Automatic Air Collision Avoidance System (Auto ACAS) is designed to protect fighter pilots from mid-air collisions.
System Capabilities
• Does not interfere with air combat training, rejoins or close-in formation flight
• Adapts to quickly changing collision geometries from multiple threats System Description
• F-16 initial integration uses modified Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) pods for aircraft-to-aircraft communication
• Aircraft fire control radar can also be used if ACMI data is not available
• If a collision avoidance maneuver is required, Auto ACAS takes control of the aircraft via its digital flight control system
• Auto ACAS-equipped aircraft on a potential collision course with other aircraft select three top avoidance maneuvers from nine possible options:
1) Maintain current maneuver
2) Bunt
3) Roll and pull to one of 7 different bank angles
• Maneuvers are selected based on aircraft state, collision geometry, and accepted pilot “rules of the road”
For non-Auto ACAS equipped aircraft, the system generates a track file from ACMI pod or radar data and the Auto ACAS equipped aircraft alone will maneuver to avoid the threat aircraft
• System returns aircraft control to the pilot when flight paths are clear Fielding and Performance
• Auto ACAS was successfully tested through 10 simulation events, 2 Test Pilot School Test Management Projects in FY12 & FY13 and through a flight test conducted by the Air Force Test Center in Summer 2014
Video by Bryan Ripple 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
