Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

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Matt Thurber

Robinson Helicopter and Lake Fusion Technologies are collaborating on a laser-based obstacle warning system that could be offered to helicopter buyers. The companies are working on a joint engineering and development program during the next 12 to 24 months.
Lake Fusion’s situational awareness system (SitAwS) uses light detection and ranging (Lidar) sensors for 3D detection of obstacles, which would be particularly helpful in visibility-challenged environments and especially near power lines. An EASA certification program for SitAwS is underway.
SitAwS is another potential addition to Robinson Helicopter’s effort to focus on safety as a core value, which includes the installation of 4K cockpit cameras in every helicopter and Garmin autopilots as standard equipment in the R66 turbine helicopter. “The SitAwS integration is a strategic continuation of this effort to proactively increase features and functions improving safety during flight,” according to Robinson.
“This teaming agreement with Lake Fusion Technologies represents a continued focus on our commitment to safety,” said Robinson Helicopter president and CEO David Smith. “Integrating advanced Lidar-based detection like SitAwS offers a tangible increase in pilot situational awareness, directly addressing the detection of hazards such as power lines that pose a threat in dynamic flight environments. This is a critical investment in the future operational safety of the entire Robinson fleet.”

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Robinson Helicopter and Lake Fusion Team on Obstacle Detection System

Lidar-based system can improve safety in visibility-challenged environments 

Lake Fusion’s situational awareness system uses Lidar (light detection and ranging) sensors for 3D detection of obstacles.

Robinson, Lake Fusion Team on Obstacle Detection System

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