Development Partially Funded by Eurostars
Elbit Systems has recently trialled its ClearVision Enhanced Vision System (EVS) in the detection of atmospheric volcanic ash – a potential hazard to air travel. The system successfully demonstrated the potential capability of detecting ash at a range of over 100km, giving pilots sufficient time to be able to avoid the affected area.
The development has been achieved in collaboration with Norwegian company Nicarnica Aviation (spun off from the Norwegian Institute for Air Research in 2010), developer of the Airborne Volcanic Object Imaging Detection (AVOID) system. Combining Nicarnica’s volcanic algorithms with Elbit Systems’ detection capabilities has resulted in what the companies term a “one of a kind” solution.
The two companies received support from the Eurostars programme in 2015, with additional funding coming from the Israeli Chief Scientist and the Norwegian Research Council.