EMERGENCY OPERATING SYSTEM FOR PILOTING AN AIRCRAFT IN A SMOKE FILLED COCKPIT

摘要

A system for operating aircraft (10) or other vessels in a smoke filled environment. The system includes a face mask (14) configured to surround a user's (11) eyes and form an airtight seal against the user's (11) face. The mask (14) includes a screen (20) viewable by the user for displaying critical operating system information that permits continued operation of the aircraft (10). A signal path means (30) provides the display screen (20) with appropriate signals from instrument display sources (60) of the aircraft (10). One embodiment of the system includes a hand-operated communication device (16) that enables non-verbal communication with others. Another embodiment of the system includes independently powered backup instrument (70) covering minimum critical aircraft operating conditions. The backup instruments would be coupled to the mask by the signal path means (30) in the event that the aircraft's instruments should become inoperable due to fire and/or electrical power interruption. Still another embodiment of the system includes a respirator (52) which is integral with the mask (14) and provides oxygen to the user (11).