Automation
The use of automation in aircraft is
an idea that has been around since the middle of the 20th century. For
both manned systems and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), automated flight has
yet to take the human link out of the chain completely. Short of artificial
intelligence (AI), automated aircraft systems still require human input in the
form of programming and instructions. Manned flight carrying passengers do not
yet allow for fully autonomous flying but are headed in that direction. Today however,
the spectrum of automation in UAS varies from no automation at all to fully
automated (Marshall, Barnhart, Shappee, & Most, 2016). Some automated
systems that are capable of autonomous takeoff and landing can be overridden by
a pilot or ground control station (GCS) during emergencies or for obstacle
avoidance but must follow preprogrammed flight paths (Marshall, Barnhart,
Shappee, & Most, 2016). Many UAS come preprogrammed with lost-link
procedures for when the pilot can no longer control the aircraft remotely. Many
commercial aircraft companies are considering placing more trust in automated
aircraft systems in order to increase efficiency and decrease human error
during sustained flight.
Boeing
777
The Boeing 777 has represented a new
breed of manned aircraft produced in recent decades due to its autonomous
takeoff and landing capability. Like a conventional aircraft, the Boeing 777
was designed for manual takeoff and landing and has the added automatic feature
installed in the electronic systems infrastructure. The autopilot flight direct
system provides the pilot with automatic control features with ability to
manage speed and flight path (Hornish, 1994). The pilot also has the freedom to
select and deselect the automatic approach and auto-land features through
pushbuttons on the glareshield (Hornish, 1994). These functions do not operate
without the pilots input who is trained as a traditional operator over merely a
systems monitor. The automatic system remains and outstanding introduction into
manned flight but should contain a failsafe in every circumstance for the pilot
to override the automated system.
MQ-9
Reaper
The MQ-9 Reaper is outfitted with automatic
takeoff and landing systems attached to the autopilot and can also be manually
controlled. When the MQ-9 loses link with the satellite, it reverts back to
preprogramming and levels off on approach. As of right now, pilots are trained
at the formal training units to takeoff and land the MQ-9. According to Col
Travis Burdine, the full implementation of takeoff and landing capabilities
would allow less personnel to man training billets and training would take much
less time (Drew, 2016). Manual takeoffs and landing still require a
line-of-sight link which is more reliable than satellite datalink for automatic
takeoff and landing. Like manned aircraft, UAS like the MQ-9 Reaper pilot
should retain the ability to override the automated takeoff and landing system
at all times.
References
Drew,
J. (2016). USAF to automate MQ-9 takeoffs
and landings. Retrieved from https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-to-automate-mq-9-takeoffs-and-landings-424975/
Hornish,
R. R. (1994). 777 autopilot flight
director system. 151-156. doi:10.1109/DASC.1994.369488.
Retrieved from http://ieeexplore.ieee.org.ezproxy. libproxy.db.erau.edu/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=369488
Marshall,
D.M., Barnhart, R.K., Shappee, E., & Most, M.T. (2016). Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Second Edition. Boca
Raton: CRC Press. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/erau/detail.action?docID=4710295
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