Vehicle-independent sensors for head-mounted vision systems in helicopters and on ships
Thanks to vehicle-independent sensors for recording status data and head movement, the head-mounted vision system can be used both in helicopters and on ships
HUMAN complete system at the European Rotors 2024 in Amsterdam
The complete system developed in HUMAN was exhibited at the European Rotors 2024 in Amsterdam and demonstrated to various participants from politics and business as well as helicopter pilots.
TRAGVIS sensor: Miniaturised range-gated sensor for small vehicles and sea rescue applications
The TRAGVIS sensor from the Institute for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructures is a miniaturised range-gated sensor which, in contrast to existing systems, can also be used on small vehicles thanks to its small installation space and low weight. Examples of applications include use on rescue boats, on a helicopter or in small motor vehicles.
The main focus of the project HUMAN (Hubschraubereinsätze im Rahmen der maritimen Notfallvorsorge, engl. Using Helicopters to Support Maritime Emergencies) was the investigation, development, and evaluation of helicopter assistance systems for use in maritime emergencies as well as during sea surveillance. The DLR Institutes of Flight Systems, Flight Guidance, for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructures, and as affiliated partner, the Flight Service of the German Federal Police, were involved in the project.
Focus on maritime emergencies and the enhancement of offshore helicopter operational capabilities
A maritime accident can, e.g. as a result of a maneuvering loss or an engine failure, quickly become a threat to maritime infrastructures and coastal areas. Examples include the incident with the container ship Santorini in February 2020, which involved a near-collision with a wind farm, and the environmental disaster in the German Bight in 1998 caused by the container ship Pallas.
Helicopters play an essential role in the protection, combat and prevention of such situations. They can be used for monitoring large areas, transporting people and goods and assessing the situation in unclear conditions. Unlike other maritime vehicles, they can operate without compromising safety even in strong wind speeds and large wave heights.
Flying in the maritime environment is a challenging task for pilots. The sea weather is often characterized by high wind speeds, turbulences and poor visibility due to fog or rain. This results in few visual references for the orientation and results in a high. Additionally, rescue missions often occur in the vicinity of ship structures or wind turbines, increasing the risk of a collision and further impairing flight safety.
Enhancement of helicopter flight safety through assistance systems
One of the primary goals of project HUMAN was to enhance safety of maritime infrastructure through the use of helicopters and ensure a safe operation of helicopters in the maritime environment. To achieve this, assistance systems were used to increase pilots' situational awareness and reduce their workload. Additionally, to the advancement of existing AFCS functions and a visual assistance system, the preparation of a range-gated sensor system for use in a helicopter was addressed.
Integration of optical sensor images into the head-mounted display
During the project, a sensor simulation of the TRAGVIS sensor (Transportable Range-Gated Viewing System) developed by the DLR Institute for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructures was created and validated with real sensor measurements. In the head-mounted display (HMD), a sensor visualization was implemented with the possibility of adjusting the sensor’s orientation using a space or 3D mouse. The concept of the sensor data acquisition and the visualization was made compatible with a possible future integration into DLR’s research helicopter ACT/FHS.
Flight tests with DLR’s research helicopter ACT/FHS and the head-mounted display
The head-mounted display, which was previously integrated into the ACT/FHS during the predecessor project HELDELA (Helicopter Deck Landing Assistance) was optimised and improved during the project HUMAN, and now allows a use even in challenging environmental conditions, such as strong sunlight or close to the ground.
Ship deck landings with the Flight Service of the German Federal Police
To evaluate and improve training routines and simulator training procedures for helicopter ship deck landings, 30 starts and landings with an Airbus EC155 helicopter on a ship were accompanied on a single day. In addition to the state data of the helicopter and the ship, the pilots' gaze movement data were recorded and evaluated.
Transfer of the head-mounted display system to a speed boat of the special forces
Following a request of a police department, the head-mounted display developed for use in helicopters was integrated into a speed boat of the special force. During several day and night trips on the Weser, the system's use in a maritime environment was evaluated.
Piloted simulator campaign to evaluate the developed assistance systems with pilots from the Flight Service of the German Federal Police
In a simulator campaign in the Air Vehicle Simulator (AVES) in December 2024, the developed systems were evaluated by pilots from the Flight Service of the German Federal Police and the DLR. As a scenario, a maritime accident involving a disabled container ship near the wind farm Alpha Ventus in the German Bight under challenging visibility, wind, and wave conditions was developed.
Project
HUMAN
Project (full name)
HUMAN – Hubschraubereinsätze im Rahmen der maritimen Notfallvorsorge (Using Helicopters to Support Maritime Emergencies)
