DTS-proven technology for low flying aircraft

This paper gives an insight into the principles of operation, and a summary of the status, of the Digital Terrain System (DTS) currently selected for all UK front-line military fast-jets. The DTS concerned (TERPROM(R)) has been developed over a number of years through a combination of theoretical studies, simulations and flight trials experience. The system provides a number of functions specifically designed to aid the operation of aircraft when flying at very low level. These functions are terrain referenced navigation (TRN), ground proximity warning (GPW), obstacle warning, terrain following (TF) and passive ranging. The benefits provided to a low flying aircraft by this system include reduced pilot workload, reduced observability, increased survivability and improved weapon aiming