Clearing the way: Lockheed Martin and Burns Engineering focus on improving pilot vision

ORLANDO, Fla., March 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin LMT and H. N. Burns Engineering Corp. have agreed to collaborate on technology that enhances military helicopter pilots' ability to fly in low visibility conditions caused by weather, dust or other obstructions.

Known as degraded visual environments (DVE), the blinding conditions are a primary cause of major helicopter accidents.

"Overcoming DVE challenges requires a strategy that blends multiple technologies," said Terry Hoehn, fire control advanced programs director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "With H. N. Burns Engineering Corp., we are pursuing new DVE solutions to help pilots safely sense their relationship to surrounding terrain and buildings."

By combining H. N. Burns' high-resolution imaging laser radar with Lockheed Martin's more than 40 years of experience in pilotage and sensor systems, the team will work toward developing affordable solutions that improve pilots' spatial orientation and situational awareness.

"Our breakthrough sensor and display technology uses laser radar to help pilots fly, land and take off in degraded visual environments, with emphasis on brownout, cable warning and obstacle avoidance," said Buck Burns, president of H. N. Burns Engineering Corp. "We are pleased to work with Lockheed Martin to bring these urgently needed DVE and collision-avoidance capabilities to our warfighters."

About H. N. Burns Engineering Corporation
Located in Orlando, Florida, H. N. Burns Engineering Corporation has been developing laser radar system technology for the DoD and commercial airborne surveyors for more than 30 years. H. N. Burns Engineering Corporation has received numerous awards for their research, including the National Tibbetts Award from the SBA for excellence in the Small Business Innovation Research program and the Grover E. Bell Award from the American Helicopter Society for their work in DVE landing systems.  

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 112,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2014 were $45.6 billion. For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin