Heli-borne Obstacle Warning Avoidance System Using Tm, Ho: YLF Imaging Laser Radar

A 2-micron imaging laser radar system using LD pumped Tm, Ho: YLF laser has been fabricated, which can be used for the obstacle warning avoidance function in helicopters to improve their safety duringnavigation. The system performance has been verified based on the range images of electrical power lines against various natural backgrounds. In order to support the verification, detailed return signal intensity measurements have been conducted using a wooden board and electrical power lines of which ranges and angles against the system have been precisely controlled. The system applicability for the function has been confirmed through those quantitative evaluations of the system.