Summary
- L2 Aviation and Klatt Works have developed a new oxygen mask called the SAVED system that combines a heads-up display with an oxygen mask to help pilots navigate smoke-filled cabins.
- The SAVED system includes a camera that records what the pilot sees and provides visual references on the heads-up display, assisting with landing and displaying critical flight information.
- The SAVED system is currently undergoing certification by the FAA, and the companies plan to certify it for use on a wide range of aircraft, including Boeing, Airbus, Gulfstream and McDonnell Douglas models.
Two US-based companies have teamed up to create revolutionary technology for pilots. L2 Aviation, based in Dripping Springs, Texas, and Klatt Works, based in Pleasanton, California, have unveiled their newly designed oxygen mask. The new technology combines a heads-up display with an oxygen mask and uses augmented reality to help pilots navigate the aircraft’s cockpit and controls in case the cabin fills with smoke.
Newly developed technology
Klatt Works and L2 Aviation have named their new goggle the SAVED system, which stands for Smoke Assured Vision Enhanced Display. Specifically, the SAVED system includes both the required oxygen system and a visual display.
A camera located in the nose of the mask records what the pilot or first officer sees. The Video Amplifier Splitter (VAS) records the video to the system. The system then provides symbols on its heads-up display on the mask to assist crew members. The display provides crew members with visual references to assist them in landing the aircraft and can also display critical flight information.
Photo: Klatt Works
The SAVED system is most likely to be used by pilots and first officers during a cockpit smoke emergency. In the event that the cockpit fills with smoke, crew members will not be able to see clearly into the instrument panel, controls, or even out the front window. The mask will allow crew members to navigate the cockpit and even land the aircraft with the heads-up display. Other features of the mask include a 60 fps and 720p display, adjustable brightness, dual redundant power supply and the ability to integrate into various standard masks without modification.
L2 Aviation’s Chief Operating Officer, Tony Bailey, spoke about the new technology, saying:
“The Klatt Works SAVED system brings an unparalleled level of safety to the cockpit, and we couldn’t be more proud to be part of the team helping to certify the system for use in the global aviation industry.”
Certification process
Klatt Works and L2 Aviation are partnering for this project and on November 20, the companies announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This defines the framework and certification process for the new technology. The SAVED system is currently undergoing Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) certification with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Photo: sockagphoto | Shutterstock
Klatt Works founder and CEO Nate Klatt spoke about the new technology and the partnership with L2 Aviation, saying:
“L2 is an industry leader in aircraft product certification, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner to integrate our SAVED system into additional aircraft beyond FedEx’s fleet of Boeing 757, 767 and 777 aircraft, as previously announced in AIN. L2’s expertise and our revolutionary visualization system will improve flight safety in critical visibility situations like few other products have done before.”
The two companies are seeking to certify the SAVED system in a wide range of aircraft. Flight tests are currently scheduled for STF certification on the Boeing 777, 767, 757 and McDonnell Douglas MD-11. Other certification efforts are planned for the Airbus A320 and A330, the Gulfstream G550 and G650, and several other commercial, business and military aircraft.
Source: Klatt Works