Traffic Collision Avoidance System
FlightAhead’s TCAS models and simulates the Honeywell CAS-67A/B (implementing TCAS II Change 7.0). It works with multiple flight sims (X-Plane, etc…) and depending on the aircraft for which it is used can interface with multiple display and control panel types. Last but not least, it can be interfaced with your IOS to trigger intruder traffic and set TCAS TA/RA’s.
TCAS simulation in Universal Avionics
As an example the videos below show FlightAhead’s TCAS integrated and used in our Universal Avionics simulation software.
Collision
In this scenario an intruder aircraft is simulated flying dead ahead towards the simulator (as can be seen on the co-pilot MFD and pilot PFD). Initially a yellow Traffic Advisory (TA) is triggered, which afterwards turns into a red Resolution Advisory (RA) instructing the pilot to climb. The sim pilot ignores the Climb RA and the TCAS computer triggers a second increase climb instruction. While the sim pilot continues to ignore also this second instruction, you eventually see the intruder aircraft appearing outside on the horizon and colliding with the simulator.
Climb Resolution Advisory (RA)
In this scenario again an intruder aircraft approaches dead ahead, but this time the sim pilot correctly follows the TCAS computer instructions executing the Climb RA and avoiding a collision.
TCAS simulation with Honeywell
As a second example the video below shows FlightAhead’s TCAS used with the standard Honeywell IVA 81D TCAS Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) as can be seen on the left hand side.
On the right hand side you see the embedded IOS inside the TCAS computer to generate test intruder traffic. Specifically intruders are inserted that are calculated to generate an Resolution Advisory (RA) warning (respectively a Climb RA, Monitor Vertical Speed RA (intruder below), Descent RA, Monitor Vertical Speed RA (intruder above)).
Control Panel
The above IVA 81D TCAS VSI is typically used in General Aviation aircraft in combination with the Honeywell PS 578A ATC/TCAS control panel.
On the left you see FlightAhead’s software simulated PS 578A which can run on Windows/PC as well as Linux/RaspberryPi.