AIS TERPROM offers extended capabilities for military and 'first responder' operations.

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Latest developments in Atlantic Inertial Systems (AIS) TERPROM Digital Terrain System increase support for the pilot in critical military close air support operations - the vital role often required of pilot and aircraft in today's military operations and low level 'civil' operations.

In a paper presented by AIS Manager Business Development, Zenon Melnyk, at the Joint Navigation Conference in Florida earlier this month, two specific areas of enhancement were detailed.

The first, the introduction of higher resolution Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) has significant operational benefits. Using databases upgraded from DTED Level 1 to Level 2 increases the performance and safety of platforms flying 'nap of the earth' whilst decreasing reliance on Global Positioning Systems (GPS). The accuracy of TERPROM Terrain Referenced Navigation (TRN) with DTED L2, even in GPS denied circumstances, could improve from an average 20 metres CEP (Circular Error Probable) to less than 10 metres CEP. enabling improved navigational performance, even in low visibility situations. Higher resolution terrain data also results in improvements situational awareness for the pilot, as well as enhancing the other TERPROM functionality.

The second development, the integration of digital terrain data with information from active forward looking sensors, enhances the accuracy and integrity of TERPROMs navigation, situational awareness and ranging functions and provides valuable new capabilities, such as the ability to identify and map, in real time, previously unmapped terrain features and obstructions.

Nick Wilkinson, AIS Navigation and Support Chief Engineer comments: "TERPROM is a living product. Since its introduction in 1991 it has proved an extremely valuable tool for pilots of fast jet and military transport platforms. In order to maintain optimum performance in each evolving environment and for all airborne platforms, TERPROM must also advance, incorporating the latest technological developments to offer an effective solution to meet the full range of changing operational needs."

"An example of an emerging requirement is evident in the USA where the FAA is expected to require Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) to equip their helo's with specific Terrain Awareness Warning Systems (TAWS) in a move to decrease the number of fatal helicopter crashes.", Wilkinson continues. "TERPROM could be a significant contender for this market, and the introduction of higher levels of DTED will increase the considerable safety benefits we can offer."

TERPROM can help improve navigational accuracy and situational awareness for helicopter crews particularly during low level flight and especially in low level unexpected or intermittent Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). It is specifically designed to offer superior ground and obstacle collision warning and terrain following capability in the low level, lower speed, hover and loitering type operations performed by the military and commercial helicopters such as those being used in first responder/emergency aid type roles.