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To: arun gera who wrote (1995)12/19/1997 2:39:00 PM
From: RP Svoboda  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 3506
 
<<EGPWS - GPS based?

Actually, I am still trying to figure out whether GPS is a requirement or not. It is
not necessary, because Allied Signals EGPWS has been tested with INS.>>

Arun, please correct me if I am wrong, but GPS is not a necessity for the solution. EGPWS is nothing more than an algorithm that compares aircraft position, altitude, velocity and performance characteristics to a very detailed terrain map. The system will detect when the aircraft is being vectored toward the terrain, and will give warning in sufficient time to allow the pilot to gain separation within the aircraft's performance parameters.

As far as I know, the algorithms that have been developed utilize the host navigation system (INS, Doppler, GPS, etc). GPS is becoming more common as an integral part of modern aircraft, but it is not a requirement for EGPWS.

So who wins with EGPWS? Don't know the answer to this one. There are many, many companies out there developing these high tech solutions for safety. Yes, GPS solutions will provide greater redundancy/accuracy so makers of hardware and software will benefit. Companies that provide extremely detailed and up-to-date terrain maps will benefit. Finally, companies that make Mega Data Transfer Cartridges (provides the ability to access the "terrain database" around your route of flight) will benefit.

There are many companies involved due to the size of the future market. According to Janes, a 1992 study cited that US Air Force controlled flight into terrain would be reduced by more than 50 percent using an EGPWS algorithm.

I am basing my analysis on a passive system. How many competitors out there base their system on an active source such as radar? How accurate are they in relation to something like a radio tower perched on top of a ridge?

Thanks.
Boda



To: arun gera who wrote (1995)1/6/1998 5:41:00 PM
From: David  Respond to of 3506
 
Re: EGPWS costs and components . . .

I have a couple of different sources that I can't quite harmonize on EGPWS costs. Air Safety Week last month said EGPWS costs $30,000 to $40,000 for equipment, but $90,000 to $120,000 for equipment and installation per aircraft. With about 4300 major airline planes still to be equipped by 2003, that comes out to an industry investment of about $400 million total. On the other hand, a transcript of the ATA announcement mentioned installation costs of $19,500 per plane.

Allied Signal is the supplier, as noted, and they are clearly providing the terrain mapping element. AS also is the only STC cleared supplier right now (Teledyne is trying to qualify). But they mentioned that American Airlines, as of late 1996, is the only airline to date to install this system, and they won't be done for another 18 months. That sounds a bit like the Honeywell/Trimble deal.

Allied said they could produce 2000 systems in 1998 and 4000 a year thereafter, or more if necessary. Current production rate is 160 systems a month, to go to 300 per month in early '98. The product will be standard equipment in Boeing and Airbus aircraft in '98 and '99, and maybe MD-80 in '99. It seemed clear from the press conference that GPS is a backup in this system.

If you figure 4300 major airline installations plus a soon to be required 2100 regional airline installations by 2003 (per regulation) at a system cost of about $35,000 per plane, that's a market of about $40 million per year; only part of that is GPS. (This doesn't include non-US carriers or military planes -- only 260 of 1500 DoD planes have EGPWS.)

Comments?

David

PS -- Rockwell Collins is working with the Navy to develop GPS-assisted long range artillery.