Multifunction RF*
Abstract
*Formerly Sandblaster The Multifunction RF program developed a helicopter pilot performance enhancement system for landing in degraded visual environments (DVE) such as dust clouds. This program 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 3-D 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 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. Beyond landing aids in DVE, RF-based sensors can also be used for additional situational awareness, such as near ground obstacle avoidance, air-to-air collision avoidance, targeting/fire control, as well as many other combat support activities. Building on advancements made with RF sensors under this program, the Multifunction RF program will seek to eliminate many redundant RF elements of current independently-developed systems for landing in DVEs, terrain avoidance, obstacle avoidance, and targeting/fire control. This will reduce the overall weight, power usage, cost, and profusion of exterior antennas on military aircraft, thus enabling greater mission capability with reduced vehicle system integration burden. Transition is planned to the Services.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- e98cc05cefa7d19e876ec4c8c1c1b970
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- Root: SENSOR TECHNOLOGY