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TERPROM
View on WikipediaTERPROM (terrain profile matching) is a military navigation Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) employed on aircraft and missiles, which uses stored digital elevation data combined with navigation system and radar altimeter inputs to compute the location of an aircraft or missile above the surface of the Earth. It is also used as a warning system to prevent aircraft from flying too close to the ground. The acronym TERPROM has become a trademark in its own right.[citation needed]
TERPROM was initially conceived in 1977 within the Bristol-based Guided Weapons New Projects Office of British Aerospace as a private venture project. The private venture status continued until the mid-1980s. British Aerospace later received a MoD funded contract to advise the Government on the development options and applications of tactical cruise missiles. [citation needed]
TERPROM utilises Terrain Referenced Navigation to provide aircraft with a Predictive Ground Collision Avoidance System (PGCAS) as well as Obstruction Warning and Cueing (OWC)
TERPROM is produced by Atlantic Inertial Systems, Plymouth, UK, formerly a subsidiary of BAE Systems, acquired in December 2009 by Goodrich Corporation, itself bought by United Technologies Corporation in 2012 branded as Collins Aerospace.[1] As of 2020, the company merged with Raytheon to become Raytheon Technologies (RTX).
TERPROM has been fitted, and used operationally, on the following platforms:
- F-16, Mirage 2000, Harrier, SEPECAT Jaguar, Panavia Tornado, A-10, Eurofighter Typhoon, BAE Hawk, C-130 and C-17 aircraft
- Storm Shadow cruise missile, although Storm Shadow uses a different form of Terrain Profile Matching navigation and terrain avoidance system, developed by MBDA from the flight-proven TERPROM design and development by British Aerospace at Bristol.[citation needed]
Customised versions are available for fixed wing fast jet, fixed wing transport, rotary wing and missile platforms.
References
[edit]- ^ "Guidance Navigation Control". Collins Aerospace.
External links
[edit]TERPROM
View on GrokipediaHistory and Development
Origins and Conception
TERPROM, a terrain-referenced navigation system, was conceived in the mid-1970s by British Aerospace (BAe) as part of efforts to develop advanced guidance technologies for military applications, with initial work tied to the Long Range Stand Off Missile (LRSOM) project in 1975 and further conceptualization around 1977 for terrain-aided navigation during low-level flights.[5] This initiative emerged within BAe's guided weapons division, focusing on creating a system capable of providing precise positioning without reliance on external signals like GPS, which was not yet mature or ubiquitous for military use. The primary motivations for TERPROM's development stemmed from the demands of covert military operations, particularly for aircraft and missiles operating at low altitudes to evade enemy radar detection and leverage terrain masking for survivability.[5][6] In contested environments, traditional inertial navigation systems (INS) suffered from cumulative drift over extended missions, limiting their effectiveness for terrain-following maneuvers in adverse weather or nighttime conditions, while a lack of real-time terrain awareness increased risks of ground collision or navigational errors.[5] Early challenges in conceiving TERPROM included ensuring compatibility with existing INS hardware, achieving reliable performance over varied terrains—particularly flat or featureless areas where profile matching was degraded—and integrating high-resolution digital terrain elevation data without excessive computational demands.[5] These issues were addressed through initial flight trials on platforms like the Jaguar, Comet, and Jetstream aircraft between 1975 and 1980, laying the groundwork for real-time implementation.[5] The project transitioned from private venture efforts to formal support via a UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract in the early to mid-1980s, specifically aimed at applications in tactical cruise missiles, which provided the necessary funding and collaboration to advance prototyping and integration with military systems.[5] This MoD backing enabled further trials, including those on Tornado aircraft in 1988-1989, marking the shift toward operational viability.[5]Key Milestones and Evolution
