area Air Traffic Model Simulation was required. The realism of an air traffic control (ATC) environment with audio controller instructions for the flight crews and the capability of inserting a live aircraft into the terminal area model to interact with computer generated aircraft was provided. Crew performance using the advanced displays and two separate control systems (automatic and manual) in flying area navigation routes in the automated ATC environment was assessed. Although the crews did not perform as well using the manual control system, their performances were within acceptable operational limits with little increase in workload. The crews favored using the manual control system and felt they were more alert and aware of their environment when using it.

Houck, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Summary Proceedings of a Wind Shear Workshop

A number of recent program results and current issues were addressed: the data collection phase of the highly successful Joint Airport Weather Study (JAWS) Project and the NASA-B5f7B Gust Gradient Program, the use of these data for flight crew training through educational programs (e.g., films) and with manned flight training simulators, methods for post-accident determination of wind conditions from flight data recorders, the microburst wind shear phenomenon which was positively measured and described the ring vortex as a possible generating mechanism, the optimum flight procedure for use during an unexpected wind shear encounter, evaluation of the low-level wind shear alert system (LLWSAS), and assessment of the demonstrated and viable application of Doppler radar as an operational wind shear warning and detection system.

Enders, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1983

SEASAT synthetic-aperture radar data user's manual

The SEASAT Synthetic-Aperture Radar (SAR) system, the data processors, the extent of the image data set, and the means by which a user obtains this data are described and the data quality is evaluated. The user is alerted to some potential problems with the existing volume of SEASAT SAR image data, and allows him to modify his use of that data accordingly. Secondly, the manual focuses on the ultimate focuses on the ultimate capabilities of the raw data set and evaluates the potential of this data for processing into accurately located, amplitude-calibrated imagery of high resolution. This allows the user to decide whether his needs require special-purpose data processing of the SAR raw data.

Pravdo, S. H.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System

This is the fourteenth in a series of reports based on safety-related incidents submitted to the NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System by pilots, controllers, and, occasionally, other participants in the National Aviation System (refs. 1-13). ASRS operates under a memorandum of agreement between the National Aviation and Space Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration. The report contains, first, a special study prepared by the ASRS Office Staff, of pilot- and controller-submitted reports related to the perceived operation of the ATC system since the 1981 walkout of the controllers' labor organization. Next is a research paper analyzing incidents occurring while single-pilot crews were conducting IFR flights. A third section presents a selection of Alert Bulletins issued by ASRS, with the responses they have elicited from FAA and others concerned. Finally, the report contains a list of publications produced by ASRS with instructions for obtaining them.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1985

Proximity Indicator for Remote Manipulator

Display indicates pitch, yaw, and distance of remote manipulator with respect to object to be grasped. Displays numerical values and bargraph simulation of position and orientation of hand. When errors in position and orientation are small enough to ensure successful grasp, unit alerts operator with audible and visible signals.

Bejczy, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Oculometric indices of simulator and aircraft motion

The effects on eye scan behavior of both simulator and aircraft motion and sensitivity of an oculometric measure to motion effects was demonstrated. It was found that fixation time is sensitive to motion effects. Differences between simulator motion and no motion conditions during a series of simulated ILS approaches were studied. The mean fixation time for the no motion condition was found to be significantly longer than for the motion conditions. Eye scan parameters based on data collected in flight, and in fixed base simulation were investigated. Motion effects were evident when the subject was viewing a display supplying attitude and flight path information. The nature of the information provided by motion was examined. The mean fixation times for the no motion condition were significantly longer than for either motion condition, while the two motion conditions did not differ. It is shown that motion serves an alerting function, providing a cue or clue to the pilot that something happened. It is suggested that simulation without motion cues may represent an understatement of the true capacity of the pilot.

