BEACON COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM (BCAS) - ACTIVE MODE

This document describes the FAA/MITRE Active Mode of the Beacon Collision Avoidance System (BCAS) through its initial phase. The hardware, its procurement and modification are described; the theory of operation is presented; and the system performance and accuracy during the feasibility flight tests in the NAFEC and Washington, D.C. airspace were discussed. This is a ground-independent, air-to-air system activated by airborne omnidirectional ATCRBS mode C interrogations occurring at a rate of 2 per second. Range and altitude are obtained for each aircraft replying within a 32-nmi radius. Range and altitude rates are computed, and approaching aircraft are tracked. The cockpit CAS display warns the pilot of aircraft crossing with adequate altitude separation and gives a command to climb or dive if the intruding aircraft is at or near the same altitude. Warnings and/or commands are provided 30 seconds before range minimum. System performance was evaluated during test encounters with 400 ft altitude separation. Performance and accuracy analysis is derived from BCAS and ARTS III magnetic tape, and from the tracking phototheodolites over the NAFEC measurement range. Data analysis was performed by the MITRE Corporation. The system in its initial form was not expected to function in high-density areas; however, the system met the initial design goals. Design ideas to distribute the reply population by using multilevel power interrogations have been incorporated in the system for the next phase. This will, hopefully, allow the system to function in the higher density areas. In a later phase, the compatibility of BCAS with DABS will be evaluated. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  NATIONAL AVIATION FACILITIES EXPERIMENTAL CENTER

  ATLANTIC CITY, NJ  United States 
• Authors:
  • Cohen, M
  • RICHARDSON, C
• Publication Date: 1977-10

Media Info

• Pagination: 35 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air traffic control radar beacon system; Altitude; Coding systems; Crash avoidance systems; Data communications; Flight tests; Magnetic tapes; Radar; Radar air traffic control; Radar beacons; Radio transmitters; Transponders; Warning systems
• Uncontrolled Terms: Data links
• Old TRIS Terms: Coders
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00168958
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FAA-NA-77-11, FAA/RD-77/98, Interim Report
• Files: NTIS
• Created Date: Jan 30 2002 12:00AM