Elbit launches pilot monitoring device
Elbit Systems has introduced a new integrated physiological pilot monitoring device called Canary, it announced on 15 June.
Canary provides real-time alerts of dangerous in-flight situations. In an extreme event such as loss of consciousness or hypoxia, an audio-visual alert appears on the pilot's Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) or on the aircraft mission computer. The alert prompts the pilot to react before losing consciousness, or engages the autopilot in the event that the pilot cannot operate the aircraft.
The system was developed using sensors from Israel-based LifeBEAM and with the support of Israel's Ministry of Defence. It is integrated into Elbit Systems' HMD and helmet systems and does not require any action or interference from the pilot.
Yoram Shmuely, general manager of the aerospace division, Elbit Systems, said: 'Pilots may be exposed to life-threatening medical conditions during flight due to low levels of oxygen (known as hypoxia).
'Modern aircraft may cause G-induced Loss of Consciousness (GLOC) and other physiological conditions (extreme fatigue, dehydration, etc.) which are a common cause for accidents with no reliable warning or recovery solution available. We believe that our new system will solve these problems and save pilots' lives.'
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