Aircraft takeoff acceleration indicator system

• US 6,175,315 B1
• Filed: 11/10/1998
• Issued: 01/16/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/11/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Carl W. Millard, Wayne C. Millard
• Original Assignee: Carl W. Millard, Wayne C. Millard
• Inventors: Millard, Carl W., Millard, Wayne C.
• Primary Examiner(s): SWARTHOUT, BRENT
• Application Number:
  US09/180,473
• Time in Patent Office: 798 Days
• Field of Search: 731/78.T, 701/15, 340/959, 340/945, 340/973, 340/971, 340/978
• US Class Current: 340/959
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 7/002 giving both analog and numerical indication
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 7/02 Indicating value of two or more variables simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 1/122 Speed recorders
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 1/127 for acceleration values

Abstract

An aircraft instrument system that informs the pilot of whether, during the takeoff roll, the aircraft'"'"'s acceleration rate is sufficient to ensure that V1 speed will be achieved at the expected time (and thus distance), and, if not, how far in distance the aircraft is lagging behind the required acceleration schedule.

Claims

1. An instrumentation system for use in aircraft, during the takeoff roll from standstill to V1 speed, that continuously displays a target airspeed at which the aircraft should be if it is meeting the acceleration required to be at V1 at the anticipated distance,

wherein a related computer with a database stores information on curves of takeoff acceleration graphs of the type and model of said aircraft with respect to speed versus time on said takeoff roll as well as distance;

an actual airspeed display continuously displaying the actual speed of said aircraft wherein, during the takeoff roll up to V1 speed, said computer continuously controls the progressive movement of target airspeed display in said actual airspeed display, to display the target speed at which the aircraft should be if it is meeting the computer-stored acceleration curve based on time;

and a display for continuously displaying the computed distance that said aircraft is currently lagging behind when said actual speed is less than said speed at which said aircraft should be if it is meeting said computer-stored acceleration curves.

2. An instrumentation system as claimed in claim 1, further including an instrument panel having an indicator to continuously display said actual speed of said aircraft, and a needle to indicate said target speed.

3. An instrumentation system as claimed in claim 2 wherein said indicator comprises a reference line.

4. An airspeed display as indicated in claim 1 wherein said target and actual airspeeds are displayed on a rotary dial type airspeed indicator.

5. An airspeed display as claimed in claim 1 wherein said target and actual airspeeds are displayed on a tape type airspeed indicator.

6. An airspeed display as claimed in claim 1 wherein said actual airspeed is displayed by a reference line and said target airspeed is displayed by an arrow generated from said reference line.

7. An airspeed display as claimed in claim 1 wherein said target airspeed is no longer displayed when said aircraft reaches V1.

8. The display of claim 1 wherein said airspeed display is an electronically generated readout.

9. An instrument for use in aircraft, during the takeoff roll from standstill to V1 speed, that continuously displays a target airspeed at which the aircraft should be at if it is meeting the acceleration required to be at V1 at the anticipated distance,

wherein a computer with a database stores information on curves of takeoff acceleration graphs of the types and model of aircraft with respect to speed versus time on said takeoff roll as well as distance;

an actual airspeed display continuously displaying the actual speed of said aircraft wherein, during the takeoff roll up to V1 speed, said computer continuously controls the progressive movement of target airspeed display in said actual airspeed display, to display the target speed at which the aircraft should be if it is meeting the computer-stored acceleration curves based on time;

a reference line against which said actual speed of said aircraft is displayed, and a needle to indicate said target speed;

and a window in said instrument for continuously displaying the computed distance that said aircraft is currently lagging behind when said actual speed is less than said speed at which said aircraft should be if it is meeting said computer-stored acceleration curves.

10. An instrument for use in an aircraft, during acceleration of the aircraft from 0 velocity to V1, for continuously monitoring actual velocity of the aircraft versus target velocity of the aircraft required to accelerate to V1 within an anticipated distance from a standstill position comprising:

(a) input means for entering parameters affecting an anticipated distance from the standstill position required to accelerate to V1;

(b) comprising means for calculating from said parameters;

(i) a V1 value for said aircraft;

(ii) anticipated distance from aid standstill position required to accelerate to V1;

(iii) time required to accelerate to V1; and

(iv) target velocity continuously required to accelerate to V1 within said time required;

(c) means for operably storing said V1 value of said aircraft, anticipated distance from standstill position, time required to accelerate to V1, and target velocity continuously required to accelerate to V1 within said time required to accelerate to V1; and

(d) means for continuously and simultaneously displaying and monitoring the actual velocity of the aircraft and the target velocity required to achieve V1, comprising a linear readout airspeed indicator having a reference line against which said actual velocity is displayed, and wherein an arrow generated from said reference line displays said target velocity;

(e) means for displaying continuously the actual distance said aircraft is lagging said aircraft'"'"'s actual position behind an anticipated position determined by the anticipated distance from the standstill position required to accelerate to V1.