Supersonic blind "bird."

Science World, Jan 10, 1997 by Maria L. Chang

Would you fly on an airplane if you knew the pilot couldn't see out the front windows? Scientists working on the latest hightech planes say it won't be a problem -- and may be safer.

Engineers designing the first U.S. supersonic (faster-than-sound) commercial airliner plan to eliminate the "bent nose" design of supersonic jets like the European Concorde. On those planes, the huge, mechanical nose swings down to give pilots a clear view of the runway during takeoff and landing. (During flight, with the nose up, pilots get only a limited view.) But because the moveable nose is heavy, these planes require extra fuel, making them expensive to operate.

Engineers think they can cut costs by straightening the nose and having pilots rely on video displays instead of windows. Digital video cameras, infrared cameras, and microwave radar systems mounted on the front of the plane will send data to cockpit computers. The computers will then display the outside world on two screens.

NASA pilots flight-tested this "synthetic vision" system on a "windowless" 737 jet last January. The test proved that pilots can fly safely using computer-generated graphics alone.

In fact, the external sensors and display screens may make flying safer, says NASA project manager Mike Lewis. When there's low visibility -- say, due to fog -- pilots often have trouble seeing what's ahead. But infrared cameras and microwave radars can still detect other aircraft and the runway.

Developing synthetic vision is only the first step in a 10-year plan to build better supersonic planes. Engineers are also researching aerodynamic improvements and testing new materials and engines. NASA hopes the new plane will fly by 2005.