Airlines have evaluated technology for reducing runway collision risk in tests with NASA's research Boeing 757 at Dallas/Fort Worth (D/FW) airport. The trials come as a new Federal Aviation Administration study estimates there could be 15 fatal runway collisions at US airports between 2003 and 2022, most involving large aircraft.
This "pessimistic" estimate is based on evidence that "the risk of runway collisions varies with the square of the amount of traffic". Incursions at US airports have increased 60% in five years.
Airline pilots tested the Runway Incursion Prevention System (RIPS), which combines a moving map display of taxiways and runways with guidance on a head-up display (HUD). RIPS generates visual and aural warnings for pilots and controllers when another aircraft or vehicle is about to encroach on the runway or taxiway. The tests simulated incursions using the 757 and a van equipped as an intruder.
RIPS uses the airport target identification system, which provides position and identification for all transponder-equipped vehicles. The 757 and van carried Rockwell Collins GPS satellite navigation and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast.
Airport traffic was displayed on the moving map display, which also showed the cleared taxi route and holding positions received and acknowledged by datalink. The database generates low-visibility taxi guidance cues on the HUD.
Source: Flight International
