The development of a Ground Proximity Warning System for United States Navy strike-fighter jet aircraft

This research attempted to develop guidelines for the development of a Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) for United States Navy strike- fighter jet aircraft in an effort to reduce the incidence of controlled flight into terrain. A review of GPWS technology development and capabilities was conducted, as well as an overview of previous and on-going GPWS projects. A GPWS algorithm development began in the Fall of 1991 and began developmental test in the Naval Air Warfare Center/Aircraft Division (NAWC/AD), Manned Flight Simulator (MFS) in the Spring of 1992. Simultaneously, the pilot vehicle interface developmental testing began at the NAWC/AD Aircrew Systems Department using the Programmable Reconfigurable Electronic Display Analysis Tool On Rollers (PREDATOR). Qualitative and quantitative data were collected for both the MFS and PREDATOR simulated flight profiles. Quantitative data were collected by using automated recorders associated with the MFS and PREDATOR computers. Qualitative data were collected by using aircrew questionnaires and cockpit kneeboard cards. Test results indicated that the GPWS technology demonstrated excellent potential to reduce controlled flight into terrain during the takeoff, non-tactical enroute, tactical enroute, and landing phases of flight. Overall, the GPWS technology demonstrated a level of performance and utility that warrants further development and implementation into United States Navy strike-fighter jet aircraft as soon as possible.