Collins tests advanced vision system for C-130J
Collins Aerospace recently completed a C-130J test flight proving the effectiveness of its Enhanced Vision System to aid pilot situational awareness in low-visibility conditions. (Photo: Collins Aerospace)
Collins Aerospace has successfully put its EVS-3600 enhanced vision system through its paces in a test flight aboard a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
This latest milestone brings Collins closer to providing improved pilot situational awareness ‘to military customers across the globe’, the company claimed in a 21 September announcement.
EVS-3600 uses multiple-wavelength cameras to cut through poor-visibility conditions better than the human eye, Collins noted. Images from the system are shown to pilots on head-up displays.
Collins added that military operators would benefit from safer low-profile terrain flying in low-visibility conditions; easier visual confirmation of drop zone markings; fewer mission cancellations due to adverse weather conditions; and the use of heat signatures to make search-and-rescue operations easier and more efficient.
Crew feedback after the test flight ‘confirms what we’ve known for quite some time — this technology can help save lives by improving threat detection while increasing safety margins and mission success rates for our militaries’, said Dave Schreck, VP and GM for Military Avionics and Helicopters at Collins Aerospace.
Collins is now working with USAF Air Mobility Command on a longer, more comprehensive test of the EVS system and it claims to be ‘on track’ to complete prototype aircraft installation and airworthiness approval in 2023.
‘The upgrade package is expected to be immediately available to the C-130J community thereafter,’ the company added.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: UK launches Project Octopus to deliver thousands of interceptor drones to Ukraine
The programme will work to build and deploy the drones to Ukraine to support its fight against Russia, coming a day after Poland shot down 19 Russian drones in its airspace.
-
DSEI 2025: NATO members evaluate Black Widow UAV as it joins NSPA catalogue
The addition of Red Cat’s Black Widow to NATO’s NSPA catalogue opens the doors for allied forces to more easily procure the AI-enabled drone.
-
DSEI 2025: Deutsche Aircraft takes aim at special mission market with D328MR
The company plans to offer its D328eco commercial aircraft as a multi-role variant, and spoke to Shephard at DSEI 2025 about its ambitions for the future.
-
DSEI 2025: New AR3 EVO puts Tekever’s modularity ambitions under the spotlight
An evolution of the Tekever AR3, the AR3 EVO that broke cover at DSEI incorporates the thousands of incremental evolutions the company has implemented through its spiral development, geared towards delivering a constant stream of improved aircraft to Ukraine.
-
DSEI 2025: Schiebel reveals two weaponised Camcopter UAVs
The new capabilities are based on platforms already in use or in development, and are designed to perform in demanding defence missions.