Elbit Systems Launches Device to Monitor Pilots

Elbit Systems has launched Canary, an integrated physiological monitoring device for pilots, providing real-time alerts in case of inflight life threatening situations.

In extreme cases, such as hypoxia or loss of consciousness, a warning will appear, either as an audio-visual alert on the pilot’s Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) or via the aircraft's mission computer using the HMD interfaces.

The alert will allow the pilot to react before losing consciousness or, in case the pilot is unable to operate the aircraft, facilitate recovery of the pilot and the aircraft by engaging the auto pilot.

The new system, developed using sensors technology of the Israeli start-up LifeBEAM with support of the Israeli MOD, will be integrated into Elbit Systems helmet and HMD systems and does not require any pilot interferance or action.

Elbit Systems Aerospace Division's General Manager, Yoram Shmuely, said, "Pilots may be exposed to life-threatening medical conditions during flight due to low levels of oxygen (known as hypoxia). Modern aircraft may cause G-induced Loss of Consciousness (GLOC) and other physiological conditions (extreme fatigue, dehydration, etc.) which are a common cause for accidents with no reliable warning or recovery solution available. We believe that our new system will solve these problems and save pilots' lives."