Instrument flying changed forever yesterday when Vū Systems launched the world’s first passive millimeter wave sensor (PMMS) for aviation called the Vu Cube. At first glance, the 29-pound sensor looks like a retro black-and-white TV from the 1950s, but the sensor’s ability to see through heavy clouds, thick fog and even snow make it far more valuable. When the Cube’s output is projected on a heads-up display, pilots can see as far as two miles ahead of the airplane making reliable takeoffs and landings in poor weather possible, right down to the flare, touchdown and rollout. Aircraft fitted with PMMW technology will no longer need to rely on ground-based equipment, which means landing at airports otherwise inaccessible during severe weather conditions.
Vū Systems’ New Cube Will Change Instrument Approach Flying Forever
Key Takeaways:
- Vū Systems launched the Vū Cube, a passive millimeter wave sensor (PMMS) that enables pilots to see through severe weather conditions like fog, snow, and clouds up to two miles ahead.
- This technology allows for reliable takeoffs and landings in near-zero visibility, qualifying under new FAA Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) rules, thereby improving flight safety and reducing weather-related delays.
- The Vū Cube offers significant operational advantages by simplifying training and maintenance compared to traditional low-visibility systems, potentially rendering approach minimums irrelevant for equipped aircraft.
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