The shift in defense strategy towards more rapid power projection and deployment drives a need for improved transport rotorcraft mission effectiveness. More efficient cargo handling during sling load operations will decrease time in hover, thereby reducing overall mission timelines. Furthermore, less fuel expenditure in hover will increase the effective mission range. In addition, expected improvements in pilot situational awareness will increase safety during these precise rotorcraft handling operations. This is particularly applicable for naval operations during adverse sea states. This paper outlines a concept for a vision system to improve rotorcraft external cargo handling operations. It presents the operational concept, sensor characteristics, image processing approach, pilot display format, and demonstration strategy.
KEYWORDS: Sensors, LIDAR, Laser systems engineering, Video, Night vision systems, Laser scanners, 3D scanning, Laser development, Night vision, Diode pumped solid state lasers
This paper summarizes test results of the Helicopter Laser Radar (HLR) System which has been developed at Fibertek, Inc. The HLR program is under the direction of the U.S. Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate, Air Systems Division, as part of the Army Helicopter Obstacle Avoidance System (OASYS) program. The HLR system is a direct detection laser radar system using a diode-pumped solid-state laser operating at 1.54 micrometer. A diode-pumped system offers small size, robust range performance, small output aperture, and a short pulse length for high range resolution. The output wavelength was chosen for extended eyesafety limits and covertness.
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