Illuminating the Skies: Introducing Elbit’s Vision Solutions That Transcend Battlefield Limitations
It is no longer science fiction. These DVE products will change helicopter operations, overcoming challenges in suboptimal combat environments
Imagine this scenario: a special forces platoon has just completed a top-secret mission in a remote desert location. Secrecy is their utmost priority, but now they face a time-sensitive situation. They must save precious minutes, even if it means risking exposure to the enemy, who remains completely unaware of their presence. The only option they have is to wait anxiously for their skilled helicopter pilot to identify the perfect landing spot for their airborne getaway vehicle. As the minutes tick by, the tension builds in the air. The chopper seems elusive, struggling to locate the platoon amidst the vast, dark, sandy expanse. Can you feel the suspense building?
“Our solution brings a significant advantage to helicopter pilots,” boldly states Avishay, the Senior Director of Advanced Helicopter Solutions within Elbit Systems’ Aerospace division. Avishay emphasizes, “We recognize the primary hurdle faced by helicopter pilots and their ground forces in military operations: limited visibility. The task of landing a chopper in the pitch-black darkness, navigating through unfamiliar terrain or challenging weather conditions, can be overwhelmingly intimidating.”
Avishay and his team have devoted considerable efforts to the development of a diverse range of products designed to tackle a paramount challenge in operational helicopter flying and landing ā DVE (Degraded Vision Environment). Their objective is to enable cargo and combat helicopter pilots to navigate with utmost effectiveness in less-than-ideal visual conditions. These conditions encompass a wide array of weather circumstances, as well as scenarios where the helicopter itself contributes to visibility issues, such as “Brown-Out” (caused by the scattering of sand during landing due to propeller thrust) or “White-Out” (common in snowy regions). In addition to these advancements, the team has also engineered cutting-edge night vision solutions and more to further enhance operational capabilities.
“It’s crucial to acknowledge that in certain scenarios, night vision goggles or other solutions that rely on enhancing moonlight or starlight become practically unusable,” explains the senior engineer. With careful consideration of these factors, the team thoroughly evaluated them before embarking on the initial design phase.
How Does It Work?
Elbit’s DVE solutions not only provide enhanced visual capabilities, unlocking the potential for pilots to undertake operations that were once deemed impossible, but they also deliver superior analysis of the visual input received by the helicopter’s vision systems.
“One of our flagship solutions is called BrightNiteā¢,” reveals Avishay. He explains, “It seamlessly integrates 11 different cameras and sensors, including thermal sensors. By capturing and amalgamating data from these advanced technologies and leveraging the power of a robust application and advanced computing, we can provide the pilot with a real-time, comprehensive view of their surroundings, even in situations where their visibility is severely limited within the cockpit.” Avishay further emphasizes that the BrightNite system generates a visual map, which is displayed on the pilot’s headgear and cockpit monitors. This map highlights the presence of various obstacles near the helicopter, such as electricity and phone wires, as well as rocks and boulders on the ground.
One of the advanced sensors integrated into this exceptional product is XPLORE, utilizing radar technology. XPLORE can detect terrain up to two kilometers ahead of the helicopter, regardless of weather conditions.
Avishay asserts, “This truly represents the pinnacle of DVE solutions.” He further highlights, “Throughout the development of these innovative solutions, we have spared no technological effort to ensure the best possible outcome. In fact, some of our products even incorporate satellite technology, providing pilots with a tactical advantage in complex combat situations.”
In conclusion, Avishay emphasizes that these solutions and products have moved beyond the realm of science fiction and are now actively employed by numerous customers worldwide. He further highlights, “Moreover, customers have the flexibility to select the specific components they require, rather than investing in the entire bundle. This approach has a significant impact on the price, which is already highly competitive in the context of these systems.”
In an era where precision and safety are of utmost importance in helicopter operations, Elbit Systems’ DVE solutions are at the top of the line in terms of innovative advancements.
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