SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AEROSPACE REPORTS

A Biweekly Publication of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
VOLUME 44, ISSUE 2 - January 27, 2006

06 AVIONICS AND AIRCRAFT INSTRUMENTATION
Includes all avionics systems, cockpit and cabin display devices, and flight instruments intended for use in aircraft.

For related information see also 04 Aircraft Communications and Navigation; 08 Aircraft Stability and Control; 19 Spacecraft Instrumentation and Astrionics; and 35 Instrumentation and Photography.

20060002985 Arizona State Univ., Tempe, AZ USA, Honeywell Labs., Phoenix, AZ, USA

Handbook for Ethernet-Based Aviation Databuses: Certification and Design Considerations

Lee, Y. H.; Rachlin, E.; Scandura, P. A.; Nov. 2005; 60 pp.; In English Report No.(s): PB2006-102389; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A04 , Hardcopy

The purpose of this Handbook is to provide the network designer and developer with some guidelines to develop an Ethernet databus framework deployable in aircraft avionics systems. The Handbook gives design rationale and requirements for the use of Ethernet-based networks in the avionics environment and identifies the relevant issues and concerns regarding the determinism of the databus system. The Handbook will aid in the process of qualifying an Ethernet-based databus as part of the overall aircraft certification. It focuses on identifying any and all aspects of the product that may impact its qualification. Some qualification issues related with Ethernet-based aviation databuses are discussed. The general acceptance criteria for the qualification of avionics databuses as well as the evaluation criteria specific to Ethernet-based databuses are discussed. The Handbook describes the safety, performance, and reliability requirements of an Ethernet-based databus. Using the requirements of Ethernet-based databuses as a basis, the guidelines to design Ethernet-based aviation databuses and to address nondeterministic factors are illustrated. This Handbook does not constitute FederalAviation Administration certification policy or guidance but may be used as input to future policy and guidance. NTIS

Avionics; Certification; Ethernet; Handbooks

20060002987 Hughes Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport, NJ, USA

Alternating Yellow and Green Taxiway Centerline as a Runway Safety Enhancement

Patterson, J. W.; Nov. 2005; 22 pp.; In English Report No.(s): PB2006-102391; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy

This research effort was conducted to investigate and validate the suitability of installing alternating yellow and green taxiway centerline lights on taxiway segments located between the runway hold position marking and the runway centerline in the direction approaching the runway. This lighting configuration would serve as a visual cue to pilots and vehicle drivers that they are about to enter the runway environment/runway safety area (RSA). The objective of this research effort was to determine how the proposed lighting configuration would appear to pilots approaching the hold line (runway environment/ RSA), if presently available lighting fixtures are adequate for the purpose, if present spacing standards are adequate for the purpose, if pilots interpret the purpose of the alternating yellow and green taxiway centerline lighting configuration correctly, and the cost factors involved in making such a change. Having considered all of the data and information gathered during this evaluation effort, illuminating the runway environment/RSA area with alternating yellow and green taxiway centerline fixtures was found to be a cost-efficient, easy to deploy tool that will assist in reducing runway incursions at those airports that have existing taxiway centerline lights. NTIS

Airports; Augmentation; Color; Illuminating; Luminaires; Runways; Safety

20060003021 Bureau of the Census, Washington, DC, USA

Economic Census 2002: Manufacturing, Industry Series. Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

Dec. 2004; 50 pp.; In English Report No.(s): PB2006-103360; EC02-31I-334511(RV); No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy

The economic census is the major source of facts about the structure and functioning of the nation's economy. It provides essential information for government, business, industry, and the general public. Title 13 of the USA Code (Sections 131, 191, and 224) directs the Census Bureau to take the economic census every 5 years, covering years ending in '2' and '7.' The economic census furnishes an important part of the framework for such composite measures as the gross domestic product estimates, input/output measures, production and price indexes, and other statistical series that measure short-term changes in economic conditions. The Industry Series, containing 473 reports, covers a single NAICS industry (six-digit code). These reports include such statistics as number of establishments, employment, payroll, value added by manufacture, cost of materials consumed, value of shipments, capital expenditures, etc. The industry reports also include data for states with 100 employees or more in the industry. The data in industry reports are preliminary and subject to change. This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing search, detection, navigation, guidance, aeronautical, and nautical systems and instruments. Examples of products made by these establishments are aircraft instruments (except engine), flight recorders, navigational instruments and systems, radar systems and equipment, and sonar systems and equipment. NTIS

Census; Detection; Economic Analysis; Economics; Industries; Manufacturing; Navigation Instruments

Source: NASA