Sierra Nevada Corp. to provide enhanced 3D imaging for helicopter operations

SPARKS, Nev., 24 Jan. 2012. Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) won a contract from Science and Engineering Services Inc. to fulfill the Degraded Visual Environments (DVE) Operational Needs Statement (ONS) under the U.S. Army Aviation Networks Mission Planning (ANMP) program directorate. The company will deliver 10 Helicopter Autonomous Landing System (HALS) with three-dimensional (3D) imagery and landing guidance symbology in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. HALS combines real-time 3D radar imagery with digital terrain map, satellite imagery, and DVE-specific guidance symbology for takeoff, approach, and landing operations in fog, brownout, and other challenging conditions.

The HALS system enables multi-ship operations, enhances flight safety, and expands the operational capabilities of helicopter aviation in all modes of flight, says a company representative. HALS modular design supports integration on legacy and modern platforms.