Jul 29 2010
Bell Helicopter, as part of the CMC Electronics’ development project, will provide an improved ‘hover-hold’ and ‘approach-to-hover’ capability for the Bell 412EP helicopter.
The sensor focuses on enhancing the velocity measurements that are usually offered by a GPS unit or a Doppler sensor. These velocity measurements are utilized by the autopilot to follow an independent approach and hover.
Bell 412EP helicopter
The ground velocity sensor from Bell Helicopter and CMC processes a particular feature of the GPS signals to generate an actual velocity against the reporting changes in GPS positions. The new method of computing velocity provides more precise results. Bell claimed that the ground velocity sensor can be used anywhere in the world because it does not depend on GPS augmentation.
The Chief Technology Officer of Bell, Nick Lappos, stated that during the flight tests, the CMC GPS solution responded better than the GPS or Doppler sensors. The technology will reduce the expenditure involved in search and rescue operations and will enhance safety in low-speed operations, he said.