The prototype development of TERPROM in the 1980s marked the initial integration of radar altimeters with digital elevation models (DEMs) to enable terrain profile matching for low-altitude navigation. Flight trials commenced in 1980 aboard Jaguar and Comet aircraft, incorporating inertial navigation systems, continuous-wave terrain reference altimeters, and Vinten cameras for terrain data capture, with real-time route processing using magnetic bubble memory and cassette tapes. By 1985, the system had been delivered to General Dynamics for F-16 evaluations, focusing on night attack and low-cost navigation enhancements, while trials on the Tornado at Boscombe Down demonstrated robust performance in navigation and terrain following.[5] In the 1990s, TERPROM transitioned to production in 1991 under Atlantic Inertial Systems, with operational testing on UK military platforms such as the Tornado and Sea King helicopter, achieving high reliability in tactical scenarios. Expansion to international partners included 1987 trials with the Royal Netherlands Air Force's F-16 Night Falcon program and 1989 evaluations on US F-16s in Texas, yielding position accuracies of 20-30 meters. The mid-1990s saw the development of the TERPROM TAWS variant for military transport aircraft, broadening its application across fixed-wing and rotary platforms while maintaining selection by 14 nations for over 5,000 installations worldwide.[7][5] The 2000s brought evolutionary upgrades to TERPROM, including tighter integration with inertial navigation systems (INS) for continuous position corrections and the refinement of correlation algorithms to enhance matching precision in varied terrains. These advancements supported broader adoption in fast jets, transports, and helicopters, leveraging stored DEMs and aircraft sensor inputs for improved tactical utility. Ownership shifted when Atlantic Inertial Systems, a former BAE Systems subsidiary and TERPROM producer in Plymouth, UK, was acquired by Goodrich Corporation in December 2009 for $375 million. Goodrich itself was acquired by United Technologies Corporation in July 2012, integrating TERPROM into UTC Aerospace Systems.[8][9][1] Further corporate evolution occurred in November 2018 when UTC acquired Rockwell Collins, merging operations to form Collins Aerospace, which continued TERPROM development. The 2020 merger of UTC and Raytheon created Raytheon Technologies. In July 2023, Raytheon Technologies rebranded as RTX Corporation, under which Collins Aerospace continues to oversee the system as of 2025. As of 2025, enhancements emphasize GPS-denied operations, employing terrain-referenced navigation with Kalman filter-based sensor fusion for drift-free positioning and low-level flight, alongside support for higher-resolution map data.[10][11]System Components
Hardware Elements
The core sensors in TERPROM systems primarily include a radar altimeter, which provides real-time measurements of the aircraft's height above the terrain by emitting radio waves and analyzing the reflected signals to determine elevation profiles.[12] This sensor is essential for acquiring accurate, low-altitude terrain data during flight. Additionally, TERPROM integrates with the aircraft's Inertial Navigation System (INS) to obtain position estimates, combining INS-derived baro-inertial altitude above mean sea level with radar altimeter inputs for enhanced accuracy.[1] Processing units in TERPROM consist of embedded computers housed within a self-contained Line Replaceable Unit (LRU), designed for real-time terrain correlation computations. These units handle the intensive processing of sensor data against stored digital elevation models, such as DTED formats, using onboard memory for map storage to support navigation updates.[13] Interfaces for TERPROM ensure seamless compatibility with aircraft avionics, including support for MIL-STD-1553 and ARINC buses to exchange data with navigation systems, as well as analog/video outputs for pilot displays and cueing. These interfaces enable the system to receive INS and altimeter inputs while providing terrain-referenced position corrections and warnings.[13] TERPROM hardware features a ruggedized design suited for military applications, operating in environmental conditions typical of high-performance aircraft.Software and Data Integration
TERPROM relies on high-resolution digital terrain elevation databases to perform its terrain-based computations, primarily utilizing the global Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) standard developed by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and other agencies. These databases provide elevation profiles essential for matching real-world terrain with stored maps, with DTED levels offering varying resolutions to balance accuracy and storage needs: Level 1 at approximately 100-meter post spacing for broad coverage and Level 2 at 30 meters for enhanced detail in operational areas. Recent upgrades to the TERPROM core have incorporated DTED Level 2 as standard, with ongoing developments enabling integration of higher-resolution terrain data variants to improve performance in complex terrains.[4][2] The software architecture of TERPROM is designed for flexibility and efficiency, available either as a standalone software suite or integrated into a self-contained Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) for hardware deployment. This modular approach facilitates updates to algorithms and databases without overhauling the entire system, supporting real-time processing of elevation profiles extracted from onboard memory storage. The system processes terrain data at rates sufficient for tactical operations, typically correlating profiles in milliseconds to generate navigation solutions, with memory optimized to hold mission-specific map subsets for reduced latency and power consumption.