MCST FUSION Technology Development Programme R&I-2018-10-T (2019-2021)

Automation onboard transport aircraft has evolved to the point where the pilot’s role is becoming increasingly supervisory and managerial in nature. However, its complexity has led to the risk of pilots becoming less aware of how the automation is behaving. In addition, automation may become disengaged in abnormal and emergency situations and this may result in an undesirable significant increase in crew workload.

SmartAP proposes a novel concept of automation, where Artificial Intelligence (AI) trained to fly the aircraft is introduced to be able to monitor and control the automation systems whilst also communicating with the human pilots, keeping them in the loop and in the decision path. In this way, an additional human-machine interface path is introduced in parallel with the current pilot-aircraft human-machine interface (HMI).

SmartAP is developing a novel core architecture hosting the SmartAP functions that are intended to facilitate the certifiable use of AI for critical functions in the cockpit. It is also developing functionality for piloting aids in two important areas of crew support, namely in mitigating the risk and consequences of loss of control, and in workload reduction during departure/arrival. In this way, SmartAP aims to contribute towards increased safety of air transport.

A patent application will shortly be filed with the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office.