Rega and Leonardo Examine Capacity for Automatic Detection

Swiss air rescue and ambulance operation Rega is working with Leonardo to test a laser-based obstacle warning system for its helicopter fleet – the first time a civil air rescue organisation has undertaken such a task.

A laser sensor scans the area ahead of the helicopter and is able to recognise even thin power cables and slender masts at distances of up to two kilometres. The aircrew is then wanred by an audible signal and visual representations on a cockpit screen and head-up display. A major advantage compared with current passive warning systems is the ability to detect obstacles that have not been marked on any maps or charts.