Four-Dimensional Navigation: Four-dimensional navigation is the ability to accurately control time as well as position.
I sure wish I could control time. I would use it to remove the ackward moment where I blew it with a gal I cared for.
Ok, Ok, lets get real. It is not controlling time as the specification says, but to accurate control the use of time.
This is an application of controlling time:
The X-45A was given Time of Arrival (TOA) commands so the vehicle would reach a certain waypoints (defined by latitude, longitude, and altitude) in the mission plan at specified times.
The X-45A automatically adjusted its speed to overcome headwinds and changed its flight plan to arrive at the specified waypoints at the times commanded by the operator. Four-dimensional navigation is intended for coordinating attacks in support of combat missions and is the foundation for the UCAV’s multi-ship coordinated flight capability, where UCAVs will use this capability to arrive simultaneously at a designated waypoint and autonomously form up into a coordinated flight package, thereby greatly reducing the operator's workload.
Does this mean that in the future, the airliner will be on time?
