Military System Preventing Mid-Air Collisions with Civilian Aircraft

To make military flight even more safe, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) at I/ITSEC introduces its Collision Warning System (CWS), an innovative, lifesaving solution designed to warn combat pilots in situations when potential collision with commercial and civilian aircraft is imminent. CWS was developed by IAI‘s MALAM division and is on display on booth #1949.

Extending the collision-warning functions of IAI‘s EHUD range-independent air-combat manoeuvring instrumentation (ACMI), the CWS system can now monitor non-military platforms and warn of the proximity and risk of collision with commercial aircraft. Monitoring is performed through integration of IFF (Identification Friend/Foe) and ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast). Increasing congestion in civil air space poses a growing challenge to flight safety in general and specifically for military operations in proximity to, or within civilian airspace.

The CWS provides a complete air situational picture with warnings visible only to the military pilot – no indications are provided to civilian aircraft. Warnings are provided in three ways – a voice warning, graphical indication on a tablet panel and symbols presented on existing cockpit displays (MPD/MFD). The CWS is embedded in existing or new EHUD/RAIDS/FRP systems, or carried as a stand-alone pod, which requires only a single interface unit, and thus requires only minimal integration into the aircraft.

The system builds the air situational picture based on the reception and interrogation of EHUD, IFF and ADS-B signals. By plotting existing and projected flight paths of all aircraft flying in the area, the system identifies potential collisions and warns the pilot in advance of such events. Among the data processed are the flight characteristics and maneuverability of each fighter jet, which are profoundly different from those of civilian aircraft. Warnings are therefore generated only when a clear and imminent danger exists.

“The growing congestion of the airspace and lack of integration between military and civil air spaces require new, independent solutions to prevent collisions. Such systems will improve flight safety without compromising operational freedom,” Jacob Galifat, General Manager of the IAI/MALAM Division, explained. “The CWS introduced today combines the independence, operational freedom, ease of integration and affordability which are so important for the military operator, enabling military pilots to fly safely without risk to civilian or military aircraft nearby, in both training and operational flights.”

For more information please see MILITARY TECHNOLOGY #12/2016, available at the show on booth #2729; and frequently check back for more NEWS FROM THE FLOOR.