NASA-developed computer software could help aircraft operators save time and fuel by allowing technology in the cockpit to help determine the most efficient flight paths while planes are in the air - in traffic - en route to their destinations.
A concept called Traffic Aware Strategic Aircrew Requests, or TASAR, is being developed at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., as part of the NASA Airspace Systems Program. TASAR has been tested in labs and simulators and is now being assessed in flight. The software is loaded onto an "Electronic Flight Bag," a tablet computer that many airlines and other pilots already use.
"We want to provide better information to pilots about potential flight path savings, but in a way that is more affordable and approvable, and that supports how pilots and air traffic controllers work together today," said NASA Langley researcher David Wing.
The TASAR software application accesses onboard aircraft systems for real-time flight data, including current position and the active route, to see if more efficient routes are available.
The system can go even further by using airborne Internet access for additional airspace information, such as real-time weather conditions and wind forecasts, to help make the flight even more efficient.
Also: Learn about Fused Reality for Enhanced Flight Test Capabilities.
