Elbit Systems yesterday unveilled its SKYLENS
wearable heads-up display (HUD) for enhanced flight vision system (EFVS)
applications. Packed in a lightweight, easy-to-install device, similar to a
pair of sunglasses, SKYLENS is a revolutionary approach to meet the challenges
of today’s aviators.
Suitable for day and night operations and for all weather
conditions, the system provides heads-up information while minimising the
dependency on airport instrumentation. Equipped with SKYLENS, aircraft are
capable of take-off and landing in low-visibility conditions and in locations that
non EVS-equipped aircraft could not access previously. SKYLENS, a part of the ‘Clearvision’
EFVS family, displays high-resolution symbology and video on a transparent
visor, providing pilots with cutting-edge heads-out capabilities.
Designed and
built for use by commercial and military aviation anywhere in the world, the
system provides a unique solution for retrofitting existing platforms, small cockpit
aircraft and helicopters. The new system, which is in advanced processes of
airworthiness certification, is expected to enter into service by end of 2016.
Meanwhile, Israel Aerospace
Industries (IAI) is at an advanced stage of integration and ground testing for
the EL/M-2022ES active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar—the latest
addition to its best selling EL/M-2022 maritime patrol radar (MPR) family. The
EL/M-2022ES AESA-MPR, developed by IAI's subsidiary and group, ELTA Systems Ltd,
implements the proven operating modes of the EL/M-2022 family, together with additional
modes derived from the unique capabilities of AESA technology. The radar system
combines mechanical scanning in the horizontal plane with fine-beam-shifting,
and full electronic scanning in the vertical plane, providing improved
detection, particularly at high sea states, and enabling efficient use of the
radar in air-to-air and air-to-surface modes. Using state-of-the-art signal
processors, based on the latest powerful multi-core components, allows
implementation of new algorithms that take maximum advantage of AESA
technology. A significant improvement in target detection performance is in imaging
modes such as inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) and in ground moving
target indication (GMTI) modes. The system is undergoing qualification tests
for airborne applications, preparing it for delivery by mid-2015 and is fully
compatible with current radar installations, meaning it can easily be
retrofitted on to existing Heron-1 and Searcher Mk2 MALE-UAVs.
