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Enhanced Vertical Navigation Using Barometric Measurements
Shrivathsan Narayanan1, Okuary Osechas1
1German Aerospace Center (DLR), Münchener Str. 20, 82234 Weßling, Germany.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 11, 2022
Summary
This study presents a new method for converting altitude measurements, offering high accuracy for aviation applications. The technique uses weather models to achieve precise altitude conversions, improving safety and efficiency in air travel.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Atmospheric Science
- Geophysics
Background:
- Accurate altitude determination is critical for aviation safety and efficiency.
- Existing methods for converting between geometric and barometric altitude have limitations in precision.
- Advancements in numerical weather modeling offer potential for improved altitude estimation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel technique for transforming between geometric and barometric altitude estimates.
- To provide an unbiased altitude conversion method with high vertical accuracy.
- To enhance aviation systems through more precise altitude data.
Main Methods:
- Leveraging forecast numerical weather models for altitude conversion.
- Developing an algorithm for seamless transformation between geometric and barometric altitude.
- Validating the method's performance across various aircraft altitudes.
Main Results:
- The proposed technique is unbiased and achieves a vertical error standard deviation of approximately 30 meters (100 feet).
- The accuracy remains consistent irrespective of the aircraft's altitude.
- The method demonstrates superior precision compared to established conversion functions.
Conclusions:
- The developed altitude conversion technique offers significant improvements in precision for civil aviation.
- Potential applications include enhanced vertical navigation performance (RNP), systemized airspace management, and automated landing systems.
- This advancement contributes to safer and more efficient air traffic operations.
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