SOURCE: AFI
Tata Elxsi, a leader in engineering and design services, has successfully developed a Rotor Proximity Warning System using LIDAR sensors for the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. This advanced system, aimed at enhancing operational safety, is now in production, with deliveries already commenced. The new technology significantly improves situational awareness for helicopter pilots by providing real-time proximity data to prevent potential rotor blade strikes, a critical risk during low-altitude flight and confined-space operations.
The Rotor Proximity Warning System is a state-of-the-art solution designed to detect obstacles in the immediate vicinity of the helicopter’s rotors using LIDAR sensors. It features an advanced hardware configuration designed to handle multiple data streams and process them in real time to ensure accurate and rapid detection.
Key components of the system include:
Freescale i.MX6 Quad-Core Processor: This high-performance processor forms the core of the system, responsible for managing the data flow and computations required to operate the proximity warning functionality efficiently.
Two Altera Stratix 4 FPGAs: These field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are used to handle the LIDAR sensor data and manage the interfaces. FPGAs are particularly suitable for high-speed data processing applications like LIDAR, which requires rapid computations to provide real-time feedback to the pilots.
Interfaces for LIDAR Sensors: The system is equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet interfaces for LIDAR sensor integration. These interfaces ensure a high-speed connection between the sensors and the central processing unit, enabling swift transmission of proximity data.
Camera Interfaces and Displays: The system includes four analog video camera interfaces and two DVI display output interfaces. These are used to provide visual feedback to the pilots, displaying proximity data in real-time. Additionally, there are two analog video output interfaces for recording or external display integration.
Intercom Integration: The system features two-channel audio output for connection with the helicopter’s intercom system. This allows pilots to receive audio warnings in real-time, further enhancing situational awareness.
Data Input Interfaces: The system integrates with helicopter systems via ARIC-429 and RS-422 interfaces, widely used communication standards in aviation for data exchange. It also features a discrete I/O interface for additional control and configuration options.
Power Supply: The entire system operates with an input power supply of 28V DC, which is compatible with standard helicopter electrical systems.
The development of the Rotor Proximity Warning System for the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a major step in improving flight safety, particularly in low-visibility and restricted-space environments. Rotor strikes are a constant threat when helicopters operate close to obstacles, and real-time obstacle detection using LIDAR significantly reduces the chances of accidents. This system allows pilots to receive both visual and auditory cues, ensuring they can make split-second decisions to avoid potential collisions.
The use of LIDAR sensors is especially notable for its precision and ability to work in various environmental conditions, including dust, fog, or low light. LIDAR offers a distinct advantage over traditional proximity sensors, such as radar, by providing high-resolution 3D mapping of the surrounding area, which is essential in complex terrain or urban landscapes.