The Development of a Helicopter Visually-Coupled System Research Facility

This paper describes some of the work performed by the Defence Research Agency (DRA) in the area of helicopter visually-coupled systems, the application of which is to improve the ease and accuracy with which a helicopter may be flown at low level in order to extend its capability at day or night, and in all weather. The research facilities available include two simulators and a modified Army Mk 7 Lynx helicopter. The paper concentrates on the description of the development of the Lynx as a flying visually-coupled system research tool, and the general principles associated with the symbology presented to the pilot. Finally, the tasks of test flying and data recording are described.