DAY/NIGHT ADVERSE WEATHER PILOTAGE SYSTEM (D/NAPS)

The D/NAPS program is a four year, three phase project intended to flight demonstrate the integration of advanced technology in sensors, computing methods, flight controls, and displays to maximize combat helicopter mission effectiveness and survivability in day/night adverse weather conditions. The program focus is the development of pilot cognitive decision aiding (CDA) through the application of artificial intelligence and the integration, but not development, of advanced pilotage sensors, controls, and displays. Based upon a competitive solicitation, McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company (MDHC) and Sikorsky Aircraft (SA) were awarded contracts in June 1990 for execution of the first phase of the program, scheduled to be completed in June 1992. The first phase of the project is directed toward development of a CDA system using contractor selected baseline aircraft and mission equipment packages modelled in the contractor's simulator facilities. The effectiveness of the CDA system will be measured by comparing the performance of their baseline aircraft system against the performance of their baseline aircraft system equipped with their CDA system. A downselect to one contractor for the completion of the program, the second and third phases, is planned for July 1992. The second phase will involve the integration of candidate D/NAPS hardware and software with applicable mission equipment and aircraft systems, in a hot bench. The third phase will be an actual flight demonstration of the D/NAPS.