BAE Systems tests radar-based obstacle detection system for military helicopters

WAYNE, N.J., 11 May 2007.BAE Systems has completed flight testing of a prototype lightweight, all-weather cable and obstacle detection system. The system uses radar to identify cables and other obstacles and provides precise altimeter information to military helicopter pilots.

Cable and obstacles are common causes of helicopter accidents. BAE Systems is the first company to demonstrate a lightweight, cost-effective all weather cable detection system.

Based on BAE Systems' analysis of helicopter incidents since 1980, the company estimates that equipping the U.S. rotary-wing fleet with this capability would save the military more than $500 million over 10 years.

The system detects cables and other obstacles using low-probability-of-intercept, low-probability-of-detection radar technology.

The system weighs less than 8 pounds, plus antennas, and can detect unknown obstacles at distances greater than 2.5 km. It is operational day or night and in all types of weather.