[1][7] Integration protocols in TERPROM enable seamless fusion with external navigation systems, including GPS when available for initial positioning or hybrid modes, and Doppler radar for velocity inputs that enhance profile alignment during low-altitude flight. These protocols incorporate error modeling to account for database inaccuracies, such as elevation discrepancies up to several meters, by estimating uncertainties in both the primary navigation source (e.g., INS) and the terrain map through techniques like Kalman filtering, thereby refining position estimates in GPS-denied environments. This data handling ensures robust performance by cross-validating inputs from radar altimeters and other sensors against the stored DTED profiles.[1][5][14]Operational Principles
Terrain Profile Matching Process
The Terrain Profile Matching Process in TERPROM involves generating a linear sequence of terrain height measurements from the aircraft's flight path and comparing it against pre-stored digital elevation models (DEMs) to determine the most accurate position. Radar altimeter data provides real-time above-ground-level (AGL) altitudes, which are subtracted from barometric or inertial navigation system (INS) derived mean sea level (MSL) altitudes to yield terrain clearance profiles along the track. This creates a one-dimensional "profile" representing terrain variations, often within a defined search area analogous to a narrowing funnel of probable positions to efficiently limit computational scope.[15][16] The matching technique employs correlation analysis to align the measured profile with candidate profiles extracted from the DEM, identifying the location that minimizes differences or residuals between observed and predicted heights. In acquisition mode, TERPROM uses a batch-processing approach similar to Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM), where multiple altimeter samples form the profile and are compared across a region of interest using metrics like Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD). The best-fit position is selected as the one yielding the lowest residual error, effectively estimating lateral and along-track offsets from the INS-provided initial position.[17][15] Position error estimation relies on cross-correlation functions to quantify profile similarity. For a measured height profile and mapped data , the correlation at shift (corresponding to position offset) is given by: The maximizing indicates the alignment, with residuals minimized to refine positioning accuracy. In practice, discrete sums replace the integral for sampled data, and extensions handle two-dimensional searches for cross-track errors.[18][17] Following acquisition, the system transitions to a track mode using recursive filtering, such as an extended Kalman filter, to continuously update the position. Matches occur cyclically every 1 to 5 seconds, depending on flight dynamics and sensor rates, integrating brief INS inputs for initial hypotheses while outputting corrections to bound INS drift errors, typically reducing positional uncertainty to under 50 meters in varied terrain.[15][19]Sensor Fusion and Error Correction
TERPROM employs sensor fusion techniques to integrate data from multiple sources, including the inertial navigation system (INS), radar altimeter, and pre-stored digital terrain elevation data, enabling optimal state estimation for navigation.[13] This process relies on a Kalman filter to combine these inputs, where terrain profile matching serves as a primary measurement for updating the navigation solution.[14] The filter estimates the aircraft's position, velocity, and attitude by minimizing uncertainties across sensors, providing a robust navigation output even in GPS-denied environments. Key error sources in TERPROM include INS drift, which can accumulate up to 0.8 nautical miles per flight hour due to gyroscope and accelerometer biases, and inaccuracies in the terrain database arising from elevation measurement variances or outdated surveys.[20] To address INS drift, the Kalman filter compensates by fusing terrain-referenced measurements, reducing positional errors by providing drift-free updates relative to the terrain profile, effectively limiting degradation to less than 1-2 km per hour in operational scenarios.[20] Terrain database errors are handled through probabilistic models within the filter, which account for elevation uncertainties by estimating covariances in the measurement noise, allowing the system to weigh reliable data more heavily during state updates.[14] The core of this error correction is the Kalman filter's state update equation, which refines the predicted state based on the innovation between actual and predicted measurements: Here, is the updated state estimate at time , is the prior prediction, is the Kalman gain that optimally balances model and measurement uncertainties, represents the measurement vector (incorporating radar altimeter heights and terrain-matched profiles), and is the observation matrix linking the state to measurements. This recursive process ensures continuous correction, with the gain derived from covariance propagation to handle varying error statistics in real-time. Through these mechanisms, TERPROM achieves significant accuracy improvements, delivering a horizontal circular error probable (CEP) of less than 30 meters in varied terrains, assuming digital terrain elevation data at Digital Land Mass Survey level 1 resolution. This performance validates the system's ability to maintain precise navigation over extended periods without external aids.[21]Core Functions
