The Navigation and Control of Supersonic Aircraft

Abstract

This paper, which was presented at an Ordinary Meeting of the Institute held in London on 17 November 1961, discusses aspects of high-speed, high-altitude navigation which will have a bearing on the selection of a navigation system and control philosophy for supersonic transports. The effects of certain separation criteria on systems accuracy are described, as are meteorological factors bearing on operation of the aircraft. Estimated performance capabilities which relate to traffic control and navigation are described. An analysis is offered of the effects of particular system accuracies on the selection of components of a navigation system and, finally, an integrated system is described, with arguments presented for certain levels of redundancy, reliability and automation.