Landing helicopters in adverse weather and/or environmental conditions is a commonly
recognized challenge. This is especially true in today’s operating environment where
landing in brownout conditions is a leading contributor of helicopter incidents.
SprayCool is working with Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to develop a solution
to this known problem.
The Helicopter Autonomous Landing System (HALS) incorporates a 94 GHz radar to help
see through brownout/whiteout conditions. This then enables the pilot to see through
the cloud and guide the helicopter to a safe landing zone. SprayCool® provides the
electronics enclosure which provides the operating environment for many of the critical
electronics. Four-slot SprayCool chassis have already flown on UH-60 Black Hawk
flight tests.
In the next phase of the program, Sierra Nevada Corporation opted
for a larger 8-slot SprayCool enclosure. This 8-slot Multi-Platform Enclosure (MPE)
enabled more electronics to be installed as close to the radar as possible. This
new system is scheduled to fly on the UH-60 Black Hawk in Ft. Eustis in early 2008
which will be followed by additional flight tests in Yuma, AZ later in the 1st quarter
of 2008.
Ultimately, it is anticipated that the HALS solution will enable not only UH-60 Black
Hawk pilots, but all rotorcraft pilots who may have to land in visually degraded
environments.