Terrain Referenced Navigation (TRN)
Terrain Referenced Navigation (TRN) is the core navigation function of the TERPROM digital terrain system, providing autonomous positioning for military aircraft in GPS-denied environments by correlating real-time terrain measurements with a preloaded digital elevation map (DTED). The system uses inputs from the aircraft's radar altimeter to measure height above ground and compares these profiles against the onboard database to estimate and correct errors in the inertial navigation system (INS), achieving drift-free navigation over extended periods. This process enables precise location updates without external references, making TRN essential for low-level, high-threat operations where satellite signals may be jammed or unavailable.[1][2] TRN operates in two primary modes to support diverse mission profiles: acquisition mode for initial position fixation and track mode for ongoing corrections. In acquisition mode (also known as single fix mode), the system performs a coarse correlation to align the aircraft's predicted position with the terrain database over approximately 5 km. Track mode (continuous mode) then provides high-rate updates using a Kalman filter, typically every 100 m (about 3 Hz at high speeds), with a prediction mode to maintain accuracy during temporary data interruptions. In flight trials, this has achieved circular error probable (CEP) of 20-30 meters over flat terrain. For fast jets operating at speeds over 500 knots, TERPROM employs optimized high-speed correlation algorithms to process data rapidly during terrain-following maneuvers. At low altitudes—often below 200 feet for terrain masking—the system prioritizes precision to maintain accurate positioning while evading radar detection.[2][5] Accuracy in TRN is fundamentally tied to terrain variability, as distinctive elevation features enhance correlation reliability. In regions with significant relief, such as hilly or mountainous areas, the system delivers high-fidelity updates due to the rich information content in the terrain profiles. Conversely, uniform or flat terrains, including deserts or plains, reduce correlation effectiveness, potentially limiting TRN performance and necessitating fallback to uncorrected INS data. When GPS is intermittently available, TRN integrates it for hybrid validation, accelerating acquisition and refining overall accuracy by cross-checking against satellite-derived positions.[2]Predictive Ground Collision Avoidance (PGCAS)
The Predictive Ground Collision Avoidance System (PGCAS) serves as a critical safety component within the TERPROM digital terrain system, aimed at preventing controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) by anticipating potential impacts through forward flight path analysis. PGCAS employs a mechanism that projects the aircraft's anticipated trajectory against digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from stored terrain data, forecasting collisions up to 30-60 seconds ahead based on current position, velocity, and navigation inputs. This predictive process simulates future states using nominal propagation techniques, identifying conflicts when the projected path intersects terrain within defined clearance buffers, such as a pilot-selectable minimum terrain clearance (MTC) height.[22] Alert levels in PGCAS are structured around time-to-impact thresholds to ensure progressive escalation of warnings, enabling pilots to respond before critical situations develop. Visual cues include a flashing break X symbol on the heads-up display (HUD) or multi-function display (MFD), along with textual alerts like "GND PROX," while auditory signals deliver imperative commands such as repeated "PULL UP! PULL UP!" announcements. These activations occur when the forecasted trajectory penetrates the MTC, typically providing 1.1 seconds of advance notice relative to visual symbology onset, with testing validating reliability across varied flight attitudes.[22] Advanced capabilities of PGCAS extend beyond alerts to include automatic terrain-following adjustments that dynamically modify flight parameters for safer navigation, as well as integration with autopilot systems to execute evasive maneuvers autonomously. In operational setups, the system can trigger recovery sequences, such as a roll to wings-level followed by a 5-g pull-up, incorporating lateral avoidance for complex terrain while minimizing control effort—requiring up to 28% less than alternative methods in simulations. TRN-derived position data serves as a key input to refine these projections for heightened precision.[22] Trials of PGCAS have demonstrated substantial effectiveness in mitigating CFIT risks, with flight evaluations on platforms like the F-16 across 60 sorties from 1995 to 1998 confirming timely warnings and low false alarm rates that have prevented aircraft losses and fostered pilot trust. Overall, the system has proven highly successful in reducing accident numbers associated with terrain encounters.[22][4]Applications and Deployments
