The US Army has tested Elbit Systems subsidiary Elop's laser obstacle ranging and display (Lord) system, and could install the design on its Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters to overcome operating difficulties caused by brownout conditions.
The laser radar system scans a 30° x 30° field of view in front of the helicopter with an eye-safe laser, and creates an image of the area locating potential obstacles from a distance of up to 700m (2,300ft), which in many cases cannot be detected by the pilot.
Additional US Army tests are scheduled to take place early this year, while sources say the system has also attracted interest from the UK Royal Air Force.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
