Aviation Commons^™

Protection Of Linear Assets In Arctic Regions Using Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources (Polaar Bear), Christopher P. Lintz

Theses and Dissertations

In the 2018 United States National Defense Strategy, the Department of Defense mandated that forces are to be more dynamic and decentralized. The Arctic region was a key topic that was addressed. This means that in the future, it is possible that personnel will need to operate in the Arctic, away from the standard built up infrastructure, to enhance the capabilities of the Air Force and enable the power projection required for mission execution. When establishing a new location, water systems are one of the first requirements for setting up a temporary base infrastructure. However, the Air Force’s current expeditionary …

Using Embedded Systems And Augmented Reality For Automated Aerial Refueling, Nathaniel A. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of automated aerial refueling (AAR) is to extend the range of unmanned aircraft. Control latency prevents a human from remotely controlling the receiving aircraft as it approaches a tanker. To conform with the size, weight, and power constraints of a small unmanned aircraft, an AAR system must execute in real-time on an embedded platform. This thesis explores the timing and computational performance of a NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin to a state-of-the-art general-purpose computer using existing AAR algorithms. It also constructs an augmented reality framework as an intermediate step for testing vision-based AAR algorithms between virtual testing and expensive …

An Analysis Of Aircraft Maintenance Leading Indicator Metrics To Unit-Level Aircraft Availability Rates, William C. Hardy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to improve the usefulness of data that is already collected within aircraft maintenance organizations to better identify trends, and outliers, and possibly better explain relationships between leading and lagging indicator metrics. Specifically, this graduate research paper sought to answer two research questions addressing what aircraft maintenance metrics significantly impact aircraft availability, and how to measure those to understand which metrics impact aircraft availability most. The research questions were answered through a comprehensive literature review, and the use of multiple linear regression analysis on data from two specific aircraft maintenance organizations from the same location. …

Examining Fuel Service System Failures Of The Usaf R11 Using Survival Analysis, Roed M.S. Mejia

Theses and Dissertations

Recent events show that fuel supply is a large contributor to the success or failure of a military operation in response to a contingency. Any future near-peer conflict will stress the supply chain and require fully operational vehicles to be ready for the primary mission sets they support. In the United States Air Force (USAF), the readiness of fuel distribution trucks is crucial to meeting those mission sets in global operations. Utilizing non-parametric and semi-parametric survival models, which do not assume specific probability distributions, this study analyzes maintenance data for R-11 trucks that refuel aircraft.

Predicting Success Of Pilot Training Candidates Using Interpretable Machine Learning, Alexandra S. King

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force (USAF) has struggled with a sustained pilot shortage over the past several years; senior military and government leaders have been working towards a solution to the problem, with no noticeable improvements. Both attrition of more experienced pilots as well as wash out rates within pilot training contribute to this issue. This research focuses on pilot training attrition. Improving the process for selecting pilot candidates can reduce the number of candidates who fail. This research uses historical specialized undergraduate pilot training (SUPT) data and leverages select machine learning techniques to determine which factors are associated with …

Examining Failures Of Kc-135 Boom Assemblies Using Survival Analysis, Benjamin D. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study are to confirm the applicability of survival analysis for predicting recurrent failures of a component of a military aircraft and to provide practical insights to maintenance managers and mission planners. The results of this study also can help the United States Department of Defense improve the CBM+ program. This study was able to predict recurrent failures of the component using Nelson-Aalen cumulative estimates. In addition, this study used a Cox proportional hazards regression model with shared frailty for measuring the effect of covariates on recurrent failures and unidentified heterogeneity in the model, which warranted future …

A Reinforcement Learning Approach To A Beyond Visual Range Air Combat Maneuvering Problem, Caleb A. Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

A one-versus-one air combat maneuvering problem is considered wherein a friendly autonomous aircraft must engage and defeat an adversary autonomous aircraft in a beyond visual range environment. The Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM) is leveraged to model the complex and interdependent operations of aircraft, sensors, and weapons utilized in beyond visual range air combat. We formulate a Markov decision process to obtain high-quality decision policies wherein our autonomous aircraft makes maneuvering and missile firing decisions. We utilize a reinforcement learning solution procedure that implements a linear value function approximation to represent state-decision pairs due to the high …

