Two United States-based companies have come together to create revolutionary technology for pilots. L2 Aviation, based in Dripping Springs, Texas, and Klatt Works, based in Pleasanton, California, have revealed their newly developed oxygen mask. The new technology combines a heads-up display with an oxygen mask and utilizes augmented reality to assist pilots in navigating the cockpit and aircraft controls in the event that the cabin fills with smoke.

Newly developed technology

Klatt Works and L2 Aviation have named their new mask the SAVED system, which stands for Smoke Assured Vision Enhanced Display. Specifically, the SAVED system includes both the required oxygen system and a vision display.

A camera located in the nose of the mask records what the pilot or first officer is seeing. The Video Amplifier Splitter (VAS) records the video into the system. The system then provides symbology on its heads-up display on the mask to assist the crew members. The display provides the crew members with visual references to help with landing the aircraft and can also display critical flight information.

Photo: Klatt Works

The SAVED system will most likely be utilized by pilots and first officers during a smoke-in-the-cockpit emergency. In the event that a cockpit fills with smoke, the flight crew members would not be able to clearly see the instrument panel, controls, or even outside the front window. The mask will allow the crew members to navigate the cockpit and even land the aircraft with its heads-up display. Other features of the mask include a 60 fps and 720p display screen, adjustable brightness, dual redundant power, and the ability to integrate into various standard masks without modification.

The Chief Operations Officer of L2 Aviation, Tony Bailey, spoke about the new technology saying,

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“The Klatt Works SAVED system brings an unparalleled level of safety to the cockpit and we could not be prouder to be a part of the team to help certify the system for use in the global aircraft industry.”

Certification process

Klatt Works and L2 Aviation have partnered for this project and on November 20, the companies announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This sets the certification framework and process for the new technology. Currently, the SAVED system is in the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) certification process with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

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The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Klatt Works, Nate Klatt, spoke about the new technology and partnership with L2 Aviation, saying,

“L2 is a leader in the aircraft products certification industry and we could not have asked for a better partner to integrate our SAVED system into additional aircraft beyond the FedEx fleet of Boeing 757, 767, and 777 aircraft as previously announced in AIN. L2’s expertise and our revolutionary vision display system will enhance flying safety in critical visibility situations like few other products have before.”

The two companies are looking to certify the SAVED system across a wide range of aircraft. Currently, STF certification flight testing is planned on the Boeing 777, 767, 757, and the McDonnell Douglas MD-11. Other certification efforts are planned for the Airbus A320 and A330, the Gulfstream G550 and G650, as well as several other commercial, business, and military aircraft.

Source: Klatt Works