Projection-Mapping: The New Solution for Helicopter Visual Landing Aid

The landing of helicopters on ships is a critical activity, especially in adverse environmental and low light conditions and the most demanding task from a pilot’s cognitive point of view. Consistent findings of previous studies suggest that external visual cueing is vital for a successful landing. The operational area viewed from the helicopter cockpit is in fact where the pilot's attention is focused during the landing operation.   Conventional Helicopter Visual Landing Aids (HVLA) are based on a set of lighting units that complement visual marking on the ship to help the pilot during low illumination conditions. These lighting units provide spatial references during different phases of the maneuver, from the approach along the prescribed landing path by using Glide Slope Indicators (GSI), to the final landing phase.