Improved noise rejection in automatic carrier landing systems

A technique for reducing the effect of sensor noise in a closed-loop control system is developed. The effect of radar noise on an automatic carrier landing system is studied using digital computer simulation techniques. A noise rejection filter, which blends model estimates of the plane’s vertical velocity and acceleration with altitude information obtained by radar, is added to the system to decrease the sensitivity to noise. However, this results in an increased turbulence response. A control/filter variable optimization is then performed to prevent degradation of the system’s response to turbulence while simultaneously achieving high noise rejection and adequate transient response.