GUIDEPOINT
We propose a simplified interface to the avionics unit:
Rather than establish a series of waypoints for the avionics unit to follow, we
would prefer a 'guide-point' interface. (Like the carrot
dangling from a pole with which cartoon hillbillies steer their mules.)
We establish for the avionics a single point along the path
and it moves the craft toward it.
Before the plane gets there, we refine the point and push it further down the
path toward an actual waypoint (to which the avionics is never directly exposed)
The guidepoint would be updated very frequently in critical flight conditions
(tight formation, tough flight path, tricky terrain, bad weather, hostile
forces) . Perhaps every few seconds.
In other cases the Guidepoint might be an hour ahead of us.
Simplicity
We KNOW that the path will change somewhat as we
attempt to fly the mission. Maintaining a long list of obsolescing waypoints
for the Hynes becomes error-inducing, bandwidth-eating work
with no payoff.
No Penalty
The piloting that the avionics will perform to fly
toward a point does not use look-ahead, it seems. Therefor the flight
should be the same for a single point as the list