Elbit Systems' recently performed several flight tests with the Helicopter Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS), HeliEVS™ in its operational configuration, combining the EVS sensor, HUD and fused image display processor.

The operational configuration flight tests were performed onboard a BO105 testbed helicopter, testing the system during different hours of the day, in various locations including a variety of maneuvers such as rooftop landings and oil rig approaches above the sea, in order to evaluate real operational flight conditions during SAR, EMS and rig transportation missions.

Flights results indicate significant contribution to situational awareness and safety. Pilots indicated that they could recognize, even at night and from long distances, obstacles and landing point around the oil rig from far away and to be able to plan ahead optimal approaches.

All flight information and video image were conformably displayed in front of the pilot eyes on the Skylens / Skyvis wearable HUD systems.

HeliEVS is based on the ClearVision EVS for fix wing applications. The system is packaged in a single Line Replaceable Unit (LRU), which autonomously performs the complete Enhanced Vision System capability. HeliEVS uses multi-spectral sensors to capture and display of terrain in darkness and reduced visibility. The sensors are combined and fused on the head-up display, with global terrain database (Synthetic Vision System – SVS), functioning as a Combined Vision System (CVS). The CVS provides a high fidelity view of the outside world even when actual visibility is zero. As such, CVS is providing the pilot effective situational awareness even in total darkness, fog or dense haze.

The Helicopter ClearVision solution integrates electronic vision sensors and head-up display technology, enabling continuous and unobstructed flying in 'head up' orientation, improves flight safety and situational awareness, increases mission success rates and minimizes the dependency on airport and helipad instruments. The system will also contribute to the reduction of landing minima in the future.