Fixed-Wing and Rotary-Wing Aircraft
TERPROM has been widely integrated into fixed-wing aircraft to support low-level strike and penetration missions, leveraging its terrain referenced navigation (TRN) capabilities for precise ground avoidance in contested environments. The system was contracted by the United States Air Force in 1990 for deployment on the F-16 Fighting Falcon reserve fleet, where it functions as a digital terrain system to enhance navigational accuracy and collision avoidance during high-speed operations.[20] Similarly, the Panavia Tornado multirole strike aircraft, operated by the United Kingdom Royal Air Force (RAF), incorporates TERPROM as a core element of its avionics suite, enabling safe terrain-following flight at altitudes as low as 200 feet in adverse weather or GPS-denied scenarios.[23] The Eurofighter Typhoon builds on this foundation with an upgraded ground proximity warning system (GPWS) derived from the Tornado's TERPROM implementation, providing pilots with real-time terrain alerts during supersonic low-level dashes exceeding 500 knots. In operational contexts, these fixed-wing integrations have proven vital for RAF and USAF missions requiring terrain masking to evade enemy defenses. US Air Force F-16s have benefited from TERPROM's terrain profiling in large-scale strike packages, where the system's error correction minimizes controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) risks amid intense anti-aircraft fire. Tailored TERPROM variants support low-level operations in rugged environments, maintaining mission effectiveness in GPS-jammed scenarios.[20] Adaptations for rotary-wing aircraft address the unique demands of slower, more maneuverable platforms, with software modifications accounting for rotor downwash effects and lower operational altitudes to support nap-of-the-earth (NOE) flying. A dedicated rotary-wing variant of TERPROM was developed in the late 1990s, integrating with helicopter avionics to provide advanced terrain avoidance cues (ATAC) and wire strike warnings at speeds around 150 knots.[20] This configuration fuses radar altimeter data with digital elevation models to enable pilots to skim terrain contours during close air support missions, adjusting for dynamic hover and transitional flight profiles.[24] Overall, these platform-specific enhancements ensure TERPROM's TRN core function delivers reliable performance across speed differentials, from jet dash speeds to helicopter loiter, while prioritizing pilot situational awareness in manned operations.Missile and Unmanned Systems
TERPROM has been integrated into several guided missile systems, notably the Franco-British Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles, where it facilitates low-altitude, terrain-hugging flight paths to minimize radar detection during deep-strike missions.[25][26] The navigation employs digital TERPROM alongside inertial and GPS inputs for autonomous terminal guidance, enabling precise targeting of high-value assets in all weather conditions.[27][28] As of 2025, European programs continue to rely on this integration, with MBDA resuming production of Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles to meet ongoing defense demands. In unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), TERPROM supports operations in GPS-jammed environments by providing terrain-referenced navigation for loitering munitions and reconnaissance drones, enhancing endurance and target acquisition without external signals.[29] These applications leverage TERPROM's ability to match real-time terrain profiles against pre-loaded digital elevation data, allowing sustained low-level flight in contested areas.[1] TERPROM's autonomy in these systems relies on pre-programmed terrain profiles that incorporate real-time corrections from onboard sensors, ensuring drift-free positioning even during extended missions.[26] Lightweight hardware variants have been developed to suit the size and power constraints of unmanned platforms, integrating compact processors with existing inertial systems for seamless operation. Global examples include its adoption in the Australian Defence Force's PC-21 trainer program, where TERPROM provides advanced terrain navigation for training in diverse environments.[31] In Europe, ongoing missile enhancements under programs like Storm Shadow demonstrate TERPROM's role in modernizing precision strike capabilities as of 2025.[32]Advantages, Limitations, and Future Developments
