Obstacle avoidance system for a rotary wing aircraft

摘要

An obstacle avoidance system for a rotary wing aircraft comprises display means 58, sensing means 60, 68, to determine position, altitude and course, a moving map providing data relating to an area surrounding the aircraft, means for determining/indicating first and second hazardous zones and audible means 72 for indicating an obstacle. The first hazardous zone is a first distance from the aircraft and is represented by a first display colour. The second hazardous zone is a second distance, less than the first distance, from the aircraft and is represented by a second display colour, indicating greater danger. The audible means 72 may produce audible clicks when the aircraft is within a third distance, also less than the first distance, from an obstacle. The clicks may increase in frequency and volume as the aircraft moves closer to the obstacle. A mute facility 74 may be provided, which may be overridden if the aircraft continues to approach an obstacle. The position sensing means may include a global positioning satellite (GPS) system 68. The obstacle avoidance system may also include a low frequency radio receiver 16.