Process description
1-The platform is in stand-by at the end of the runway, wind from behind, topping up its battery charge via the electrically conductive rails. There are 4 tracks of 2 rails "type Broca" embedded and flush with the runway surface.The platform covers the entire width of the runway, length 1 to 1,2 times the length of the longest aircraft, height of less than 1 meter.
2- A fixed-position radar located at a technical distance detects the presence of an aircraft. The platform start signal is given and then begins to move and allows the aircraft to catch up with it. This operation is monitored by the on-board radar which transmits data to the computer which controls speed, battery power supply and then guides the aircraft with the ILS (azimuth and altitude). 3 – Once the aircraft is centred above the platform, it is detected by a beacon. The local proximity radar indicates to the pilot of the drop in altitude. The pilot is informed of the aircraft’s altitude in relation to the platform with an audible beep signal. The speed of the platform is then synchronised with that of the aircraft.
4 – The aircraft sets down on the platform, blocks its brakes and then, safety chocks are raised to secure the aircraft in case of a failure of the aircraft’s braking system.
5 – The electric motors are transformed into power generators (motor brake) which recharge the batteries. The computer then programs a progressive deceleration using the electromagnetic brakes and finaly disk brakes.
6 – In order to secure an aircraft which has set down without landing gear, 2 posts are raised between which cables intertwined with netting are spanned to cover the nose of the aircraft and hold it in place during braking.
7 – A foam spray fire extinguisher is activated from the control tower via a control panel which monitors all platform operations with alarm indicators for each element of the LTAS. In case of a failure of any part of the system, control of operations may be switched to manual mode in order to guarantee safety (it is to be noted that all circuits are duplicated as standard).
8- During take-off, the aircraft is driven forward by the platform motors combined with the aircraft’s reactors, once the aircraft takes off, the platform continues to follow the aircraft using its radar. It is only disabled when the pilot confirms a successful take-off. In case of an aborted take-off, the aircraft is set back down, blocked in place and brought to a standstill.
9 –A slight downward gradient of 1% on the taxiway raises the aircraft up to platform height (less than 1 meter) for access in case of a take-off and for evacuation after landing.
10-In order to save time with the return travel (highly congested airports), after departure of an aircraft, the platform exits at the end of the runway and returns to the other end via a lighter railtrack. During this time, another platform is put in place (loop circuit). The system may therefore alternate without difficulty and without time loss for landing and take-off operations. It is even possible to reverse the operations (in case of a change in wind direction).