The Berlin airshow ILA (01 June 2016 - 04 June 2016) is one of the focal points of aerospace worldwide. It is held at the ExpoCenter Airport in Schoenefeld. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is contributing to ILA with exhibits reflecting its current research projects in aeronautics, energy, transportation and security. The Institute of Flight Guidance takes part and shows several research projects at the DLR stand (Hall 4, Stand 301).
A-PiMod – the multimodal cockpit of tomorrow
An innovative, adaptive and multimodal cockpit architecture with the capacity to make a significant contribution to enhancing the safety of aviation is currently being developed within the EU project A-PiMod (Applying Pilot Models for Safer Aircraft). The main purpose of the project is to improve interaction between pilots and the automated processes within flight control systems. The project seeks to create a hybrid solution comprising a variety of approaches to improve interaction between humans and the system. The plan is that in future, cockpits will allow multimodal interaction between the crew and the system. The cockpit will determine which tasks are imminent, and will suggest an ideal distribution between the pilot and the automated systems. Moreover, it will be able to assess in-flight risks in real time and, therefore, assist pilots in their decisions. The results of the project are presented at a cockpit simulator.
Flexible approaches using the GBAS landing system
Unlike the conventional Instrument Landing System (ILS), which only permits straight-in approaches, the satellite-supported Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) enables the definition of flexible and advanced approach trajectories using 3D waypoints. This means that variable approach routes, restricted only by safety and comfort considerations, can be flown and geographical features be taken into consideration in the definition of the approach track. With GBAS, steep approaches with changing glide path angles or curved approaches are made possible, contributing to a significant reduction of the noise footprint on the ground. For the first time anywhere in the world, DLR has defined curved and steep segmented approaches based on GBAS, implemented the feature in the experimental ground station and evaluated the performance in flight tests. A demonstrator on which the visitors can fly steep approaches using a joystick is displayed.
Air & Space Traffic Integration – spaceplanes and spaceports in Germany
Spaceplanes – flying machines that travel to space at supersonic speeds and return for landing entirely without propulsion – are new additions to the world of aviation. These innovative, combined aviation/aerospace vehicles might soon take off from and land at spaceports in Germany. This new mode of transport presents a new opportunity for Germany, although it may have implications for the aviation sector as a whole. This is why DLR is conducting analyses on ways to integrate this future transport mode into our existing systems. This includes the selection and assessment of potential spaceports and air traffic management to ensure safe take-off and landing procedures. Systems to enable integration of this new transport method within the aviation frameworks ‘Single European Sky’ and the United States ‘NextGen’ are being developed.
In the neighboring Space Pavilion, DLR is presenting its space activities. Moreover, several aircraft of DLR´s research fleet will be on display. Participating in the ILA Career Center, DLR recruiting staff shows a way to successfully apply for jobs at DLR. In the supporting program, DLR is looking back on 40 years of own energy research.