Elbit Systems’ new BrightNite solution will enable utility helicopters to perform degraded visual environment (DVE) missions on more than 90% of night flights, says the Israeli company.
The multi-spectral end-to-end panoramic piloting solution delivers essential data directly to the pilot’s eyes, enabling intuitive flight in a head-up, eyes-out orientation in pitch dark and other DVE conditions.
BrightNite features non-gimballed uncooled FLIR and highly sensitive complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensors that present an ultra-wide intuitive image to a display system, which projects to the ANVIS/HUD night helmet-mounted display (HMD).
The display is overlaid with a synthetic layer that follows the contours of the landscape and a third layer of 3D symbology, which displays hazards and tactical data. Multiple crew members can simultaneously scan the entire field of regard, using a single sensor and the synthetic world, enabling them to fly in common line of sight (LOS).
Gil Russo, senior director of marketing and business development for helicopter and C-130 solutions at Elbit, says that low-flying aircraft are especially vulnerable to threats such as difficult terrain, enemy fire and the intersection of utility wires in the flight path. Sorties must often be carried out in DVE conditions, adding to the already heavy workload and leaving flight crews reliant on night-vision goggles to accomplish their missions.
Elbit Systems claims that BrightNite enables visibility limitations to be overcome and greatly improves situational awareness, mission effectiveness and, above all, flight safety in DVE conditions.
Source: Flight Daily News
