Demonstration of how the Auto GCAS works

The Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System is designed to prevent Controlled Flight Into Terrain mishaps by executing an automatic recovery maneuver when terrain impact is imminent. The system predicts CFIT conditions by means of a continuous comparison between a trajectory prediction and a terrain profile that is generated from onboard terrain elevation data. At the instant the predicted trajectory touches the terrain profile; the automatic recovery is executed by the Auto GCAS autopilot. The automatic recovery consists of an abrupt roll-to-upright and a nominal 5-g pull until terrain clearance is assured. The Auto GCAS recovery maneuver can be terminated at any time by the pilot. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Jet Fabara)

Edwards aircrew take virtual jump into parachute training

Graphic representation of what an aircrew member will see when operating the new Parasim virtual reality parachute simulator during hanging harness training. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Jet Fabara)

Road closures announced

Contractors are currently building 127 new homes in the Tamarisk Plains, Acacia Hills and Palo Verde military family housing areas. A bypass road is being built on the east side of the housing project from Oleander Boulevard up to Manzanita Way and is scheduled to open on July 15. This will allow access to the Conference Center, billeting office, Muroc Lake Golf Course and Club Muroc. When the new bypass road is opened, the contractor will close Yucca Drive, east of Palmetto Drive. This gives Palmetto Drive residents two entrances and exits. Yucca Drive will be closed for the duration of construction and reopen in the spring of 2010. (Courtesy graphic)