Rotorcraft SV Landing Display System with Self-generating 3D Terrain and Obstacle Model

TerraMetrics proposes a Phase II program to continue research and development of the TerraBlocks Clear-to-Land™ (CTL) system for helicopter brown-out landing. Building on the successful Phase I feasibility and performance characterization, and the proof-of-principle demonstration, we propose to refine and complete R&D work, producing a functional brassboard prototype system, culminating in an integrated technology demonstration flight test, while simultaneously setting the stage for Phase III commercial availability through strategic commercial partnerships. The TerraBlocks CTL system utilizes the best attributes of proven, visually rich Enhanced and Synthetic Vision display and rendering technologies while eliminating the need for pre-flight terrain and obstacle data acquisition and preparation tasks, and the potential for missing features in the terrain database. Range data is computed from passive stereo cameras and used to self-generate a converging dynamic TerraBlocks™ 3D terrain model, which can also be used for precision hover and landing applications. Throughout the landing procedure, the SV terrain-rendering component displays the 3D terrain model contents from an egocentric or exocentric viewpoint as required by the helicopter flight display presentation. As the helicopter enters brown-out conditions, the model freezes at a “last-good” state and is used with flight symbology for subsequent display throughout the landing maneuver.