F-16 collision-avoidance system could save lives

  • Published
  • By Maj. Leroy Doby
  • Program manager F-16 Operational Flight Program
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Oh. --  This fall the Air Force will begin fielding the M6.2+ F-16 Operational Flight Program with a capability that will greatly enhance pilot safety. The Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System uses a database of digital terrain data and information on the aircraft's position and velocity to determine if there is an impending controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).

   If the system determines   that CFIT is imminent, the flight controls automatically roll the aircraft upright and pull up to avoid ground collision. The AGCAS is a significant addition to the aircraft's arsenal of safety systems. An estimated 26 percent of aircraft losses and 75 percent of all F-16 fatalities are caused by CFIT. It is predicted that AGCAS will eliminate 90 percent of all F-16 CFIT mishaps.

   "This capability is a game-changer. It is a culmination of the hard work and dedication of a diverse industry and government team. I am proud of their exemplary and persistent efforts as we approach the fielding of this potentially lifesaving capability to our warfighters," said Lt. Col.   Marc Dauteuil, Headquarters Air Combat Command, F-16 Program element monitor.

   AGCAS began development under the Automatic Collision Avoidance Technology Program started in 2007 as a new initiative between the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Office of the Secretary of Defense and NASA. The ultimate goal of the AGCAS is to provide enhanced safety without interfering with pilot operations or reducing aircraft performance. This technology has paved the way for integration on other platforms, including the F-22 and F-35.

   The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, F-16 System Program Office contracted with Lockheed-Martin   Aeronautics, Fort Worth, Texas, to integrate the AGCAS into the F-16 through the M6.2+ OFP and through modifications to the Digital Flight Control Computer and Advanced Data Transfer Equipment. F-16 AGCAS developmental testing, conducted by the 416th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., began in fall 2011.

   Testing concluded in the summer of 2014 with M6.2+ Operational testing by the 53rd Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Extensive testing was conducted using operationally representative scenarios to demonstrate operational utility and low probability of mission interference.