Volcanic Ash Detector for Jets Passes Ground Tests

An in-aircraft volcanic ash-detection system developed by Norway-based Nicarnica Aviation, and paired with Elbit System’s ClearVision enhanced-vision system, has successfully completed ground trials, the companies announced today. Nicarnica’s Airborne Volcanic Object Imaging Detector (Avoid) is an awareness device intended to provide real-time imagery of volcanic ash, which can damage turbine engines.

Information is supplied to the cockpit from two fast-sampling, imaging infrared cameras that can detect hazardous volcanic ash particles up to 54 nm/100 km ahead. At typical jet cruise speeds, this provides pilots with a seven- to 10-minute warning to safely evade the ash clouds.

During the recent ground trials, the Avoid system demonstrated “unprecedented” volcanic ash-detection capability. According to Elbit, “The trial findings verify that the final product will achieve a successful detection at a range of 100 kilometers in sufficient time to allow pilots to avoid the no-fly zone affected by the presence of volcanic ash.”