Multiple Approach Flight Imagery & Data to Automate Commercial Aircraft Landings
Learn how your support can shape the next generation of aircraft
What is Wayfinder?
Wayfinder is a technology focus area within Acubed, Airbus’ innovation center in Silicon Valley.
The Wayfinder team is developing a scalable, autonomous landing system that leverages Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to visually locate the runway and provide precise navigational information with CAT I Instrument Landing System (ILS) accuracy independent of any ground infrastructure requirements. This system is the first of its kind, using ML to automate commercial aircraft landings. It will significantly improve safety and operational efficiency by reducing pilot-cockpit workload in the next generation of commercial aircraft.
400AIRCRAFT SCALE FACTOR
Our systems have flown on a wide range of aircraft, from small air taxis (Vahana eVTOL weighing 0.8 tons) to massive commercial aircraft (Airbus A350 weighing 315 tons) - equalling a scale factor of 400
1 World-First
Wayfinder contributed to Airbus' Autonomous Taxi, Take-Off and Landing (ATTOL) project which achieved an aviation world-first in 2020: autonomous taxiing, takeoff and landing of a commercial aircraft through fully automatic vision-based flight tests
What is our goal?
ML algorithms require large amounts of data to analyze in order to make accurate recommendations.
Through the Wayfinder flight test campaign, our systems collect imagery along the approach path based on unique approaches that are then used to build algorithms for further testing and validation. It is necessary to collect imagery from multiple approaches and different environmental conditions because each set of images is distinct from one another. The collection of massive datasets will enable highly-trained algorithms for future automatic commercial landings. The datasets must include Class 1 airports served by large commercial aircraft to be complete.
Wayfinder’s twin-engine Beechcraft Baron will work with representative airports that currently service Airbus commercial aircraft to collect the following:
High-resolution imagery from multiple approaches, culminating in a full stop
Hold short markings to help prevent runway incursions and excursions
Data and imagery at different times of time of day with varying sun angles and runways
Data and imagery during various weather conditions
How can you help support this mission?
We understand, as a full-service airport, your teams have a lot to manage, and safety and efficiency are of the utmost importance. The Wayfinder flight test campaign was designed to be low impact for participating airports with the flexibility to ensure the approaches do not disrupt day-to-day operations. We’re using the Beechcraft Baron, which can fly an approach as fast as 160KIAS and as slow as 95KIAS, and our pilots are prepared to orbit as necessary to reduce traffic conflicts. We also hope to work with you to time the arrivals and approaches to coincide with low-traffic periods.
Approval to fly multiple approaches under a non-interference basis
A form of authorization such as a Prior Permission Required (PPR) to notify air traffic control personnel when Wayfinder pilots are approaching
A list of optimal times to conduct multiple approaches to reduce interference with regular traffic
No charge fees for these approaches, including full-stop/taxi-back landings
Frequently Asked Questions
How many approaches will each aircraft fly before landing on average?
How often will Wayfinder conduct these test flights at a single airport?
Who will have access to the data and imagery that is collected?
Who is the primary point of contact should we receive local inquiries (increased traffic, media interest, noise, etc.?)