Helicopter in-flight tracking system (HITS) test and evaluation project in the Gulf of Mexico

NASA Ames Research Center is sponsoring deployment and testing of the Helicopter In-flight Tracking System (HITS) in a portion of the Gulf of Mexico offshore area. The Volpe Center is supporting NASA in managing HITS installation and operation, and in evaluating its effectiveness as an aircraft surveillance system. Sensis Corporation is supplying, installing and maintaining the HITS ground system. This project is being performed in coordination with the FAA and local helicopter operators. HITS is a dual-technology surveillance system HITS employs multilateration and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast to obtain location and other information on helicopters and fixed wing aircraft operating near Intracoastal City, LA and in the adjacent offshore area. This paper describes the HITS project specifically, the system architecture, sensors, coverage, and test approach.