The Aerial Refueling Asset Basing And Assignment Problem, Camryn E. Deames

Theses and Dissertations

With growing tensions in the European theatre and Indo-Pacific theatre, the constraints of aerial refueling impede the missions of Air Mobility Command and USTRANSCOM in their execution of both the National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy. Introducing and integrating semi-autonomous aerial refueling aircraft is a logical next step due to advantages in endurance, survivability, runway requirements, and fuel offloading capacity. This research frames the Aerial Refueling Asset Basing and Assignment Problem with two model approaches: a baseline model and a fuel shuttle concept model. Whereas the former model considers instances with only manned refuelers or only semi-autonomous refuelers, the …

Cost Estimating Relationships For Recurring T100 Flyaway Costs, Kyrie M. Rojo

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates a dataset of over 80 Air Force and Navy aircraft and applies regression techniques to create two cost estimating relationships (CERs) for predicting recurring T100 flyaway costs, depending on where in the acquisition lifecycle the estimate takes place. The first CER explains 89 percent of the variation in the dataset and can be applied prior to Milestone B (MS B). The second CER explains 88 percent of the variation in the dataset and can be applied between MS B and MS C. Significant cost drivers identified include stealth, cohort, empty weight, the natural log of speed, legacy …

An Approximate Dynamic Programming Approach For Solving An Air Combat Maneuvering Problem With Directed Energy Weapons, Elisha A. Palm

Theses and Dissertations

Performing within visual range (WVR) air combat involves the execution of complex air maneuvers and rapid sequential decision making. The complexity of these decisions can increase even further when including additional weapon capabilities. The advancement of unmanned autonomous vehicle technology and weapon capabilities can help combat the hindrance that comes with human limitations. Autonomous unmanned combat aerial vehicles (AUCAVs) and the implementation of advanced weapon capabilities such as Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) can prove to be vital in a WVR air combat context. This derives the question – Can AUCAV’s possess the proper artificial intelligence and weapon capabilities to attain …

Optimal Control Of Precision Airdrop Trajectories Using Direct Collocation And Analytical Methods, Edward J. Maxwell

Theses and Dissertations

The work herein investigates the preliminary designs of an optimal navigation controller for a scalable cylindrical airdrop system controlled with grid fins in planar motion. Precision airdrop capabilities are desired for a range of military and humanitarian missions. Fielded airdrop systems have not met desired performance objectives, particularly regarding accuracy. Direct collocation and analytical methods were utilized to solve the optimal control problem for the grid fin controlled precision airdrop system examined in this work. The optimal control problem was comprised of two phases: controlled descent and parachute descent. Minimum and maximum ranges for the system under varying wind fields …

Flight Testing Gls Approaches Enabled By Wide Area Corrections In Kerkyra, Greece, Thomas Dautermann, Thomas Ludwig

Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering

Many airports with a high value to commercial air traffic have spatial or budgetary constraints which prevent the installation of a precision approach system. We previously designed a low-cost precision approach system which combines the advantages of both ground-based and satellite-based augmentation systems by using a converter between them in order to allow GAST-A approach types. We installed, operated, and flight-tested such a system at Kerkyra Airport using an A320 aircraft. During these, we recorded data from a commercial multimode receiver as well as GPS raw data in order to prove the feasibility of the system. Data were analyzed using …

Urban Air Mobility (Uam) Flight Path: Literature Review And Conceptual Design Of Uam Corridor Virtual Lane System Using “Tracks”, Immanuel Bankole

Student Works

As the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industry grows and becomes more popular, most of the conversations in the public domain are focused on the (electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) eVTOL aircraft and the physical infrastructure that will support these eVTOL aircraft. However, there is a lack of research on UAM traffic management and flight paths taken by aircraft between locations.

The United States (U.S.) Federal Aviation Administration has proposed the use of corridors to minimize the interaction between UAM operations and traditional air traffic as eVTOL aircraft perform flight activities. The government also acknowledges the need for additional structures (such …

Letting Go Of Pilot Stigma: A Commentary On Hubbard (2016), Timothy G. Rosser

International Journal of Aviation Sciences (IJAS)

No abstract provided.

