Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Institute of Space Technology and Aeronautics
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Institute of Space Technology and Aeronautics
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Institute of Space Technology and Aeronautics
JAXA's research helicopter MuPAL-epsilon was used to conduct a preliminary flight evaluation of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) routes based on Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation, as proposed by the Research Committee on Helicopter Flight Safety and IFR Operations. The routes are designed to be suitable for helicopter use because the minimum en-route altitude is sufficiently low (3,000 ft). MuPAL-epsilon acquired extensive data about communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS), i.e., the feasibility of communication with control, the accuracy of GPS based navigation, and the feasibility of radar surveillance. Operation of the MTSAT satellite-based augmentation system, MSAS, is scheduled in the near future, and MuPAL-epsilon will be utilized in a feasibility study of GPS/IFR routes, which will increase helicopter safety and utility.