Synthetic Vision as an integrated element of an Enhanced Vision system

Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) and Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS) have the potential to allow vehicle operators to benefit from the best that various image sources have to offer. The ability to see in all directions, even in reduced visibility conditions, offers considerable benefits for operational effectiveness and safety. Nav3D and The Boeing Company are conducting development work on an Enhanced Vision System with an integrated Synthetic Vision System. The EVS consists of several imaging sensors that are digitally fused together to give a pilot a better view of the outside world even in challenging visual conditions. The EVS is limited however to provide imagery within the viewing frustum of the imaging sensors. The SVS can provide a rendered image of an a priori database in any direction that the pilot chooses to look and thus can provide information of terrain and flight path that are outside the purview of the EVS. Design concepts of the system will be discussed. In addition the ground and flight testing of the system will be described.