Elbit Systems has teamed with the U.S. Federal
Aviation Administration as a research partner to study operational concepts for
the use of Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) in helicopters.
The study will help lay the foundation for the
future implementation of EFVS in rotorcraft.
While EFVS rules currently exist for
approaches to runways at airports, comparable regulations for EFVS do not exist
for helicopters flying to onshore or offshore helipads at heliports. In
addition, the unique aspects of helicopter flight and the visual cues generated
require additional considerations beyond the typical Head-Up Displays (HUDs)
used today.
As part of the study, Elbit Systems will
install the Heli-ClearVision EFVS in the FAA’s Sikorsky S-76 helicopter to be
used as the evaluation platform. The system will include several subsystems such
as the revolutionary Skylens/SkyVis wearable Head Worn Display, the HeliEVS,
Synthetic Vision System (SVS) and a Combined Vision System (CVS). |
|
The study will consist of several flights to
assess operational concepts and sensor characterization criteria for maintaining
visual references/cues during the visual segments of instrument approach
procedures and enhancing VFR operations. Flights are planned to occur in
different weather conditions (i.e. visibility), times of day (day, night,
twilight), and via different approach types (i.e. LNAV, LPV). The results of the
study will be used to evaluate the overall contribution of EFVS technology to
flight safety and operational effectiveness for helicopters.
Yoram Shmuely,
General Manager of Elbit Systems’ Aerospace Division, commented, “We are proud
to cooperate with the FAA in regulating enhanced vision operation for
rotorcraft. This technology will enable many lifesaving missions and will
significantly increase the safety of the flying crew.”
HeliClearVision EFVS comprises a set of
avionics and display systems designed specifically for civil rotary winged
platforms. The system uses wearable displays, Synthetic Vision System (SVS) and
real-time Enhanced Vision System (EVS) to create a Combined Vision System (CVS)
solution.
|