A taxi-guidance system for aircraft using a single magnetic leader cable

Abstract

A theoretical examination is made of the guidance information available from a single magnetic leader cable llaid along the centre-line of the taxying route. It is shown that by a suitable combination of the deteced components of the magnetic field, and by a suitable choice of frequcncy, adequate lateral coverage can be obtained to meet the guidance requirements of the landing run and for taxying. Monitoring of aircraft lateral displacement and height during the final part of the landing approach is also shown to be possible. Proposals are described for the construction of equipment which will enable the practical feasibility to be demonstrated.