CO:Flight Tracking and Messaging Solutions (FTMS) Project Proposal Article

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Flight Tracking and Messaging Solutions (FTMS) Project
(Application)


Contents

Introduction

Abstract

Sponsors

Applicants

Narrative

Statement of need

MAF uses the Codan High Frequency (HF) New Generation Transceivers (NGTs) for flight tracking and text-based communications in its aircraft piloted to aid missionaries in foreign locations. The process for tracking and communicating must currently be done manually using these transceivers. MAF would like to adopt the Automatic Flight Following System (AFFS) developed by JAARS Inc to automate the process and provide better tracking and messaging. However, JAARS's AFFS units are not designed to interoperate with Codan HF NGTs, which are already installed in MAF's fleet. MAF needs the units to be developed to work with the transceivers, as well as to current standards in hardware, software, flight safety, and communication methods.

The units implementing this system currently use outdated hardware and software. The hardware, particularly the microprocessor, is obsolete and no longer available in the current market. JAARS needs the units to be updated to current standards in hardware, software, flight safety, and communication methods.

State of the art

There is no other known low-cost solution to the needs of MAF. The AAS2008 senior project group at Messiah College modified an AFFS unit according to MAF's needs. However, the implementation is not complete according to certain standards put forth by Mission Safety International (MSI).

Related experience

Three senior projects at Messiah College have worked with MAF to provide a solution. AAS2006 built a system based on Codan NGT SR radios and a Garmin 16 GPS unit. AAS2007 made a prototype of a text-based communications and flight tracking system using satellite technology. GPS locates the plane and displays its position on Google Earth. AAS2008 continued the line of work started by AAS2006, removing unneeded and expensive hardware from an AFFS unit. They also updated firmware and AFFSWIN (flight tracking computer software) as needed to provide a close emulation of the original AFFS functionality. Dr. Underwood advised AAS2008.

Proposed work

FTMS will assist the partnering organizations in modifying and upgrading the AFFS flight tracking system to fit their specific interests. This will include both hardware and software upgrades to the AFFS control unit and AFFSWIN tracking program.

Partnerships

FTMS will continue previous relationships with MSI and JAARS. MSI has agreed to serve as project coordinator to ensure that other stakeholders are having their needs met. JAARS is allowing FTMS to work on the previously modified AFFS unit, within the boundaries laid out by the NDA between JAARS and Messiah College. JAARS will also provide technical support and information for the AFFS unit as needed. UIM International operates their own flight tracking systems in their fleets of aircraft, but is interested in partnering with the FTMS project to help adapt AFFS to their needs.

Mission Safety International (MSI)

JAARS Inc

UIM International

Mission fit

The new AFFS units that will be produced as a result of our modifications and upgrades will serve missionary pilots and dispatchers in remote locations. FTMS will assist the organizations (MSI, MAF, JAARS, UIM) which are directly involved in missionary work through the provision of aviation. This fits closely with several aspects of the Collaboratory's core values, by way of sharing the Gospel of Christ, integrating our work and faith, demonstrating God's love through creative applications of our academic disciplines that meet human needs, and cultivating long-term partnerships for sustainability.

Summary

Goals

  • By May 2009, partner with UIM to evaluate and adapt the AFFS system according to UIM's needs and requirements. This includes acquisition of a satellite modem and peripherals if UIM desires to demonstrate AFFS communication.
  • By May 2009, compile the specifications list for AFFS 2.0 to meet MAF's needs, with technical assistance from JAARS, under MSI's direction. The specification list will direct future work on the AFFS system, particularly regarding hardware selection and upgrades.
  • By May 2009, document the current AFFS hardware requirements and software code files. This documentation will be useful to educate future project members, aid AFFS 2.0 hardware selection, and assist AFFS/AFFSWIN software development.

Specifications

  • AFFS 2.0 specifications list will meet the needs and interests of all partner organizations within project scope and according to MSI's discretion.
  • AFFS hardware documentation will include microcontroller requirements (number of I/O pins, sufficiently fast clock speed, internal memory, interface features, etc) as well external connectors (RS232, GPS, power).
  • AFFS software documentation will include flowcharts of program execution flow and diagrams for storage and transmission methods.

Deliverables

  • Successful demonstration of AFFS communication with UIM using ST2500 (or similar) satellite modems.
  • Completed AFFS 2.0 specifications list.
  • Clear and concise documentation of AFFS hardware requirements and software code files.

Activity time line

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Resources

Personnel and facilities

Budget

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