Air Transport

The first tests of El Op’s wake-vortex warning system will help the company determine the system’s preferred operational mode.

Dr Gabby Sarusi, El Op’s chief scientist, says the first demonstration of the system is scheduled for late 2006 or early 2007.

The main issue is whether to install the system on the aircraft or deploy it on the ground. “We will try to offer the best operational mode, but the customers will make the final decision,” says Sarusi.

El Op’s wake-vortex warning system uses advanced fibre laser technology. The company is carrying out its research as part of a European Union Sixth Framework programme and is teamed with several European companies .

Under the EU framework, the Israeli company has launched the Fidelio programme, for which it has teamed with Thales, Dassault Aviation, Onera and European research institutes.

El Op is using a coherent laser radar that works in a similar way as a Doppler radar. It is designed to generate a reliable wake vortex warning from a range of 4-7km (2-3.7nm), allowing airport runway use to increase “dramatically”.

The fibre laser is eye safe and used in Music countermeasures, to protect aircraft against shoulder-launched missiles.

El Op has also used the technology for the development of a laser obstacle ranging and display system used on helicopters.

ARIE EGOZI/TEL AVIV