Comstock, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The Joint Airport Weather Studies Project - Current analysis highlights in the aviation safety context

The principal objective of the Joint Airport Weather Studies Project was to obtain high-resolution velocity, turbulence, and thermodynamic data on a convective outflow called a microburst, an intense downdraft and resulting horizontal outflow near the surface. Data collection occurred during the summer of 1982 near Denver, CO. Data sensors included three pulsed-microwave Doppler and two pulsed CO2 lidar radars, along with 27 Portable Automated Mesonet surface weather stations, the FAA's low-level-wind-shear alert system (LLWSAS), and five instrumented research aircraft. Convective storms occurred on 75 of 91 operational days, with Doppler data being collected on at least 70 microbursts. Analyses reported included a thorough examination of microburst-climatology statistics, the capability of the LLWSAS to detect adequately and accurately the presence of low-altitude wind shear danger to aircraft, the capability of a terminal Doppler radar system development to provide improved wind-shear detection and warning, and progress toward improved wind-shear training for pilots.

Mccarthy, J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Airborne infrared low level wind shear predictor

The operating principles and test performance of an airborne IR (13-16 micron) temperature-sensing detection and warning system for low-level wind shear (LLWS) are presented. The physics of LLWS phenomena and of the IR radiometer are introduced. The cold density-current outflow or gust front related to LLWS is observed in the IR spectrum of CO2 by a radiometer with + or - 0.5-C accuracy at 0.5-Hz sampling rate; LLWS alerts are given on the basis of specific criteria. Test results from the JAWS experiments conducted at Denver in July 1982, are presented graphically and discussed. The feasibility of the passive IR system is demonstrated, with an average warning time of 51 sec, corresponding to a distance from touchdown of about 2 miles.

Kuhn, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Enhanced TCAS 2/CDTI traffic Sensor digital simulation model and program description

Digital simulation models of enhanced TCAS 2/CDTI traffic sensors are developed, based on actual or projected operational and performance characteristics. Two enhanced Traffic (or Threat) Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems are considered. A digital simulation program is developed in FORTRAN. The program contains an executive with a semireal time batch processing capability. The simulation program can be interfaced with other modules with a minimum requirement. Both the traffic sensor and CAS logic modules are validated by means of extensive simulation runs. Selected validation cases are discussed in detail, and capabilities and limitations of the actual and simulated systems are noted. The TCAS systems are not specifically intended for Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) applications. These systems are sufficiently general to allow implementation of CDTI functions within the real systems' constraints.

Goka, T.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A 406 MHz geostationary satellite SARSAT experiment

A 406 MHz SARSAT experiment using the GOES system to demonstrate the utility of integrating a near-instantaneous distress alerting capability achievable by the geostationary satellites with the location capability of the low altitude, near-polar orbiting satellite system is described. Tests include the evaluation of technical performance of a variety of maritime, aviation, and land-based SARSAT beacons under operational environment conditions as well as a demonstration of system effectiveness in pseudo real distress incident situations. The technical performance tests parallel the CCIR coordinated trials program conducted at L-band frequencies using the INMARSAT satellites. Tests, including schedules, are outlined.

Friedman, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Study to encourage and facilitate industrial investment and involvement in space

A simple and efficient means to alert the Director, Space Station Commercialization Task Force (DSCTF) and the equivalent director of a permanent office for the same function, to actions required to assure comprehensive support of the NASA objectives for commercial uses of space during the annual budget cycle is described.

Wilson, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Systems concept for speech technology application in general aviation

The application potential of voice recognition and synthesis circuits for general aviation, single-pilot IFR (SPIFR) situations is examined. The viewpoint of the pilot was central to workload analyses and assessment of the effectiveness of the voice systems. A twin-engine, high performance general aviation aircraft on a cross-country fixed route was employed as the study model. No actual control movements were considered and other possible functions were scored by three IFR-rated instructors. The SPIFR was concluded helpful in alleviating visual and manual workloads during take-off, approach and landing, particularly for data retrieval and entry tasks. Voice synthesis was an aid in alerting a pilot to in-flight problems. It is expected that usable systems will be available within 5 yr.

North, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Seventh Annual Workshop on Meteorological and Environmental Inputs to Aviation Systems 26-28 October 1983, Tullahoma, Tennessee

A summary of reports and recommendations resulting from the Workshop on Meteorological and Environmental Inputs to Aviation Systems is presented. The Workshops have been held to characterize the interaction between aircraft and airport operators with the atmosphere, identify necessary meteorological enhancements, and establish criteria for meteorological data needed by the aviation community. The topics covered included winds and wind shear, turbulence, fog, visibility and ceiling, lightning and atmospheric electricity, icing, frost and snow, rain, ozone and acid rain. The recommendations issued included a denser meteorological network with more automated stations, the development of radar systems for icing forecasts and wind shear alerts, the accumulation of a greater data base on convective cells and lightning strikes, and further study of the impact of rain on aircraft performance.

Camp, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Detection of volcanic eruptions from space by their sulfur dioxide clouds

The capabilities of the total ozone mapping spectrometer (TOMS) on the Nimbus 7 satellite for tracking volcano plumes are assessed. TOMS was installed on the sun-synchronous polar orbiting satellite to measure spatial variations in the global total ozone field. Radiance absorption coefficients of the atmosphere for four near-UV wavelengths from 312.5-380.0 are measured. Data from the El Chichon eruption in March-April 1982 revealed that SO2 was an absorbing species at 312.5 and 317.5 nm. The near-UV absorption level differences between SO2 and O3 permit discriminating the atmospheric densities of each species. An examination of the data base generated by TOMS since 1978 showed the perceptible tracks of all known major eruptions in the 1978-1982 time period. A constellation of three of the polar orbiting TOMS would be sufficient to provide near-real time alerts of plumes to warn aircraft of the hazards.

Krueger, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Economical Video Monitoring of Traffic

Data compression allows video signals to be transmitted economically on telephone circuits. Telephone lines transmit television signals to remote traffic-control center. Lines also carry command signals from center to TV camera and compressor at highway site. Video system with television cameras positioned at critical points on highways allows traffic controllers to determine visually, almost immediately, exact cause of traffic-flow disruption; e.g., accidents, breakdowns, or spills, almost immediately. Controllers can then dispatch appropriate emergency services and alert motorists to minimize traffic backups.

Houser, B. C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Automated Rotating-Machinery Analysis

Computer-controlled automatic system processes accelerometer data from rotating machines, producing mathematical description and graphical display of shaft motion. Program saves processing time, readily identifies type of motion (circular, looped, or elliptical), provides annotated assessments to assist in failure analysis, alerts user to look for distinctive characteristics of machinery, and creates informative plots.

Clark, J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Infrasonic emissions from local meteorological events: A summary of data taken throughout 1984

Records of infrasonic signals, propagating through the Earth's atmosphere in the frequency band 2 to 16 Hz, were gathered on a three microphone array at Langley Research Center throughout the year 1984. Digital processing of these records fulfilled three functions: time delay estimation, based on an adaptive filter; source location, determined from the time delay estimates; and source identification, based on spectral analysis. Meteorological support was provided by significant meteorological advisories, lightning locator plots, and daily reports from the Air Weather Service. The infrasonic data are organized into four characteristic signatures, one of which is believed to contain emissions from local meteorological sources. This class of signature prevailed only on those days when major global meteorological events appeared in or near to eastern United States. Eleven case histories are examined. Practical application of the infrasonic array in a low level wing shear alert system is discussed.

Zuckerwar, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Solar-geophysical data number 490, June 1985. Part 1: (Prompt reports). Data for May 1985, April 1985 and late data

Contents include: detailed index for 1984 to 1985; data for May 1985--(IUWDS alert periods (Advance and Worldwide) solar activity indices, solar flares, solar radio emission, Stanford mean solar magnetic field); data for April 1985--(solar active regions, sudden ionospheric disturbances, solar radio spectral observations, cosmic ray measurements by neutron monitor, geomagnetic indices, radio propagation indices); and late data--(geomagnetic indices, cosmic rays, calcium plage data).

Coffey, H. E.↗