Keywords
Citation
(2006), "BAE systems seeks helicopter landing breakthrough", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 78 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2006.12778bab.016
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
BAE systems seeks helicopter landing breakthrough
BAE systems seeks helicopter landing breakthrough
Keywords: Helicopters, Sensors, Safety
Landing helicopters safely in conditions currently considered too dangerous or impossible may soon be a regular occurrence as the result of new a helicopter landing aid sensor under development by BAE systems in Australia.
The helicopter landing aid sensor will increase the operational envelope for landing in poor visibility conditions which cause aircrew to experience spatial disorientation such as brown- out, white-out and darkness – conditions in which it is usually not possible to land. The sensor should also be able to detect dangerous conditions in the landing zone such as rocks and ditches of a size which could potentially damage the aircraft.
A concept technology demonstrator will use 3D synthetic vision to add further capability to BAE systems laser radar based Eagle-OWL obstacle warning sensor. Using existing pilot displays, the landing area will be presented on an intuitive display using 3D synthetic vision to maintain the pilot's orientation and situational awareness.
“This system could provide an expanded operational envelope for night, poor weather and desert operations,” said Business Development Manager John Pitman. “There are no systems available today which map terrain with sufficient accuracy to enable landings in brown/ white-out conditions.”
This type of system is applicable to the Blackhawk, Chinook, armed reconnaissance helicopter and MRH- 90 troop lift helicopter operated by Army Aviation in Australia. BAE Systems has also recently responded to a request for information for the US Army for this type of system for its Blackhawk fleet.
The development and evaluation of the combined system is anticipated to be completed in 2007.