HMAS Choules gains visual landing aid
The system can be upgraded to support automated UAV landing systems in future.
A new visual aid landing system has been commissioned for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) HMAS Choules, an ex-UK RN Bay-class auxiliary Landing Ship Dock (LSD) vessel.
Flight trials were conducted off the east coast of Australia by the RAN Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Trials Unit.
UK-based Aeronautical & General Instruments (AGI) worked with local technical support agent Owen International, Atlantic & Peninsula Australia and the RAN Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group to deliver an integrated system of advanced visual cues.
The visual landing aid system can be ‘seamlessly upgraded’ to support automated UAV landing systems in the future, AGI noted in a 5 October statement.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that Bay-class ships are currently capable of supporting a large rotary-wing aircraft such as a Boeing Chinook helicopter or Osprey tiltrotor.
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