Descent-Rate Cuing for Carrier Landings: Effects of Display Gain, Display Noise and Aircraft Type

Abstract : Two studies are reported concerning the utility of modifying a conventional Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System (FLOLS) to include variable- length vertical light arrays, or arrows, in order to provide descent-rate information to pilots making carrier landings. In the first study, the Descent- Rate Cuing (DRC) algorithm incorporated an angular gain to provide glideslope displacement information. The DRC system did not significantly improve glideslope tracking performance. Lineup performance was not adversely affected. The effects of aircraft type and noise on the DRC were also examined. In the second study, the DRC algorithm incorporated a modified linear gain to provide glideslope displacement information. The DRC system consistently reduced glideslope error throughout the approach. Comparison of the data and previous research suggests that a DRC system incorporating a linear gain can produce a strong and consistent improvement in glideslope control in carrier landings. (Author)