Laser beacon and optical detector system for aircraft collision

Details Laser beacon and optical detector system for aircraft collision Laser beacon and optical detector system for aircraft collision

1979-11-01

1981-07-07

Buczinski, S. C.

Optics: measuring and testing

Angle measuring or angular axial alignment

With photodetection remote from measured angle

340 27NA, 350 9618, 350 9625, 356 1, 356 4, G01B 1126, G01C 300, G01C 500

Patent

active

042771706

ABSTRACT:
A laser beacon mounted on a first aircraft emits a beam which is sensed by an optical detector on a second aircraft in such a manner that a collision proximity warning device is triggered and/or collision avoidance maneuvers are initiated. The system is intended to prevent aircraft collisions which occur under visual flight regulation (VFR) conditions and which constitute in excess of 90% of civil aircraft mid-air accidents. In the preferred embodiment a horizontally collimated, vertically diverging laser beam is made to rotate 360.degree. in polarization while simultaneously rotating 360.degree. in azimuth with respect to the first aircraft. The optical detector mounted on the second aircraft preferably comprises a pair of horizontally offset light collectors which include narrow spectral width filters respectively and various other components which collectively determine the bearing, range and relative heading of the first aircraft. The information is stored so that subsequent signals arising from the first aircraft may be compared to determine trajectories and range rates. Collision warning and/or collision avoidance actions may then be started if the information indicates a high probability of collision. Alternative embodiments of the optical detector apparatus can be constructed with varying complexities to meet the needs of aircraft operating at different speeds or in different flight environments.

REFERENCES:
patent: 2578241 (1951-12-01), Guanella
patent: 3203305 (1965-08-01), Fairbanks
patent: 3400398 (1968-09-01), Lapeyre et al.
patent: 3572928 (1971-03-01), Decker et al.
patent: 3609677 (1971-09-01), Marberg
patent: 3610755 (1971-10-01), Wieberger
patent: 3620626 (1971-11-01), Daly et al.
patent: 3652981 (1972-03-01), Campanella
patent: 3662180 (1972-05-01), Jorgensen et al.
patent: 3687556 (1972-08-01), Price et al.
patent: 3699511 (1972-10-01), Fletcher et al.
patent: 3710098 (1973-01-01), Walden
patent: 3720468 (1973-03-01), Skagerlund
patent: 3721950 (1973-03-01), Jorgensen
patent: 3736559 (1973-05-01), Trageser et al.
patent: 3799675 (1974-03-01), Johnson et al.
patent: 3802780 (1974-04-01), Helm et al.
patent: 3846746 (1974-11-01), Trageser et al.
patent: 3897151 (1975-07-01), Lecroy
patent: 3903501 (1975-09-01), Greenlee et al.
patent: 3937557 (1976-02-01), Milton
C. H. Leigh et al., Proc. of IEEE, vol. 58, #3, 3-1970.
R. T. Daly, Proc. of IEEE, vol. 58, #3, 3-1970.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Laser beacon and optical detector system for aircraft collision does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Laser beacon and optical detector system for aircraft collision , we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Laser beacon and optical detector system for aircraft collision will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-191203