15-Jun-2015 Source: Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems introduces Canary, an integrated physiological monitoring device for pilots, providing real-time alerts in case of in-flight life threatening situations. In extreme cases, such as hypoxia or loss of consciousness, a warning will appear, either as an audio-visual alert on the pilot’s Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) or via the aircraft’s mission computer using the HMD interfaces. The alert will allow the pilot to react before losing conscious or, in case the pilot is unable to operate the aircraft, facilitate recovery of the pilot and the aircraft by engaging the auto pilot.
The new system, developed using sensors technology of the Israeli start-up LifeBEAM with support of the Israeli MOD, will be integrated into Elbit Systems\ helmet and HMD systems and does not require any pilot interferance or action.
Elbit Systems Aerospace Division’s General Manager, Yoram Shmuely, commented: ”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”.
About Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international high technology company engaged in a wide range of defense, homeland security and commercial programs throughout the world. The Company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (“C4ISR”), unmanned aircraft systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, signal intelligence systems, data links and communications systems and radios. The Company also focuses on the upgrading of existing platforms, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications and providing a range of support services, including training and simulation systems.