Weather Channel in Every Cockpit
ASA is moving a
step closer to providing up-to-the-minute, graphical "weather channel"–style
displays in the cockpits of commercial airliners and general aviation
aircraft. A new NASA aviation safety initiative has just selected research
proposals from eight industry teams to develop the Aviation Weather Information
(AWIN) systems.
"Pilots tell us their number-one priority is graphical weather information. We want to make it as easy to get a weather channel in the cockpit as it is in your living room. Technologies already exist that could help make that happen," said NASA Aviation Safety Program (AvSP) Director Michael Lewis, based at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.
NASA envisions a futuristic system that would allow aircraft to be both a source and user of weather information. Airborne sensors would provide data for weather systems on board the plane, on the ground and in other aircraft. The cockpit would be equipped with easy-to-read, real-time displays that show weather conditions across the country, allowing pilots to more easily monitor possible trouble spots and make better, more cost-efficient routing decisions.
AWIN weather information would get to and from aircraft by satellite and ground transceivers using broadcast datalink and two-way communications systems. Many industry teams also propose to incorporate decision aids into their AWIN designs. Those could include, among other tools, alarm systems or displays of suggested routes to help pilots better avoid potentially hazardous weather situations.
The weather information selections are one of NASA's new investments in the ambitious challenge from President Clinton last year—to reduce the fatal aircraft accident rate by 80 percent in 10 years and by 90 percent over two decades. AvSP is a partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aviation industry (manufacturers and operators) and the Department of Defense. This partnership supports President Clinton's national goal.
U.S. companies submitted more than 40 proposals for research, development, prototyping and implementation of AWIN systems and components in three weather information categories: a national and worldwide system, a general aviation system and topical areas or specific components. The proposals were evaluated on technical merit, cost and feasibility.
NASA has set aside more than $8 million, which will be matched by industry, to fund AWIN projects over the next 18 months. More money is expected to be designated later to accelerate commercialization and make some systems available within five years. The AWIN industry teams list may be accessed at: http://oea.larc.nasa.gov/news_rels/1998/May98/ 98_23.html
For more information, contact Charles Scanlon at Langley Research Center.
Call (757) 864-2034, Fax: (757) 864-8858, E-mail: c.h.scanlon@larc.nasa.gov
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used as a project research tool, includes
cockpit weather information.
