Aircraft Type Identification Based on FBG Sensing Array in Smart Runway

Abstract

Based on the FBG array sensor network in a smart runway system, the research on aircraft type identification was carried out. The FBG array vibration sensing optical cables along the longitudinal and transverse directions of the runway were used to collect the taxiing trajectory of the aircraft on the runway and the time difference when the main and auxiliary landing gear pass through the middle of the runway in turn. By matching the test result and the known distance between the main and auxiliary landing gear, a novel aircraft type identification approach was proposed. The test results of an airport in test flight and initial operation stages illustrate that the proposed method can accurately realize type identification for Boeing 738 (B738), Boeing 757 (B757), Airbus 320 (A320), and Airbus (A321).