Auditory Horizon for General Aviation

This technology was the Air Force winner in the OSD Office of Technology Transition & DoD TechMatch Hot Technologies Contest. The Auditory Horizon is a patent pending method developed by the Air Force Research Lab 711th Human Performance Wing, Human Effectiveness Directorate (711 HPW/RH). This lab has a long and successful history of advanced research in auditory displays that help military pilots maintain situational awareness and spatial orientation under extremely difficult conditions. This technology processes data from Global Positioning Systems and flight indicators then provides audio feedback to the pilot through the existing entertainment and communication systems. The Auditory Horizon technology provides a three dimensional auditory artificial horizon that the pilot can use to orient the aircraft. The audio display is continuously available, but is easily relegated to the pilot’s mental background when it is not needed. The Auditory Horizon has been tested by pilots at the NASA Langley Research Center. Key Advantages Increased situational awareness for general aviation pilots Increases flight safety by helping pilots avoid conditions that result in spatial disorientation Easily integrated into existing aircraft avionics equipment Proven effective in real flight tests Provides a clear advancement and “wow” factor that will increase avionics instrumentation sales Opportunity & Development Status The Auditory Horizon has been prototyped and tested. This technology is patent pending and is available for licensing from the US Air Force. A demonstration can be arranged. Collaborative R&D; with the Air Force is a possibility.