Flying a military helicopter in brownout conditions is no easy job. Two technology companies have joined forces to produce a system that offers pilots a clear picture of their surroundings while also acquiring critical information such as altitude and ground and airspeed.
The LandSafe system is being produced by Rockwell Collins and Optical Air Data Systems LLC, which seized on commercial off-the-shelf fiber optic laser technology that “senses through” snow, rain, dust, smoke or fog, according to a spokesman.
This new technology is currently being scrutinized by the Marine Corps for possible incorporation on CH-53E helicopters as part of Rockwell Collins’ common avionics architecture upgrade.
Other future applications of LandSafe technology is laser wind sensing that can pinpoint turbulence or provide precise measurements for artillery aiming devices.