The Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS) is a system used by the United States Navy to guide aircraft onto the deck of an aircraft carrier. It is designed to provide precise and automated landing guidance, enhancing safety and reducing the workload of pilots during carrier landings.

The ACLS uses a combination of sensors, computers, and communication systems to track the aircraft's position, velocity, and orientation. The system then generates a precise glide slope and lineup for the aircraft, taking into account factors such as wind, air density, and the carrier's movement.

Here's how it works:

1. Tracking: The ACLS uses radar and other sensors to track the aircraft's position and velocity as it approaches the carrier.
2. Predictive modeling: The system uses predictive modeling to forecast the aircraft's trajectory and determine the optimal glide slope and lineup.
3. Guidance: The ACLS generates a precise guidance signal, which is transmitted to the aircraft's onboard computer.
4. Aircraft control: The aircraft's autopilot system uses the guidance signal to control the aircraft's flight path, adjusting its pitch, roll, and yaw to maintain the optimal glide slope and lineup.

The ACLS provides several benefits, including:

• Improved safety: By automating the landing process, the ACLS reduces the risk of human error and enhances safety.
• Increased accuracy: The system provides precise guidance, resulting in more accurate landings and reduced risk of touch-and-go landings or bolters.
• Reduced pilot workload: The ACLS simplifies the landing process for pilots, allowing them to focus on monitoring the aircraft's systems and responding to any unexpected situations.

The ACLS is used in conjunction with other systems, such as the Instrument Carrier Landing System (ICLS), to provide a comprehensive and automated landing solution for naval aviators.