A Simulation Investigation on the Feasibility of Curved Approaches under Microwave Landing System (Mls) Guidance

摘要

A flight simulator was used to investigate the utility of seven laterally curved approaches with various turn angles and final intercept altitudes, executed with a B-747 aircraft. Three weather situations were included, with winds of 15 m/sec and wind shears of 0.17 m sec/m. A minimum cloud base of 30.5 m was used. A flight director operating in the instrument landing system tracking mode and supplied with minor modifications in the roll bar drive was used as primary guidance instrument. Additional provisions were made to enable the pilot to monitor the approach. It was found that curved approaches with turn angles up to 180 deg can be carried out safely provided that the turn completion altitude is not much less than 305 m. Special provisions are needed with respect to the autopilot/flight director drive to achieve accurate tracking on the curved segment in strong wind conditions.