Enhanced vision system for transport aircraft

Citation

(1999), "Enhanced vision system for transport aircraft", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771ead.007

Enhanced vision system for transport aircraft

Enhanced vision system for transport aircraft

Keywords: FLIR, Infra-red, Aircraft, Thermal imaging

FLIR Systems, Inc., a designer and manufacture of commercial thermal imaging systems, announced a cost and performance breakthrough to its Enhanced Vision System (EVS). FLIR's EVS (patent pending) is an infra-red sensor and image processing system that reportedly allows landings, ground operations, take-offs and in-flight terrain monitoring in night time and most foggy conditions. The system, partially developed under a co-operative research and development agreement with the US Air Force, has been undergoing flight tests with the Air Force Chief of Staff's C -135 aircraft, dubbed Speckled Trout.

FLIR's EVS is based on a pair of state-of-the-art "uncooled" (non-cryogenically cooled) staring infra-red sensors whose merged image can be displayed as an independently derived integrity monitor that interfaces with an aircraft's HUD guidance system or automatic landing system. One of the sensors, operating at short wave infra-red wavelengths, utilises proprietary computer processing to extract approach and runway lights through fog. The other, a long wave sensor, is optimised to penetrate fog and capture the background scene, such as the runway, structures and additional traffic. The images from both sensors are merged (fused) to create a final display with no mutual interference. According to FLIR the elimination of cryocoolers results in an entirely solid state system and represents a major advance in sensor cost, size, weight and reliability with no sacrifice in performance.

"By merging two uncooled, highly sensitive staring infra-red sensors, we are able to create a clear picture for pilots without the interference that can occur when both background and lights are viewed through a single sensor", said Ken Stringer, president and chief executive officer of FLIR Systems. "Our EVS will bring an added dimension of safety to civil and military aviation worldwide. That is a benefit we can all relate to."

Certainly, the ability to continue normal flight operations in poor visibility weather will have a positive impact on the airline industry and the people that fly. Cancellations and flight diversions to another airport will be greatly reduced, which translates into increased profits for the airline and time saved for the consumer.

FLIR will continue to test its EVS on the Speckled Trout and other transport aircraft. Future plans include the integration of its sensor and processing technology with LGPS in order to provide the system integrity required to realise fully the capabilities of satellite-based navigation.

Further details are available from FLIR Systems Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 173 222 0011; Fax: +44 (0) 173 222 0014; Web site: www.flir.com