Passive millimeter wave camera for enhanced vision systems

Passive millimeter wave (PMMW) sensors have been proposed as forward vision sensors for enhanced vision systems used in low visibility aircraft landing. This work reports on progress achieved to date in the development and manufacturing of a demonstration PMMW camera. The unit is designed to be ground and flight tested starting 1996. The camera displays on a head-up or head-down display unit a real time true image of the forward scene. With appropriate head-up symbology and accurate navigation guidance provided by global positioning satellite receivers on-board the aircraft, pilots can autonomously (without ground assist) execute category 3 low visibility take-offs and landings on non-equipped runways. We shall discuss utility of fielding these systems to airlines and other users.