Aerospace

Vision systems for the aerospace industry play a crucial role in aircraft navigation, surveillance, inspection and safety. Here are some of their key features:

1. Visibility enhancement: Vision systems are often used to improve pilot visibility in difficult weather conditions, or during critical flight phases such as landing or take-off. For example, infrared (IR) vision systems or night vision cameras can help pilots see through fog, rain or darkness.
2. Monitoring and inspection: In aeronautics, automated vision systems are used to inspect aircraft surfaces for structural defects, cracks or corrosion without complete disassembly. This helps maintain the aircraft’s structural integrity and ensures safety.
3. Anti-collision systems: Cameras and sensors are integrated to detect the presence of other aircraft or obstacles in the vicinity, enabling the implementation of advanced anti-collision systems that warn pilots of potential danger and can even take corrective action automatically.
4. Pilot assistance and autonomous systems: Vision systems are essential to the development of autonomous aerial vehicles and pilot assistance. They can monitor and analyze the environment to make precise navigation decisions, often in real time (see EASA’s WG 114, a working group that defines standards for the use of AI, notably to address various aspects of aviation safety, technical standards, regulations and other important aviation topics).
5. Resilience and reliability: As in the space industry, vision systems in aeronautics must be extremely reliable and capable of operating under difficult environmental conditions, such as high altitudes, temperature variations and intense vibrations.
6. Integration with on-board systems: These systems must be seamlessly integrated with other on-board systems, such as navigation and communication systems, to provide a coherent and efficient interface for the pilot or operator.
7. Lightweight and energy-efficient: Due to weight constraints in aviation, equipment, including vision systems, must be lightweight and energy-efficient, so as not to compromise fuel efficiency and aircraft performance.
8. Regulatory compliance: Vision systems in the aerospace industry must meet strict safety and performance standards, governed by authorities such as the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in the USA, or the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) in Europe.

These specifics show how vision technologies are adapted and integrated to meet the unique requirements of the aerospace industry, helping to improve the safety, efficiency and performance of flight operations.