NASA-Raytheon Team Demonstrates Ground and Cockpit Systems to Increase National Aerospace System Capacity

A NASA-Raytheon Company team recently demonstrated the results of its advanced transportation systems research at the 2005 Small Aircraft Transportation Systems (SATS) conference in Danville, Va. Test results offer new solutions that could enhance air traffic flow at small U.S. airports by allowing four-to-10 passenger aircraft to access more than 3,000 rural and suburban airports.

In support of the NASA Langley Research Center, Raytheon developed a simulator to model the feasibility of increasing aircraft volume at airports that have neither control towers nor radar systems. The simulator confirmed that automated systems on the ground and in the cockpit can safely guide aircraft through take-off and landing despite inclement weather. When implemented, high volume operations (HVO) capabilities and technology could enhance air traffic flow and increase National Aerospace System capacity by allowing small aircraft to take off from and land at general aviation airports that are currently under utilized.

The SATS 2005 demonstration marked the culmination of a four-year collaboration to improve high-volume operation at small airports. The proof of concept demonstration will showcase NASA and Raytheon efforts to develop operational capabilities and technologies that enable safe, affordable, on- demand air travel at those airports.

The team performed a similar HVO demonstration for the Federal Aviation Administration in late 2004, thus setting the stage for the SATS 2005 event.

“Raytheon’s partnership with NASA in studying the feasibility of this advanced concept positions us to develop solutions that address future air transportation challenges,” said Andy Zogg, vice president of Raytheon’s Airspace Management and Homeland Security business area.

Raytheon Company, with 2004 sales of $20.2 billion, is an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 80,000 people worldwide.