Identifier: KD05DZM
The Descent Monitor developed by the University of Malta is a tool that supervises the descent of aircraft and identifies when the aircraft is too hot and high.
In such circumstances it identifies mitigation trajectories to allow the aircraft to arrive at the target arrival point (typically the initial approach fix) at the correct altitude and speed, as close as possible to the desired time of arrival.
The algorithm may propose, in extreme conditions, minimum deviation dog-legs to safely allow the aircraft to bleed the necessary excess energy whilst maintaining a minimum deviation from the desired (expected or required) time of arrival.
Optimisation techniques are used to determine the best trajectories and the different wind conditions at different altitudes are taken into account, including in any turn the planned trajectory may contain.
The technology is protected by US Patent 9,734,724. Other applications awaiting grant.