L2 Aviation, self-described as a supplier of engineering, certification, installation and manufacturing services, announced earlier this week it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with California-based Klatt Works to further develop the latter’s Smoke Assured Vision Enhanced Display (SAVED) system for aircraft.
SAVED is a wearable safety device that incorporates a type of virtual-reality-goggle technology into conventional aircraft oxygen masks to enable flight crews to maneuver and navigate when smoke restricts their view of the outside environment and the instrument panel. According to the L2 announcement, SAVED consists of a see-through display in front of the pilot’s eyes inside the oxygen mask that displays head-up avionics symbology and nose-camera video. “This allows the aircrew to aviate during an extreme smoke emergency with required visual references to land or ditch the aircraft,” according to L2’s release.
The initial target market for the system (projected pricing information not released) includes operators of Boeing 737s and 787s, Airbus A320s and A330s, and Gulfstream G650s and G550s. Tony Bailey, L2 Aviation COO, said, “The Klatt Works SAVED system brings an unparalleled level of safety to the cockpit and we could not be prouder to be part of the team to help certify the system for use in the global aircraft industry.”
Cool. So, how is this going to help me read the checklist in front of my face? Instruments are good, buttons and switches are better
It’s for PF to get on the ground or ditch, tied to FLIR. Some aircraft only have FLIR on the Captain’s side, PM will be CP.
Most AFMs/FCOMs (approved flt manual/flt crew operating manual) have what I regard as a “Lawyer statement”, right after any memory items, for any procedure leading to using equipment like this.
Akin to,
WARNING: CONSIDER IMMEDIATE LANDING IF SMOKE, FIRE OR FUMES BECOME UNCONTROLLABLE. CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: OVERWEIGHT LANDING, TAILWIND LANDING, OFF-AIRPORT LANDING, DITCHING. DO NOT DELAY LANDING IN ORDER TO ACCOMPLISH EMERGENCY, ABNORMAL AND/OR FUEL DUMP PROCEDURES.
http://pako1802.free.fr/MD11/operating%20manual/MD-11%20FCOM/PMDG%20MD-11%20FCOM.pdf
Absorb that, we are potentially disposing of the aircraft to get out of it, ASAP.
This device is used, probably after both PM and PF inflate EVAS, if installed, to setup the FMC, tune radios and view primary displays, plus allowing some exterior viewing. Running procedures are tertiary. There is a 17 minute clock, based on looking back at incidents and accidents, to be on the ground.
The smoke can be so dense and greasy HUDs, if installed, becomes unuseable and no control, display or indicator can be seen without EVAS. (Enhanced Vision Assurance System, an inflatable bubble shaped to give the above).
Hopefully obviously, I left out donning this system at first whiff or signal of smoke or fumes for the 100% O2, pressure breathingi n cases of cabin decompression and eye protection is unchanged .