Obstacle detection systems for the rotorcraft

Citation

(2001), "Obstacle detection systems for the rotorcraft", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 73 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2001.12773cad.007

Obstacle detection systems for the rotorcraft

Obstacle detection systems for the rotorcraft

Keywords: Amphitec International, Helicopters, Radar

Amphitech International Inc. recently launched what is claimed to be the first commercial OASYS radar as the preferred solution for obstacle awareness systems in the helicopter market. The system is designed to alert pilots of unseen obstacles such as aircraft, terrain and power lines even in the most difficult day and night weather conditions (haze, fog, smoke, snow and light rain).

"We believe that our system offers the rotorcraft industry a means to significantly reduce accidents due to collisions with objects, especially during poor weather operations, and thus providing operating flexibility non-existent in the marketplace", said Martin Bissonnette, president and chief executive officer. The OASYS radar system is based on a 35GHz radar innovative technology using proprietary state-of-the-art components. The system can reportedly detect a power line located up to 2km away.

The OASYS radar system also claims novel, built-in options such as a local weather radar within a 75km range and an expert system acting as a ground proximity warning system and a takeoff and landing guiding system.

Amphitech International informs us that it has plans to demonstrate this breakthrough technology first to European and US customers as a stepping stone to commercial, civil and military markets worldwide. According to Amphtech, the OASYS radar product can be implemented as an add-on system to new helicopters or as a simple retrofit to existing rotorcraft.

Details available from: Amphitech International. Tel: +1 450 430-2027.