Thu, Oct 19, 2006
They Combine Forces To Help Pilots See The Light
If there was one idea at NBAA 2006 that might be
termed the "Next Big Thing," it would seem to be electronic
systems allowing pilots to see what can't be seen with the naked
eye.
Chelton Flight Systems and Kollsman, Inc. will collaborate on a
new series of products combining Chelton's Synthetic Vision
Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) with Kollsman's General
Aviation Vision System (GAViS).
Together, the two systems will offer pilots an integration of
enhanced vision systems (EVS) with synthetic vision system (SVS) to
make an approach and landing possible under low IFR visibility
and/or night conditions.
"We designed the Chelton EFIS to combine all instruments in one
scan, and make it safer for a pilot to make rapid informed
decisions under difficult flight conditions. The integration of an
actual forward-looking infrared camera, such as GAViS, will blend
in the real world and enhance the image," said Chelton's president,
Gordon Platt.
Randy Moore, Executive VP at Kollsman, responded, "The GAViS has
been developed to improve situational awareness by extending the
pilot's forward vision at night and some low visibility
conditions." He added engineering HUD (head up
display) integration would now be easier.
Kollsman engineer Daniel Wolin demonstrated the system
using the company's Cessna 340. He says it was very
successful, even in the confined space of the twin. The trick is
ensure installation in smaller cockpits is viable. Wolin said NBAA
is the ideal venue to apply the precise engineering calculations
needed to determine complex installation parameters.
His advanced technique?
- Sit in the cockpit of a small business jet
- Place hand above head
- Feel how much room there is
The company hopes to have a certificated system ready sometime
next year. Estimated cost is $92,500.
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