AIRCRAFT LANDING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

A method for controlling an aircraft includes storing data aboard the aircraft. The data include the relative positions of radar targets disposed within a region adjacent to the runway. The region is scanned with a radar aboard the aircraft to obtain data corresponding to the relative positions of radar reflections from the region, including reflections from the radar targets. The data corresponding to the radar targets is distinguished from the data corresponding to the radar reflections from the region using correlation techniques. The position and attitude of the aircraft relative to the runway is then assessed using the stored data and the data corresponding to the radar targets. The position and attitude of the aircraft relative to the runway is also evaluated using an independent navigation system. The difference between the assessed position and attitude and the evaluated position and attitude is then used to control the aircraft.