BAE Systems is working with the UK Ministry of Defence to develop enhanced situational awareness for military helicopter pilots.
The Condor II programme will demonstrate sensor and system integration technology with the aim of achieving night-time and adverse weather operational capability without the need for night- vision goggles.
David Hughes, BAE Systems helicopter systems executive vice-president, says the programme is aimed at removing the last major barrier to battlefield helicopter operations.
Night-time and all-weather operation "will be a major breakthrough in helicopter operating capability and has potential spin-offs into military fixed-wing and civil operations", he says.
BAE will supply an integrated sensor suite including electro-optical sensors, low-light television, Terprom digital terrain system, and a laser radar.
Data will be fused together to produce a composite picture that is shown in a helmet-mounted display system.
Condor II will build on work carried out by the UK defence ministry in the Condor I programme, which analysed various integrated sensor technologies, and will develop practical applications of the technology.
The initial programme will include two flight demonstrations and a ground simulation effort. Systems are expected to be ready for installation on new and existing helicopters within three years.
Source: Flight International