HARRIS HAS introduced a general-aviation flight-planning system, which allows routes to be overlaid on real-time weather graphics. The company's Weather Information and Navigational Graphics System (WINGS) consists of Windows-compatible software for Pentium-class personal computers (PCs).
The system provides dial-up access to Melbourne, Florida-based Harris Information Systems' flight- and weather-data services, enabling the user to create a flight plan, and then superimpose the routing on one of several weather images to check current and forecast conditions en route.
Services available through Harris' WINGS include current GOES weather-satellite and NEXRAD weather-radar images; real-time lightning indications and icing predictions; and alphanumeric pilot reports and notices to airmen (NOTAMS). In addition, special-use-airspace maps can be overlaid on the integrated flight-plan and weather graphics.
The WINGS uses data, which Harris provides to US Federal Aviation Administration air-traffic-control centres from its weather-services hub in Palm Bay, Florida. The centres use Harris-supplied processors to create forecasts from weather data, enabling controllers to re-route aircraft around hazards.
Source: Flight International
