Accuracy Analysis of Aircraft Position at Departure Phase Using DGPS Method

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this paper is to present the problem of implementation of the Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) technique in positioning of the aircraft in air navigation. The aircraft coordinates were obtained based on Global Positioning System (GPS) code observations for DGPS method. The DGPS differential corrections were transmitted from reference station REF1 to airborne receiver using Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio modem. The airborne Thales Mobile Mapper receiver was mounted in the cabin in Cessna 172 aircraft. The research test was conducted around the military aerodrome EPDE in Dęblin in Poland. In paper, the accuracy of aircraft positioning using DGPS technique is better than 1.5 m in geocentric XYZ frame and ellipsoidal BLh frame, respectively. In addition, the obtained accuracy of aircraft positioning is in agreement with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Required Navigation Performance (RNP) technical standards for departure phase of aircraft. The presented research method can be utilised in Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) in air transport. In paper, also the accuracy results of DGPS method from flight test in Chełm are presented. The mean values of accuracy amount to ±1÷2 m for horizontal plane and ±4÷5 m for vertical plane.