Out of This World

Video by Bryan S Ripple

Automatic Air Collision Avoidance System (Auto ACAS)

88th Air Base Wing

July 18, 2018 | 6:48

Auto ACAS is designed to protect fighter pilots from mid-air collisions.

System Capabilities
• Does not interfere with air combat training, rejoins or close-in formation flight
• Adapts to quickly changing collision geometries from multiple threats
System Description
• F-16 initial integration uses modified Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI)
pods for aircraft-to-aircraft communication
• Aircraft fire control radar can also be used if ACMI data is not available
• If a collision avoidance maneuver is required, Auto ACAS takes control of the aircraft via its
digital flight control system
• Auto ACAS-equipped aircraft on a potential collision course with other aircraft select
three top avoidance maneuvers from nine possible options:
1) Maintain current maneuver
2) Bunt
3) Roll and pull to one of 7 different bank angles
• Maneuvers are selected based on aircraft state, collision geometry, and accepted pilot
“rules of the road”
For non-Auto ACAS equipped aircraft, the
system generates a track file from ACMI pod or radar data and the Auto ACAS equipped
aircraft alone will maneuver to avoid the threat aircraft
• System returns aircraft control to the pilot when flight paths are clear
Fielding and Performance
• Auto ACAS was successfully tested through 10 simulation events, 2 Test Pilot School Test
Management Projects in FY12 & FY13 and through a flight test conducted by the Air Force
Test Center in Summer 2014