Leading you safely to the gate

Visual Docking Guidance System

Honeywell Airport Systems GmbH

Increases in passenger traffic

require higher gate efficiency and
optimized throughput - Honeywells
visual docking guidance system
VDGS helps to optimize airport
capacity.
Honeywell Leading you safely to the gate
About Honeywell

Honeywell is one of the internationally

leading suppliers for superior airport
solution products and systems. In
the past 90 years, the company has
outfitted over 500 airports worldwide.
Our product scope includes: Components for runway and taxiway lighting
Components for obstacle lighting
Control and monitoring systems
Surface movement guidance and
control systems Visual docking guidance systems.
All our products are in compliance
with the recommendations of the
ICAO and FAA.

Honeywell is renowned throughout

the international aviation business for
innovation, reliability and integrity. Our
customers benefit from solid and longtime project management experiences
and comprehensive system knowhow. With Honeywell, they have a
technically leading and future oriented
partner at their side.

About VDGS

Honeywells visual docking guidance

system VDGS guarantees automatic
and precise guidance of aircraft along
the guidance line to their final parking
positions at the gate.
A dynamic range video sensor and a
high-capacity 3-D image processing
unit detect and identify the outline of
a plane approaching the gate. The
VDGS converts the collected data into
exact guidance information for the pilot. This information and the respective
instructions are displayed on a large
pilot display unit (PDU) and lead the
aircraft safely to its final stop position.
The VDGS can be controlled and
monitored by a central docking computer which processes the information
of the individual docking positions
(e.g. ONBLOCK / OFFBLOCK times)
and stores the data in log files for
subsequent evaluation.
By use of the integrated VDGS
standard interface for connection to
an existing flight information system,

ONBLOCK / OFFBLOCK procedures

can be carried out automatically and
cost-effectively.
Furthermore, the VDGS monitors the
wing tip clearance to other gates and
controls the position of the passenger
boarding bridge.
The systems comprehensive 3-D
aircraft model database contains all
current types of aircraft and can be
updated easily.
Honeywell has a long-time experience with all apron activities and the
number of installed VDGS systems all
around the world is our best reference.
The visual docking guidance system
VDGS from Honeywell complies
with the ICAO requirements, Annex 14,
5.3.21 and 5.3.22 and the Aerodrome
Design Manual Document (Doc 9157AN/901), Part 4, Visual Aids.

VDGS Features

System Description

Pilot Display Unit (PDU)

Non-contact detection of
aircraft position

The VDGS includes the following

components

Powerful image processing unit

based on 3-D aircraft models

Video sensor

During the entire docking procedure,

the high-brightness pilot display unit
shows specific guidance information
and instructions on a parallax-free
viewing area, visible to the pilot and
co-pilot.

Pilot display unit (PDU)

Coverage of two guidance lines
for one gate position

Manual control board (MCB)

Coverage of curved guidance lines

Central docking computer

Clear guidance information for pilot

Video Sensor
and co-pilot indicated on large,
parallax-free pilot display unit
The high dynamic range video
Pilot display unit can be mounted sensor guarantees
on a separate pole, or integrated
flawless, non-contact detection of
in the terminal facade
aircraft (no impact on pilots), even in
rainy, foggy, snowy or extremely sunny
Video sensor can be mounted
weather conditions.
detached from pilot display unit
The sensor can be installed indepen and irrespective of guidance line
dently of the location of the guidance
location
line and detached from the pilot
display unit. This way, the VDGS can
Aircraft outline detection not affec- also be operated with curved guid ted by partially covered aircraft
ance lines.
parts (e.g. by bridges or tugs)
Optional webcams may be integrated
Controllable by central docking
into the system for apron monitoring
computer (optional redundant
purposes. In this case, an additional
system)
computer simultaneously displays the
pictures of up to nine selected camer Integration with flight
as on a split screen. In case of a failure
information system
(emergency), the system automatically
shows the enlarged camera picture of
Manual control board for stand-
the respective position at the center of
alone systems or emergency
the screen.
operation

The PDU is capable of displaying alphanumeric and graphic symbols. The

implementation of back-lighted, transflective LCD modules with translucent
and reflecting characteristics allows
optimized legibility at day and night.
The brightness of the PDU adapts automatically to the ambient light. Especially when exposed to direct sunlight,
the PDU is characterized by brilliant
precision and excellent legibility.
The communication between the
individual PDUs and a central docking
computer is established by fiber optic
LAN connections.

Manual Control Board (MCB)

Central Docking Computer

At the manual control board, the operation mode is selected by means of a keyoperated switch. In all modes, the MCB
indicates the current system status.
When connected to a central docking
computer, a docking position is controlled remotely (MCB indicates Remote). However, when in local control
mode, the expected aircraft types will
be selected manually by using the MCB
buttons.
The MCB can be installed either in a
separate waterproof housing, or inside
the control board of the passenger
boarding bridge.
In an emergency situation, the docking
procedure can be cancelled by means
of the MCBs Emergency Stop
button at any time.

The central docking computer administrates all local docking positions

and monitors their individual data.
A standard interface to the FIS allows
data communication regarding gate
occupancy (type of aircraft, expected

arrival, etc.). In case of a communication breakdown with the

FIS, the system can also be
operated in local mode; all flight
movements will then be carried
out manually.
The display of the central docking
computer shows the status
of the individual gates and connected hardware (e.g. computer,
network, PDU, MCB, etc.), and
the current flight plan entries.
The central docking computer logs
ONBLOCK / OFFBLOCK data for
individual gates, the respective times,
as well as maintenance and status
information. The data can be analyzed
subsequently by the reporting function
of the VDGS.

Find Out More

To learn more about Honeywell
Airports Business, visit
www.honeywell.de/airportsystems/

Honeywell Airports Business

Honeywell
Weiherallee 11a
CH- 8610 Uster
Zurich, Switzerland
Tel: +41 44 943 44 65
www.honeywell.com

December 2010
2010 Honeywell International Inc.