Collins Aerospace to Provide HUD VR Training Device

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered a Head-Up Display (HUD) Virtual-Reality (VR) training device from Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., to be used in scientific research in areas such as pilot-HUD interface, pilot performance and crew workload.

The HUD VR trainer provides an out-of-the-window view ofwhat a pilot would actually see when flying with a HUD that uses CollinsAerospace’s Head-up Guidance System (HGS) and Enhanced Vision System (EVS). Thedesign of this VR device provides the FAA scientists flexibility, efficiencyand effectiveness in conducting research in the domain of advanced visionsystems on HUDs.

“The HUD VR system provides increased access to training,helping pilots get as much time as they need using a HUD on approaches andlanding in difficult conditions,” said Nick Gibbs, vice president and generalmanager, Simulation and Training Solutions for Collins Aerospace. “Our trainercan significantly reduce the length of time it takes for a pilot to becomefamiliar with this technology, making them more productive once they enter thefull-flight simulator or live flight."

HGS and EVS technologies add an improved level of safety andconfidence when flying at night, low visibility or adverse weather conditions.HGS and EVS can also help improve military mission success with aircraft suchas the C-130J, helping aircrews more accurately see drop zones, runways orother targets regardless of the conditions.