A generic trajectory prediction and smoothing algorithm for flight management system

Abstract

Earlier flights relied mainly on ground-based navigation aids. As a result, waypoints were defined by the relative position to navigation aids. As navigation technology evolves, the application of Global Navigation Satellite System becomes more popular [1]. The coordinates of each waypoint can be precisely defined in the WGS84 coordinate system. Therefore, accurate coding of flight procedures using only the TF and RF legs is preferred. In order to be compatible with old flight procedures, advanced FMS (flight management system) must be able to deal with these inaccurate legs. To solve this problem, a generic trajectory prediction and smoothing algorithm is proposed. The accurate starting and terminating point of each inaccurate leg is calculated along the trajectory predicting process according to its definition. Also, smooth transitions between adjacent legs are established using RF legs. Simulation results show that the generated trajectories of this algorithm are accurate and can be well performed by various aircrafts.