초록 ▼

This invention is a system that monitors many performance parameters and many aircraft operational parameters, and broadcasts this information along with aircraft identification, audio, video, global positioning and altitude data, to a world wide two-way rf network. This information is monitored and

This invention is a system that monitors many performance parameters and many aircraft operational parameters, and broadcasts this information along with aircraft identification, audio, video, global positioning and altitude data, to a world wide two-way rf network. This information is monitored and recorded at a remote, centralized location. At this location, this information is combined with archived data, ATC data, weather data, topological data, map data, and manufacturers' data. Analysis of this combined data allows identification of problems and generation of advisories. Six types of advisories are generated: maintenance, safety of flight, flight efficiency, flight separation, safe to fly and safe to take off. In the event of a crash the remotely recorded data provides an instant indication of the cause of the crash as well as where the crashed plane can be found. Use of this invention allows replacement of the current, on-board flight data recorders thus saving costs and weight. Having the recorded data at a remote site eliminates the need to search for flight data recorders. Other advantages are back-up for ATC radar position data, better control of aircraft separation, improved flight efficiency, and allowing use of simpler and lower power radar.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A global, paperless, aircraft maintenance system comprising:an aircraft performance means for detecting aircraft performance and control parameters;a maintenance communications means, located on board an aircraft, for providing maintenance advice to maintenance personnel;

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A global, paperless, aircraft maintenance system comprising:an aircraft performance means for detecting aircraft performance and control parameters;a maintenance communications means, located on board an aircraft, for providing maintenance advice to maintenance personnel;a sensor multiplexer receiver and transmitter means, located on board said aircraft, for:accepting said aircraft performance and control parameters; converting said aircraft performance and control parameters, when necessary, to digital form;adding an aircraft identification and configuration label; converting said aircraft performance and control parameters and said identification and configuration label to an outgoing rf signal and broadcasting said outgoing rf signal; andreceiving an incoming rf signal, converting it to a maintenance advisory, and feeding said maintenance advisory to said maintenance communication means;an aircraft manufacturer's database means for providing aircraft data and maintenance information;a central station means, located on the ground, for receiving said outgoing rf signal and converting it to said aircraft performance and control parameters and said aircraft identification and configuration label, and broadcasting said incoming rf signal;a processing means, connected to said central station means, for:archiving said aircraft performance and control parameters thus creating an archived data database;combining said aircraft performance and control parameters with said aircraft data and said maintenance information;generating said maintenance advisory; and converting said maintenance advisory to said incoming rf signal;a display and control means, connected to said processing means, for displaying operation of said processing means and for allowing operator control of said processing means; anda global rf communications network means for conveying said outgoing signal from said aircraft to said central station means and conveying said incoming rf signal from said central station means to said aircraft.