Icao Commentary On Hubbard (2016): Stigma And Pilots With Mental Health Issues, Ansa Jordaan

International Journal of Aviation Sciences (IJAS)

No abstract provided.

Stigma And Pilots With Mental Health Issues, Todd P. Hubbard

International Journal of Aviation Sciences (IJAS)

What makes the stigma surrounding pilots with mental health issues an important issue? Until recently, stigma was of minor concern. There were plenty of pilots without issues. Pilots with weaknesses had their careers cut short, if they let it be known that they had a psychological condition. So the numbers of pilots reporting psychological conditions were few. It was simple. Refrain from telling on yourself and you are allowed to fly. Tell on yourself and you suffer the consequences of stigma and maybe a shortened career. Stigma is similar to bullying. It creates a hostile work environment for those affected. …

Training For Warfighter Decision Making: A Survey Of Simulation-Based Training Technologies, Nina Rothstein

International Journal of Aviation Sciences (IJAS)

Training warfighters requires the establishment, enhancement, and assessment of decision making (DM) skills at various levels. This review seeks to identify DM training technologies at the tactical and operational levels of war. Simulation based training (SBT) provides learning experiences for improved cognitive abilities and retention of complex skills. Here, seven SBTs will be evaluated for their situational awareness (SA) training abilities for decision making. Valuation of the included SBTs examine the modifiability (scenario customization), data availability (physiological and behavioral), assessment methods (feedback and after action reviews), validity (team training), and fidelity (2D or 3D environments) for tactical and operational warfighter …

Integration Of Unmanned Aircraft Systems In Public Higher Education, John Mott, Ardyth M. Williams, Darcy M. Bullock

International Journal of Aviation Sciences (IJAS)

It is estimated that there are over one million unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that, if operated incorrectly, can pose a significant threat to individuals, property, and other aircraft. Many of these systems are now finding their ways into universities, where they are operated by nonaviation professionals with an overall objective of exploring new research opportunities. While these initiatives hold significant promise for technical advancements, some employ relatively primitive operational and safety protocols. This article reviews FAA rules and reports on a university effort that has developed a formal partnership between an established aviation center utilizing licensed pilots and an engineering …

Comparison Of Three Angle Of Attack (Aoa) Indicators: A Usability Study, Camilo Jimenez, Claas Tido Boesser, Florian Jentsch

International Journal of Aviation Sciences (IJAS)

Angle of Attack is an important aeronautical concept used to understand the aerodynamic performance of an aircraft during different flight stages. The Federal Aviation Administration has indicated the importance of developing and encouraging the use of AOA based systems to increase flight safety. This study examined the usability of three different AOA indicators. The goal was to identify which of these indicators is better suited for student pilot training. Instructor pilots were recruited for a series of flights, in which they were asked to perform different maneuvers while using AOA indicators. The data show significant differences between the indicators with …

Vfr Flight Planning With Paper Charts Versus Electronic Charts, Tyler A. Babb

International Journal of Aviation Sciences (IJAS)

Historically, VFR flight planning has been accomplished using an E6B flight computer, paper chart, and navigation plotter. Pilots have used these tools to determine the course, speed, and fuel required for a particular flight. These conventional tools have been a cornerstone of private pilot training for many years. Many types of flight planning software are currently available with a great range in cost and capability. ForeFlight Mobile™ is one of the most prominent flight software applications in use today. The software provides electronic navigation charts and tools that simplify flight planning for pilots. Distance, speed, and time calculations can be …

An Analysis Of The Effects Of Demographic Variables And Perceptions On The Safety Reporting Behavior In Collegiate Flight Programs, Daniel Kwasi Adjekum, Micah Walala, Julius Keller, Cody Christensen, Randal J. Demik, John P. Young, Gary J. Northam

International Journal of Aviation Sciences (IJAS)

The purposes of this study were to assess the perceptions of respondents on scale items that measure safety culture in collegiate aviation programs in the United States (U.S.) and establish levels of interactions between demographic variables and safety reporting behavior. A convenience sample (n = 259) of flight students inclusive of those who are flight instructors from five collegiate aviation programs in the U.S. responded to scale items adopted from the Collegiate Aviation Perceptions of Safety Culture Assessment Survey (CAPSCAS) online. The highest perception mean score was on Safety Fundamentals (4.2) and the lowest perception mean score was on Safety …

More On Applied Research Categories Pertaining To Aviation, David Trafimow

International Journal of Aviation Sciences (IJAS)

No abstract provided.

