Fatal helicopter crash prompts JBLM to complete radar picture with new sensors
Fatal helicopter crash prompts JBLM to complete radar picture with new sensors
The Army has expanded its aviation assets at Joint Base Lewis-McChord since 2005, adding some 90 helicopters. Regular training takes place around Lewis-McChord, but the Army moves to its Yakima Training Center for more elaborate aviation exercises. This JBLM Apache crew participated in an October exercise at the Yakima facility.
Fatal helicopter crash prompts JBLM to complete radar picture with new sensors
By ADAM ASHTON
Staff writer
January 28, 2014 Updated 13 hours ago
The Army is spending $4.6 million to buy a low-altitude aircraft surveillance system that would improve safety in the Joint Base Lewis-McChord training areas where four helicopter pilots were killed in a December 2011 collision.
The system, to be built by Saab Defense and Security, would enable Lewis-McChord air traffic controllers to monitor helicopters that fly below 500 feet.
Currently, Lewis-McChord radar systems do not see aircraft at low altitudes, according to Army investigations into the fatal 2011 accident. Difficult terrain in the aviation training areas obstructs the radar.
To compensate, Lewis-McChord limits the number of aircraft that can be in any single training area and pilots are expected to communicate frequently with air traffic control and each other.