Sensor-supported landing aid for Bundeswehr helicopters
ESG's experimental MAT helicopter enables realtime modernisation of the CH 53 for foreign missions.
Berlin, 23 May 2008
Commissioned by the Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement (BWB), ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH is currently developing solutions for a sensor-supported landing aid for helicopters. The MAT mission equipment carrier is the main supporting resource for this development project. ILA visitors will be able to view the experimental helicopter in the BWB tent (Hall 3) and a model of it at the ESG stand (7/7411).
The MAT mission equipment carrier is a flying experimental vehicle that makes it possible to test systems still in the development phase under operational conditions. The system of utmost importance with regard to introducing new helicopters and modernising established helicopters. The Bundeswehr "Wehrtechnische Dienstelle 61" owns the MAT.
Two completely separate electronic systems are the core of the MAT – a "test system" and a "safety system". In the test system, components which have not yet been approved for use in aircraft can be tested, because the safety system is able to take control at any time and fly the helicopter safely. The MAT is based on a fully re-designed UH-1D. Sensors weighing up to 140 kilogrammes can be attached to two equipment racks on the nose.
The MAT's first task was to test Bundeswehr models for predicting visibility ranges using thermal imaging devices. The current tests for a sensor-supporting landing aid for helicopters will solve a pressing problem that is especially critical during foreign missions: when helicopters have to land on unpaved ground, the rotor usually whips up so much dust or snow that the last few metres are virtually a blind flight.
At the ILA, ESG and the BWB will be demonstrating MAT-related sensors for landing aid: highly precise radar distance and drift meters, laser scanners that "see" through dust, and 3-D cameras, for example. Trade fair visitors can also learn about a 3rd-generation thermal imaging device and a two-band thermal imaging device as well.
You can download some pictures from our web pages.
For further information please contact:
Tel: +49-(89) 9216-2850
Fax: +49-(89) 9216-162850
ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH
Livry-Gargan-Straße 6
D - 82256 Fürstenfeldbruck