Enhanced Vision Systems

Rotary wing and Tilt-rotor aircraft are susceptible to re-circulating dust in arid desert regions and other degraded visual environments which reduce visibility during low altitude hover, landing, take-off and in-flight. With loss of situational awareness, maintaining aircraft control, while avoiding wires cables and terrain become a significant challenge to crews.

Fixed wing aircraft have similar operational challenges with degraded visual environments. Fog and other reduced visibility conditions can limits airfield access which can be critical to achieving a first-in capability and to sustain combat and humanitarian operations.  And the ability to detect and avoid obstacles and incursions in sufficient time for pilots to react is critical to the safety of the crew and aircraft.

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) solution to the degraded visual environment operational challenges is based on years of aircraft landing experience, from shipborne to unmanned aerial vehicle landing systems. SNC rotary wing/tilt rotor solution is based on a novel 94 GHz imaging radar system that provides the ability for a pilot to “see through” the degraded visual environment.  When coupled with an integrated navigational capability, the objective is to maintain the same visual cues and stable flight that the pilot would expect with good visibility. SNC fixed wing solution is a derivative of the rotary wing/tilt rotor system.

For more information about CNS/ATM products & services please contact:

Communication, Navigation, Surveillance /
Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM)
444 Salomon Circle
Sparks, NV 89434
Email: Contact CNS/ATM