What is the lookahead time of 4CAS?
Research shows that 3 minutes is typically sufficient to execute most avoidance maneuvers. And setting the lookahead too high typically leads only to frequent false alarms and added pilot confusion. So we currently have the lookahead set at 6 minutes. However, all it takes is changing a single number in the code and recompiling the program to set lookahead at any value.
What datafeed would 4CAS require?
We assume that the ADB-B datafeed will supply what the system needs, namely the current positions, altitudes, headings, speeds, and intents of all aircraft close enough to the ownship to be factors.
Is 4CAS intended only to be a CDTI?
No. The maneuver space/conflict representation is suitable for ground-based air traffic control, as well as submarines, and spacecraft. A 2D variant (heading, speed) would be useful for surface ships.
What happens in the mixed-equipage situation, where not all aircraft would have 4CAS?
This is one of the things we get asked most often (probably because it is such a good question). The answer is that NO collision-avoidance or separation-maintenance system can deal perfectly with mixed equipage. We do envision a day when transponder technology expands, and glass cockpit displays become inexpensive enough to allow addition of systems like 4CAS as software upgrades. In the meantime, a sensible plan would be to include 4CAS as part of ATC, since this is the only control system that's aware of nearly everything in the sky. Of course, any aircraft with onboard radar could always function as a self-contained unit, if necessary.
The mixed-equipage situation is going to require "rules of the road," similar to the East-West rule. That will be up to the FAA to decide.
Would 4CAS do away with air traffic control?
Certainly not! 4CAS would make the free-flight pilot's or air traffic controller's job a lot less stressful, and would add an additional layer of safety to the National Airspace System. But the whole point is that this is a manual system, not an automatic one. In our opinion, that is what the players want. Controllers want to control. Pilots want to fly. Passengers want pilots and controllers. If the system's not broken, why fix it?
Are you in competition with automatic collision avoidance systems?
Yes and no. We have tremendous respect for the mathematical elegance of these systems and the intelligence and creativity of their authors. We simply believe that auto-CAS is not going to find the kind of emotional and political acceptance in the private sector that would have people punching it up and then climbing in the back for a nap. This is the "spam-in-a-can" argument first set down by the Mercury astronauts. Face it. Computer programmers are not infallible, and half the fun is being in control. 4CAS merely tells you what maneuvers you don't want to take. The one you do take is purely up to you.
Besides, 4CAS is actually quite auto-CAS-friendly. In fact, it would be the perfect way to display auto-CAS maneuvers, because it would allow you to double-check each one before accepting it.
Can 4CAS really represent conflict with weather, terrain, and special-use airspace, as well as traffic?
Yes. Currently, we are examining only traffic conflicts. But anything that can be represented as a static or moving volume can suffice as an "intruder" capable of being detected by the conflict probe.
Do you intend to manufacture 4CAS?
No. We are researchers, not manufacturers. We wholly own the patent. And--assuming positive results during the proof-of-concept testing--would prefer to license or sell the technology to an experienced avionics firm.
Is MST currently funding research?
No. If we funded research, how could it be objective? Remember all the tobacco company-funded studies that claimed cigarettes were safe?
Either 4CAS can stand up to outside scrutiny or it can't. That's how science is supposed to work. We currently have an arrangement with a major university-based research laboratory to begin testing in the near future. MST is providing the software and setup expertise. Beyond that, we have no say in the outcome.
Is MST hiring?
Not quite yet. At some point we should have room for a Marketing Director at the partner level, but we'll let you know when that time comes.
Are you currently accepting investment capital and/or do you have plans for an IPO?
No and no.
©2006 Maneuver Space Technologies, LLC