Sensors and Systems Development
The Sensors and Systems Development category includes the following projects:
The Integrated Terminal Weather System (ITWS) and the Aviation Weather Product Generator (AWPG) are two major Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) system acquisitions. The Volpe Center has provided benefits analysis support for both systems since FY92 under the guidance of the Operations Research Service (AOR), the NAS Systems Engineering Service (ASE), and the Research and Development Service (ARD).
Weather Monitoring for the Pacific Region. The FAA Western Pacific Region has the responsibility to provide air traffic control and weather advisories to aircraft crossing the Pacific Ocean. Real-time knowledge of hazardous weather will enhance Safety and fuel efficiency. The Volpe Center will work with FAA/Western Pacific Region to formulate requirements for the use of lightning data over the Pacific Ocean, assemble hardware and software to process and display data, and monitor the operational use of the system.
Weather Sensors and Systems. This project provides analytical and engineering services and planning support to FAA's Terminal Products team in the development and deployment of weather systems in the National Airspace System (NAS). Successful implementation of new weather systems requires consideration of a number of key issues, such as the rapidly evolving sensor, computer, and display technologies; system deployment, test, and evaluation strategies; and methods for maintaining both the current and future weather systems. The Volpe Center will perform tasks in three areas: AWOS Data Acquisition System (ADAS), Lightning Technologies, and weather sensors.
New Generation Runway Visual Range (RVR) System Deployment and Improvement. The upgrading of the aircraft navigation and landing systems is a major program activity underway as part of the FAA's Aviation System Capital Investment Plan. These activities include the acquisition and deployment of the new generation Runway Visual Range (RVR) system, pre-planned product improvement of that system and other related activities. The Volpe Center will continue to provide support to these efforts.
