Rockwell Collins Flight Dynamics is hoping to demonstrate its Surface Guidance System (SGS) around October, and says initial operational service could begin as soon as late 2002.
The SGS is designed to provide taxiing guidance to pilots in poor visibility, and to "dramatically increase safety", according to systems engineering manager Peter Howells.
The demonstration, originally scheduled for the middle of the year, has been held up by lack of a suitable testbed aircraft. Flight Dynamics is thought to be negotiating the use of a Next Generation 737.
The demonstration is a vital part of SGS development as it will provide the team with customer input, says Howells, but the results will also help to establish the certification basis.
Major elements of the SGS include the Flight Dynamics head-up guidance system, Smith Industries Aerospace flight management computer, Rockwell Collins multi-mode receiver and automatic dependent surveillance -broadcast system, and a Boeing Jeppesen airport database.
Meanwhile, software and hardware problems that have dogged the Northrop Grumman Airport Movement Area Safety System (AMASS) have been resolved, clearing the way for the US Federal Aviation Administration to begin commissioning the runway incursion warning device at 34 major US airports from June, according to Michael Huffman, FAA AMASS project leader.
AMASS is an add-on to Northrop Grumman's Airport Surface Detection Equipment 3 surface movement radar system and is designed to provide tower controllers with conflict alert of runway incursions.
Full AMASS commissioning was originally slated for August last year, but technical glitches - including false and nuisance alerts - have delayed this to November 2002.
Source: Flight International
