Feasibility Study of Global-Positioning-System-Based Aircraft-Carrier Flight-Deck Persistent Monitoring System

This research analyzes the use of modern guidance, navigation, and control concepts, such as the Global Positioning System, with the potential for improvements in the safety of aircraft, equipment, and personnel onboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. The results of a detailed analysis of U.S. Navy safety records since 1980 show that mishaps that could potentially be prevented by a persistent monitoring system have resulted in the deaths of 13 sailors and account for over $90 million in damages, or 5% of the total cost of all flight-deck- and hangar-bay-related mishaps. Research efforts included a study of the movements of U.S. Navy personnel and an FA-18C aircraft being towed at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. Pseudospectral motion planning techniques are explored to provide route prediction for aircraft, support equipment, and personnel. A system to continually monitor Hight-deck operations is proposed, with four successive levels of increasing capability. The research shows that radio navigation can provide the necessary accuracy to improve flight-deck safety, but that substantial computing power and augmentation of the Global Positioning System are necessary.

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