Operational Benefits and Challenges
TERPROM enables high operational autonomy in electronic warfare environments by providing GPS-denied navigation capabilities, allowing aircraft to sustain accurate positioning and terrain following without reliance on satellite signals that may be jammed or spoofed.[13] This independence from external navigation aids enhances mission continuity in contested airspace, where traditional GNSS-dependent systems would fail. Additionally, TERPROM improves situational awareness by integrating terrain-referenced navigation (TRN) and predictive ground collision avoidance (PGCAS) to deliver real-time terrain profiling and forward-looking threat alerts, reducing the risk of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).[1] Despite these advantages, TERPROM faces performance challenges in flat or urban terrains, where low-relief landscapes result in non-unique terrain profiles that degrade correlation accuracy and increase navigation errors.[5] In such environments, the system's ability to match measured altitude profiles against digital elevation models (DEMs) diminishes, potentially leading to slower error convergence in the underlying Kalman filter.[33] Moreover, integration with legacy aircraft hardware poses computational demands, as the real-time processing of high-resolution terrain data requires sufficient onboard resources, complicating retrofits on older platforms.[34] Cost considerations represent another operational hurdle, with initial integration expenses driven by the need for custom software adaptation and hardware interfaces, though these are offset over the aircraft lifecycle by reduced training requirements and lower maintenance needs due to enhanced safety features.[34] TERPROM's accuracy further depends on regularly updated DEMs to account for environmental changes, ensuring reliable performance in dynamic operational theaters. Compared to traditional ground proximity warning systems (GPWS), TERPROM provides superior predictive capabilities by anticipating terrain hazards using pre-loaded elevation data, rather than issuing reactive alerts based solely on immediate sensor inputs.[4]Ongoing Enhancements and Variants
In recent years, the TERPROM Digital Terrain System (DTS) has emerged as a key modern variant, enhancing traditional terrain-referenced navigation through improved digital elevation data processing and integration capabilities. Developed by Collins Aerospace, the DTS leverages higher-resolution Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) Level 2 at 30-meter intervals, which surpasses the previous Level 1 resolution and boosts navigation precision in varied terrains.[4] This variant supports both fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms, providing terrain awareness and collision avoidance without reliance on GPS signals.[1] Following the 2018 merger forming Collins Aerospace from Rockwell Collins and UTC Aerospace Systems, enhancements in the 2020s have focused on software optimizations and modular integrations to extend TERPROM's applicability. These include upgrades for seamless compatibility with modern avionics architectures, such as open systems approaches that facilitate easier updates and reduced lifecycle costs.[35] While specific machine learning for automated database updates remains under broader terrain navigation research, Collins has emphasized predictive ground collision avoidance system (PGCAS) integrations with automatic ground collision avoidance, tested for low-level operations in helicopters and jets.[4] Emerging research into AI-assisted variants of digital terrain systems, including those akin to TERPROM DTS, incorporates adaptive correlation algorithms to refine terrain matching in real-time. For instance, AI enhancements in terrain-aided navigation for advanced jet trainers improve correlation through algorithm selection.[36] Integration with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is being explored in related terrain navigation systems to augment elevation data with imaging for better feature extraction.[37] Prospective developments aim to adapt TERPROM for high-speed platforms, including potential compatibility with hypersonic vehicles through robust inertial sensor fusion. Security enhancements, such as quantum-resistant encryption protocols, are under consideration in avionics, aligning with broader trends.[38] Testing milestones in 2024-2025 have demonstrated notable accuracy improvements in GPS-denied settings; for example, AI-assisted terrain navigation trials achieved enhanced positioning errors below GNSS thresholds via Monte Carlo simulations and real-world flight test data, supporting TERPROM's evolution for tactical missions.[39] These advancements underscore ongoing efforts to maintain TERPROM's edge in denied environments.[4]References
- https://www.[researchgate](/page/ResearchGate).net/publication/376284276_The_TerpromR_Digital_Terrain_System_DTS
