Terrain Following and Terrain Avoidance with Synthetic Vision

Abstract

This paper describes the design and evaluation of a synthetic and enhanced vision system that has been extended with functions to provide a database derived terrain following capability, both on planned routes and off path. It will discuss the guidance cues implemented to provide both on-path and off-path TF guidance, illustrate how the integration of real-time imaging sensor data is used to compensate for the limitations of the terrain elevation database, and show how information regarding known threats is integrated into the different displays. Furthermore, initial results from a flight test performed with the FAA 727 are presented.