SandBlaster*
Abstract
*Previously part of Ground Targeting Sensors. (U) The SandBlaster program developed a helicopter pilot performance enhancement system for landing in degraded visual environments such as Iraq and Afghanistan dust clouds. Sandblaster addressed this important operational challenge in a Blackhawk platform environment, in four distinct areas: (1) Advanced flight controls which enable the helicopter to auto-land at a pilot-selected landing point; (2) See-through sensing based on a forward-looking three dimensional W-band radar, which enables the pilot to see through the dust and select a safe landing point; (3) A powerful fusion engine which combines map and obstacle database knowledge with real-time radar data to construct a full current assessment of landing zone hazards; and (4) An enhanced synthetic vision display to present this evolving real-time landing zone information to the pilot in the most useful manner, combined with all necessary aircraft-state symbology needed to complete a safe landing. The technology developed under this program transitioned to U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- 5ca26dadd7b2c70cfaefdaff98388463
Related Documents
- Root: SENSOR TECHNOLOGY