GE is adapting FMS software originally developed for large commercial and military transports to fully-automated uninhabited air vehicles. This software performs the following functions:

• Lateral and vertical guidance

• Navigation

• Communications management

The guidance function determines the reference trajectory of the vehicle. A worldwide Jeppesen database (derived from DAFIF information for military vehicles) contains all published procedures. A model of the steady-state performance of the vehicle and propulsion determines an optimal vertical trajectory according to cost indices (for maximum endurance or minimum time-of-arrival at prescribed waypoints, for example). Engine thrust is the control reference for the propulsion control system.

The flight plan is constructed from this procedural and performance information. The plan may be revised according to changing mission requirements and air-traffic control directives while the vehicle is en route. The performance model is used to estimate arrival times and fuel consumption according to the active flight plan and up to eight (8) alternate flight plans.

The Navigation function integrates all of the onboard vehicle sensor observations to determine the best estimate of the vehicle state. A Kalman Filter estimates the inertial instrument errors based on complementary observations of the vehicle state, and the inertial navigation trajectory is corrected accordingly. The filter mode changes according to the aiding sensors available, which include:

• C/A and P code GPS

• VOR

• DME

• NDB

• Localizer

• Doppler radar

• Magnetic compass

• Air data and radar altimeter

• Terrain database

GN&C are fully automated from the takeoff roll to landing roll-out. The output of the Guidance and the Navigation functions are combined to implement a negative feedback control system. The Flight Control algorithms then operate on the error vector to maneuver the vehicle and minimize the error.

GE' FMS technology represents years of private investment and operational service. By leveraging what is arguably the most advanced Flight Management technology in the aerospace industry, a vehicle manufacturer can accelerate the development and mitigate the risk of certifying and deploying automated GN&C of an uninhabited vehicle.