N093-186 TITLE: MH-60S Vertical Replenishment Object Proximity Warning System

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Sensors, Battlespace

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-299 MH-60S Production ACAT 1

OBJECTIVE: Develop a Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) object and ground proximity warning system.

DESCRIPTION: Traditional ground proximity warning systems for rotary wing aircraft are a derivative from land based fixed wing aircraft. Installation and operation of derivative Ground Proximity Warning Systems (GPWS) on sea based rotary wing naval aircraft have not been very successful in providing accurate coverage in sea operations and scenarios. MH-60S VERTREP operations present a challenge to successfully integrate a faultless object proximity warning system using traditional sensors and algorithms. Current GPWS sensors are inadequate and software algorithms insufficient to detect ship deck edge/interfaces, increase reliability and become more user friendly as an aircrew situational tool during VERTREP operations. An innovative sensor solution to detect object/terrain interface(s) in a low-to-high contrast environment will assist in resolving outstanding MH-60S GPWS deficiencies discovered during flight testing. Sensors should have very high detection rates and low false alarm rates. New concepts could include a laboratory demonstration, simulation or model of the sensor(s) and/or software algorithms and the planned integration into sea based rotary wing aircraft.

Research and develop new technology sensors that are suitable for new or next generation object proximity warning systems. Develop reliable faultless sensor software that is compatible with new Object Proximity Warning System (OBWS) technology sensors and MH-60S VERTREP operations. Develop a cockpit aircrew interface concept that provides reliable object proximity warnings/information and increases air crew situational awareness in VERTREP operations.

PHASE I: Research and develop new technology based innovative terrain/sea/object sensors Determine the feasibility of developing new open architecture software algorithms that use new innovative sensors to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of a OPWS in a VERTREP environment.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate an operational prototype of a VERTREP OPWS sensor(s) and software for USN sea based rotary wing aircraft.

PHASE III: Produce a suitable OPWS for MH-60S aircraft production aircraft. Install, test and operationally demonstrate it on the MH-60S platform. Documentation to be developed includes requirements, designs, testing, transition, install, and user documents.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Improved algorithms and sensors for next generation GPWS systems

REFERENCES:
1. MH-60S GPWS System Specification, SS-MH60-GPWS-v1.0 Rev. A dated 28 Mar 2005. Spec will be available on SITIS website, http://www.dodsbir.net/sitis/

2. Jenson, David. "EGPWS: Look What It Can Do Now." Aviation Today. 1 November 2000. http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/categories/bga/12904.html

KEYWORDS: Ground Proximity Warning Systems; Sensors; Algorithms; Vertical Replenishment; Hazards; Obstructions

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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