Wire obstacle avoidance system for helicopters
US4902126A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 1988 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/04
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved wire detection and avoidance system for helicopters is characterized by the use of a solid state laser transmitter which emits radiation in the near infrared wavelength region. Using either a beam dividing device or a plurality of laser diode arrays, separate laser beam lobes are generated which are passed through optical lenses for deflection in slightly different directions to define a field of coverage. A wire obstacle in the field of coverage intercepts one or more of the lobes and reflects return signals thereof to a receiver detector array. The return signals are compared with the transmitted laser lobes, with the difference therebetween being a function of the range between the obstacle and the helicopter. The range information is displayed to the pilot who then takes evasive action to avoid striking the obstacle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.