The Method of Evaluation of Radio Altimeter Methodological Error in Laboratory Environment

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Measurement Science
• Avionics Systems

Background:

• Radio altimeters (ALT) are critical for aircraft altitude measurement, providing data to pilots and systems like autopilots.
• Existing ALT accuracy is typically ±0.30 m to ±0.75 m, influenced by methodological error (ΔH).
• Current methods for evaluating ALT error can lead to biased and overly optimistic inaccuracy assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel experimental laboratory method for determining the methodological error (ΔH) of aviation radio altimeters.
• To assess the impact of this error on the overall accuracy of radar altitude measurements.
• To provide a reliable method for verifying ALT performance against manufacturer specifications.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of a new experimental laboratory procedure for measuring ALT methodological error (ΔH).
• Evaluation of the resulting accuracy of height measurements obtained using the radio altimeter.
• Comparison of experimental results with theoretical calculations and simulations.

Main Results:

• The new method provides a more accurate determination of the radio altimeter's methodological error (ΔH).
• It was experimentally verified that the height measurements align with the standards specified by the ALT manufacturer.
• The study highlights the ambiguity in current measurement techniques and their tendency to underestimate error.

Conclusions:

• The proposed laboratory method offers a robust approach to quantifying radio altimeter methodological error.
• Accurate measurement of ΔH is crucial for ensuring the reliability of altitude data and enhancing flight safety.
• This method validates that radio altimeters can perform within their specified accuracy limits when properly evaluated.