Collision avoidance for helicopters
 The BFGoodrich Skywatch system was developed to provide rotary wing aircraft with traffic avoidance capability. |
BFGoodrich Avionics Systems has developed the Skywatch traffic avoidance system for rotary wing aircraft. Last year the system received an STC for installation on the Bell 206B Jet Ranger. Skywatch has been used to enhance situation awareness for military, offshore oil, and general aviation aircraft.
The Skywatch system operates as an air-to-air or ground-to-air interrogation device. After receiving replies to its Mode C type interrogations, the system computes the responding aircraft's range, bearing, relative attitude, and closure rate, predicting potential traffic conflicts. Aural traffic alerts are annunciated using the aircraft's existing audio system or headsets, and visual targets are displayed using TCAS symbology. The system is capable of tracking up to 30 intruding aircraft simultaneously, displaying the eight most threatening. Interface capabilities include the ability to share a dedicated 3-in ATI CRT display with the Stormscope WX-1000 weather mapping system. Skywatch information can also be displayed on an approved weather radar indicator with the radar graphics computer model RGC250 or on multifunction displays such as Avidyne and GARMIN Intl.
- Frank Bokulich
New wings for T-38 trainer
 Northrop Grumman has begun production on replacement wings for the 40-year-old T-38 trainer used by the U.S. Air Force. |
To help extend the service life of the U.S. Air Force's 40-year-old T-38 Talon supersonic trainer, Northrop Grumman Corp.'s Integrated Systems Sector has begun production of 55 replacement wings for the aircraft. The replacement wings will serve the Air Force's needs while a new wing design is worked on at Northrop Grumman. The new design, which is expected to double the current service life of the trainer, is scheduled to enter production in 2006. The Air Force plans to retrofit the entire T-38 fleet with the new wing.
The T-38 has been used to train more than 60,000 Air Force pilots since its introduction into service in 1961. Nearly 1200 Talons were produced by Northrop Grumman, and more than 500 are currently operational with the Air Force and NASA.
The T-38 wings are single units from tip to tip, constructed of aluminum alloys with honeycomb reinforced control surfaces. Design improvements developed from usage and retrofit programs will be incorporated into the replacement wings.
- Frank Bokulich
Film development by Weinberger AG
High-speed film camera specialist Weinberger AG, based in Switzerland, has become part of Augusta Technologie AG of Frankfurt. The acquisition is expected to expedite development of Weinberger's new C-MOS high-speed sensor, a central component of the company's latest Speedvision digital high-speed video camera range. Weinberger's equipment is used in the defense, aerospace, and other industries that use machines and processes that operate at speeds too high for any successful attempt at normal, unaided visual inspection.
The latest camera sensors are said to provide good low-light performance and to generate sharp pictures and accurate colors with 10,000 frames per second (fps) capability. The company says that although such a combination has been available from 16-mm film, drawbacks may be high lifetime costs, processing delays, and the use of polluting chemicals.
The new system will provide instant playback and facilitate networking by computer and motion analysis software. It will also facilitate "ultra slow motion" playback and analysis.
However, current CCD cameras do have pluses: they are in volume production now, and they cost less. Weinberger has, therefore, introduced a "mid-range" system called Speedcam PRO LT, designed to meet the requirements of users needing enhanced performance over "low end" systems but not the requirement and/or budget for "high end" systems.
- Stuart Birch