Applied Research Categories Within Aviation: A Commentary On Trafimow (2016), Chris Sidor

International Journal of Aviation Sciences (IJAS)

No abstract provided.

The Academic Side Of Applied Aviation Research: A Commentary On Trafimow (2016), Steven Leib

International Journal of Aviation Sciences (IJAS)

No abstract provided.

Rethinking The Value Of Applied Research And Researcher Accountability: A Commentary On Trafimow (2016), Richard O. Fanjoy Ph.D.

International Journal of Aviation Sciences (IJAS)

No abstract provided.

When To Link Theory And Research: A Commentary On Trafimow (2016), John E. Deaton

International Journal of Aviation Sciences (IJAS)

No abstract provided.

A Taxonomy Of Applied Research Categories As An Aid To Research Pertaining To Aviation, David Trafimow

International Journal of Aviation Sciences (IJAS)

Based on the notion that applied research can be theoretically grounded or not theoretically grounded, I suggest that there are roughly four categories within which quality work in this area can fall: basic research, auxiliary assumptions, theory combined with auxiliary assumptions, and research without theory. Although the importance of auxiliary assumptions in traversing the distance between theories and their applications cannot validly be denied, applied researchers, including those in the aviation area, often have ignored them. But auxiliary assumptions play an important role in understanding the four categories that I propose. Finally, I argue that much of the applied research …

Avionics Market Forecasting: Comparing The Performance Of Artificial Neural Networks Forecasting With Traditional Forecasting Techniques, Jason Alexander Hoop, Walter Rodriguez

International Journal of Aviation Sciences (IJAS)

Avionics can be thought of as the nervous system sustaining aircraft operations, and accurate forecasting is critical in predicting system demand. Modeled after their biological counterpart, artificial neural networks (ANNs) maintain the ability to recognize trends in chaotic and nonlinear systems. These models possess the capability to produce more accurate predictions than those of traditional forecasting methods. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of ANNs and detail the use of these techniques as a tool for forecasting in the avionics field. Furthermore, it introduces and examines several commonly used types of predictive ANNs. The performance …

Moving Towards Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Into The National Airspace System: Evaluating Visual Observers’ Imminent Collision Anticipation During Day, Dusk, And Night Suas Operations, Igor Dolgov

International Journal of Aviation Sciences (IJAS)

An experiment was conducted in an austere desert location (entirely lacking artificial light pollution) to evaluate visual observers’ ability to maintain line of sight with a light-sport manned aircraft and a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS; Raven RQ-11B or Wasp III) and predict imminent collisions between them. We investigated the impact of night and dusk operational settings on observers’ performance as compared to daytime and manipulated the placement of the critical visual observer in relation to the sUAS pilot. Analyses revealed that the light-sport aircraft was identified at significantly farther distances at night and dusk than during the day, and …

General Solution Of The Wind Triangle Problem And The Critical Tailwind Angle, Nihad E. Daidzic Ph.D., Sc.D.

International Journal of Aviation Sciences (IJAS)

A general analytical solution of the navigational wind-triangle problem and the calculation of the critical tailwind angle are presented in this study among other findings. Any crosswind component will effectively create a headwind component on fixed course tracks. The meaning of a route track is lost with excessive crosswinds representing the bifurcation point between the possible and the impossible navigational solutions. Any wind of constant direction and speed will effectively reduce groundspeed and increase time-of-flight on closed-loop multi-segment flights. Effective wind track component consists, in general, of true and induced components. The average groundspeed of multiple-leg flights is a harmonic …