Royal Navy patrol ship tests new helicopter pilot aid system

A Royal Navy patrol ship has tested a new system designed to guide helicopter pilots in rough seas or during night operations ahead of a deployment to the Caribbean.

The River-class offshore patrol vessel HMS Trent carried out three days of concentrated flying operations with a Wildcat attack helicopter to test a new lighting setup known as a helicopter visual landing aid system (HVLAS) that provides a guide for pilots to land onto a ship’s flight deck in adverse conditions or at night.

The HVLAS consists of a stabilised horizon light bar and glide path indicator that feeds valuable information to pilots during approach and landing, particularly in adverse conditions or during night operations.

There are additional lights on the flight deck itself that highlight the edges so pilots know where to land, and laser eye-lines so they can land in precisely the right spot.

The lighting system is also fully compatible with night-vision devices and includes variable intensity controls for improved visibility.

Although Trent does not carry a helicopter, she will work regularly with those from the US Coast Guard when conducting counter-drug patrols of the Caribbean and regional military/emergency services.

"The brand-new stabilised glide path indicator provides information to the pilot on what angle to come into the ship at," said Lieutenant Harry Jukes, Trent’s Weapon Engineer Officer.

"The new flight deck lights are particularly good, as we are able to change their intensity such that when the pilot is coming in on approach, they are not hindered by the brightness, particularly when using night vision compatible devices."

As part of intensive operational training and assessment, which passes the ship ready for front-line duties, Trent carried out three days of intensive flying training with the Wildcat – the first time a helicopter has worked with the ship in three years.

The new deck lighting system was tested under live conditions, culminating in day-into-night flight operations – replicating real-world scenarios and emergency procedures.

With the most intensive phase out the way, Trent is now in Portsmouth ahead of putting the final touches in place ahead of deploying to the Caribbean for counter-narcotics patrols and supporting British Overseas Territories during hurricane season.