US 4,902,126 AGranted

Wire obstacle avoidance system for helicopters

AssigneeFibertek, Inc.

InventorWalter Koechner

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Abstract

An improved wire detection and avoidance system for helicopters is characterized by the use of a solid state laser transmitter which emits radiation in the near infrared wavelength region. Using either a beam dividing device or a plurality of laser diode arrays, separate laser beam lobes are generated which are passed through optical lenses for deflection in slightly different directions to define a field of coverage. A wire obstacle in the field of coverage intercepts one or more of the lobes and reflects return signals thereof to a receiver detector array. The return signals are compared with the transmitted laser lobes, with the difference therebetween being a function of the range between the obstacle and the helicopter. The range information is displayed to the pilot who then takes evasive action to avoid striking the obstacle.

Claims15

Dependent claims

An obstacle detection and avoidance system for helicopters, comprising

(a) solid state laser transmitter means for generating at least one laser beam in the near infrared wavelength region;
(b) means for dividing said laser beam into a plurality of lobes and for directing said lobes in different directions to define a field of coverage, said laser beam lobes being intercepted by an obstacle in the field of coverage at various locations thereof, said intercepted beam lobes being reflected from the obstacle as return signals;
(c) means for receiving and detecting said return signals;
and
(d) means connected with said receiving means and with said laser transmitter means for comparing said return signals with said transmitted laser beam lobes, the difference being a function of the range of the obstacle relative to the helicopter;
(e) and further comprising a directional control servo mechanism for altering the directions of transmission of said plurality of lobes, whereby the field of coverage defined by said generated laser beam lobes may be changed in accordance with a change in the direction of travel of the helicopter.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.