Synthetic Vision
Even further to the right on the scale of what would be considered a radical cockpit advancement is synthetic vision, major programs for which are under way at Rockwell Collins and Universal Avionics. Synthetic vision provides a three-dimensional “virtual view” of terrain that is intended to increase pilot situational awareness both in normal and low-visibility operations. The Rockwell Collins Advanced Technology Center, in partnership with NASA’s Langley Research Center and Jeppesen, for the past few years has been busy developing the terrain database that supports a prototype synthetic-vision system (SVS).

In 2000, with the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavor and its 11-day Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), analysts at the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) began using actual data of the earth’s surface to generate 3-D topographic maps of the earth, which Collins engineers believe can be used in the design of an SVS for civil aircraft.

Last spring Boeing tested the Rockwell Collins SVS in a specially modified 737-900 technology demonstrator. The Collins flight-display system provided a conformal view of the world outside using the airplane’s EGPWS database to paint a picture of terrain, obstructions and airports. Highway-in-the-sky software then drew a series of boxes on the displays that appeared to stay fixed in the sky as the airplane flew along its course. To stay on track the pilot needed only to fly through the boxes. This tunnel created by the boxes curved, tilted, rose or descended as the airplane flew along, allowing the pilot to hand fly a remarkably precise course from takeoff to touchdown.

Troy Brekken, a Boeing technology analyst, said the type of advanced system Rockwell Collins has fielded represents a “revolutionizing opportunity” for aviation that could one day dramatically curb the CFIT accident rate. With the early indicators showing such promise, some believe an SVS will be certified and approved for everyday use in the very near future.

If all goes according to plan, Universal Avionics believes its SVS could be approved for commercial use this fall. Begun nearly three years ago as a major engineering initiative at the company’s headquarters in Arizona and at its engineering centers in Redmond, Wash., and Norcross, Ga., Universal’s Cockpit 1 SVS applies sophisticated software and computer processor technology to drive images on the company’s own line of large full-color flight displays, which are intended to replicate clear, sunny conditions no matter what the actual weather outside the aircraft happens to be.

Unlike enhanced vision, which uses infrared cameras or millimeter wave radar to peer through clouds and fog, Universal’s SVS creates a computer-game-like world, similar to the illusory scene presented by modern commercial flight simulators.

Last summer Universal became the first avionics maker to certify a synthetic-vision system, though not for presentation on the PFD. Portrayed on a Universal MFD 640 multifunction display, the company’s Vision 1 system as certified provides crews with an “exocentric” view of their position, that is, an external view of their aircraft replicating that of a camera sight showing the airplane from a spot behind, to the right and slightly above.

The terrain-based 3-D depiction of Vision 1 shows the aircraft on the MFD relative to nearby terrain and its flight plan. Although the Vision 1 view is approved only for situational awareness, and not navigation, it is unique in that it is the first FAA-approved iteration of SVS.

Vision 1 is the result of several key technologies–including TAWS, computer processors, software technology and active- matrix flat-panel displays–applied to a single task: enhancing pilot situational awareness. The $38,000 system is designed to interface with Universal’s TAWS, and must be used with the MFD 640 display, both of which are sold separately.
Next on the agenda is certification of the full “egocentric” view of Vision 1, the portrayal of a synthetic view of the world on the PFD. Once both views have been certified, Universal plans to concentrate on certifying the system for use with its large-format EFI 890 displays, flight testing of which has begun. Assuming testing goes smoothly, Universal anticipates full certification of the display and Vision 1 ADI by September.

They quoted directly from one of the local disgruntelites....."when a helicopter's engines quits, it just falls out of the sky!!!!, what are we gonna do when that happens??!!!" ...been watching a little too much Bugs Bunny have WE? ? ? ? ? ?