Microwave Landing System (MLS) Area Navigation: Computed Centerline Experiments and System Accuracy Analyses in an RF Environment,

The Time Reference Scanning Beam TRBS MLS will supplant the existing instrument landing system as the recognized international standard as early as 1995. MLS provides the ability to determine the aircrafts position in three dimensional space over a large coverage volume in the airport terminal area. The use of this capability to navigate and execute approaches throughout this volume of coverage results with the application of a technique known as Microwave Landing System Area Navigation MLS RNAV. Applications of MLS RNAV can be as simple as executing approaches offset from but parallel to the MLS 0 deg azimuth or as complex as multi-segment and curved path approaches. MLS RNAV is particularly adaptable to helicopter operations. Allowing approaches to helicopters located away from the main instrumented runway. To assess and further develop the potential capabilities of MLS RNAV, the FAA Technical Center performing analytical studies, as well as developing a prototype MLS RNVA system.