Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System facts for kids
The Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS) is a special safety system for airplanes. It helps prevent planes from accidentally flying into the ground. This kind of accident is called "controlled flight into terrain" (CFIT). In 2018, the team that created Auto-GCAS won a big award called the Collier Trophy. They won it for their amazing work on the F-35 fighter jet.
The team included experts from the Air Force Research Laboratory, Lockheed Martin, the F-35 Joint Program Office, the Defense Safety Oversight Council, and NASA.
How Auto-GCAS Works
The Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System uses information to keep planes safe. It looks at maps of the ground and knows where the plane is. It also uses smart computer programs.
If the system senses the plane is about to hit the ground, it first warns the pilot. If the pilot doesn't react quickly, Auto-GCAS takes over. It moves the plane to avoid hitting the ground. Once the plane is safe, the pilot gets control back.
Sometimes, pilots might not respond right away. This can happen if they are very busy, distracted, or unable to react. Auto-GCAS has greatly reduced accidents for pilots flying the F-16 jet. It has saved many lives.
History of Auto-GCAS
NASA started working on the idea for Auto-GCAS back in 1997. Later, the system was developed together by Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works and NASA.
In July 2019, Lockheed Martin began adding Auto-GCAS to all F-35 jets. This happened seven years earlier than planned, showing how important this safety system is.
