Rockwell Collins and OADS LandSafe™ system offers helicopter brownout solution
WASHINGTON (April 07, 2008) -  Rockwell Collins and Optical Air Data Systems, LLC (OADS) have teamed to introduce a new solution called LandSafe™ to help
helicopters navigate and land safely in degraded visual environments, especially brownout conditions.
The LandSafe solution was developed through an exclusive licensing agreement between the two companies and incorporates commercial-off-the-shelf
fiber optic laser technology to "sense through" particulate matter such as dust, snow, rain, smoke or fog while providing
altitude, groundspeed and airspeed information to the flight crew. LandSafe is being evaluated by the U.S. Marine Corps for
the CH-53E helicopter for possible inclusion in Rockwell Collins' Common Avionics Architecture System upgrade.
"This system will help bring a whole new level of safety to helicopter crews by addressing one of the greatest hazards they
face," said Phil Jasper, vice president and general manager of Mobility and Rotary Wing Solutions at Rockwell Collins. "We
look forward to working with OADS to quickly bring this technology to our military customers."
"Our Landsafe solution will save lives and expand the operational envelope of rotary wing aircraft," said Optical Air Data
Systems President Phil Rogers. "For the first time, rotary winged aircraft will have the ability to land and take off at unprepared
landing sites anywhere in the world, providing operational commanders with a true expeditionary capability."
"Additionally, this is a great example of transitioning a new technology developed under the Small Business Innovation Research
program to production," said Rogers. "Rockwell Collins has a great reputation for providing high quality state-of-the-art
products to the aviation community. OADS is excited about working together to introduce this technology under this licensing
relationship to the aviation community."
Additional future applications of LandSafe technology include laser wind sensing that can profile winds and detect turbulence
or obtain measurements for artillery aiming devices.
Optical Air Data Systems, LLC, is a leading developer of fiber optic laser sensors and winner of numerous awards for innovative
technology, including the 2007 Small Business Technology Council's Roland Tibbetts Award for outstanding achievement. Additional
information regarding OADS technology can be found at www.oads.com.
Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronic
solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission
communications, information management and simulation and training is delivered by 20,000 employees, and a global service
and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.
Media Contact:
Dave Gosch
319.295.2908
djgosch@rockwellcollins.com
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