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Helicopter In-Flight Tracking System (HITS) for the Gulf of MexicoThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center (ARC) is sponsoring deployment and testing of the Helicopter In-flight Tracking System (HITS) in a portion of the Gulf of Mexico offshore area. Using multilateration principles, HITS determines the location and altitude of all transponder-equipped aircraft without requiring changes to current Mode A, C or S avionics. HITS tracks both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft operating in the 8,500 sq. mi. coverage region. The minimum coverage altitude of 100 ft. is beneficial for petroleum industry, allowing helicopters to be tracked onto the pad of most derricks. In addition to multilateration, HITS provides surveillance reports for aircraft equipped for Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B), a new surveillance system under development by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) is supporting NASA in managing HITS installation and operation, and in evaluating the system's effectiveness. Senses Corporation is supplying, installing and maintaining the HITS ground system. Project activities are being coordinated with the FAA and local helicopter operators. Flight-testing in the Gulf will begin in early 2002. This paper describes the HITS project - specifically, the system equipment (architecture, remote sensors, central processing system at Intracoastal City, LA, and communications) and its performance (accuracy, coverage, and reliability). The paper also presents preliminary results of flight tests.
Document ID
20020046999
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Martone, Patrick
(Department of Transportation Cambridge, MA United States)
Tucker, George
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Aiken, Edwin W.
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2001
Subject Category
Research And Support Facilities (Air)
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Helicopter Society International 58th Annual Forum
Location: Montreal
Country: Canada
Start Date: June 11, 2002
End Date: June 13, 2002
Sponsors: American Helicopter Society, Inc.
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 727-01-21
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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