January-February 2022 - 27

" Alternatively, the HUD can be completely replaced
by a virtual cockpit solution based on a helmetmounted
display (HMD) such as the one used on
F-35. For HUD or HMD avionic displays, full-color
solutions are an enhancement that are beginning to
be adopted, " Bigwood said.
The Collins HGS-6000 is a digital HUD for commercial
airliners that the company called a Head-up
Guidance System (HGS). A HGS includes guidance
features to enable manually flown CAT III approaches
and low-visibility takeoffs (LVTO). This is an alternative
to autoland systems that are more costly to
install and maintain.
One trend is the growth of HUDs to include
Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) technology,
which builds on HUD functionality by adding
a camera sensor mounted on the aircraft nose. Nate
Kowash, Rockwell Collins program manager, said
these EVS sensors are sophisticated line replaceable
units (LRUs) that contain multiple infrared and visible
light cameras, complex image processing and
functions like sensor window deicing heat. When
displayed on the HUD, the EFVS video provides an
augmented reality view that allows pilots to " see
through " low-visibility conditions like fog, snow,
rain, smoke, or even night VFR (Visual Flight Rules).
" As these EVS sensors are exposed on the exterior
aircraft, they add a new element to HUD maintenance, "
he said. " To maintain the best optical performance
of these cameras, special care should
be taken to avoid scratching EVS windows when
cleaning. Additionally, these LRUs can be subject
to external damage from hail, bird strikes or lightning
strikes. "
Keep HUDs in Service
MyGoFlight works with the MROs, maintenance
facilities and avionics for repair and support of the
product line, Biggs said.
The SkyDisplay has an embedded watchdog feature
checking the functionality of the HUD for the
pilot. If the watchdog detects a problem with the
video image, then the HUD will display a large Red
X for the pilot to alert there is a problem.
" In most cases, simply cycling the power will solve
the problem. No troubleshooting is really required, "
Biggs said. " There are brightness and contrast buttons
to adjust during bright and low-light situations.
The HUD simply projects existing flight data and
sensor information onto the combiner. "
HUDs have a long life span since the basic required
functionality has remained very consistent over the
years. Aging electronics tend to have reduced MTBF,
and a failure of mission critical equipment such as
the HUD would cause the mission to be aborted.
" We specialize in HUD upgrade programs, allowing
its customers the benefit of increased MTBF,
Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) and prolonged
operational life, Olivastri said. " Additionally,
with modern electronic calibrations and diagnostic
routines becoming more automatic make maintenance
easier, all these factors reduce life cycle costs. "
Due to the visual nature of the system, Kowash
said the pilot will quickly see if there is maintenance
required. Until then, maintenance generally
does not need to be concerned. Many of the models
are part of the MSG-3 process with no preventive
maintenance determined.
www.AviationPros.com 27
The Collins HGS-6000
is a digital HUD for
commercial airliners
that the company calls
a Head-up Guidance
System (HGS).
COLLINS AEROSPACE
http://www.AviationPros.com
January-February 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January-February 2022
