Independently operable low-visibility aid device

Abstract

A low visibility aid device includes a main body having a front end, a back end, a middle section and an interior space. A mounting bracket extends outward from the main body for securing the device onto a manned aircraft for use during flight. A sensor suite is positioned within the main body to capture flight data information including audiovisual information, altitude information, attitude information and heading information of the aircraft during flight. A control unit having a wireless communication unit is positioned within the main body and selectively transmits the flight data information to a user device. A power generation unit generates power for use by the system components during device operation.

1 . An independently operable low visibility aid device, comprising:
 a main body having a front end, a back end, a middle section and an interior space;   a sensor suite positioned within the main body, said suite functioning to capture flight data information;   a control unit that is positioned within the main body, said control unit functioning to control an operation of the sensor suite;   a communication unit that is configured to wirelessly broadcast the captured flight data information to an external device in real time, said communication unit including an automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast system; and   a power generation unit that is configured to generate power for operating each of the sensor suite, control unit and communication unit.   
     
     
         2 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 1 , wherein the flight data information includes audiovisual information. 
     
     
         3 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 1 , wherein the flight data information includes altitude information. 
     
     
         4 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 1 , wherein the flight data information includes attitude information. 
     
     
         5 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 1 , wherein the flight data information includes heading information. 
     
     
         6 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor suite includes a camera. 
     
     
         7 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor suite includes a radar system. 
     
     
         8 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 7 , wherein the radar system comprises a radar altimeter. 
     
     
         9 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor suite includes an Attitude and Heading Reference System. 
     
     
         10 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 1 , wherein the control includes:
 a memory for storing the flight data information; and   a processor.   
     
     
         11 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 1 , wherein the external device includes at least one of a tablet, a smartphone and a computer, and further comprising:
 a set of programmatic instructions for execution on the external device, said programmatic instructions including user selectable options for displaying the captured flight data information on the external device.   
     
     
         12 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 1 , wherein the wireless communication unit comprises a WiFi transceiver. 
     
     
         13 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one battery for providing power to each of the control unit and the sensor suite.   
     
     
         14 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 13 , wherein the power generation unit is configured to generate power for storage by the at least one battery. 
     
     
         15 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 14 , wherein the power generation unit comprises:
 a generator that is mechanically connected to a shaft and a blade assembly.   
     
     
         16 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 15 , wherein the shaft traverses the back end of the main body, and the blade assembly is positioned adjacent to the back end of the main body. 
     
     
         17 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 1 , wherein the main body includes an aerodynamically efficient teardrop shape. 
     
     
         18 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a mounting bracket that is in communication with the main body, said mounting bracket including an attachment fitting that is configured to engage at least one of a wing, a fuselage and a strut of a manned aircraft.   
     
     
         19 . The low visibility aid device of  claim 18 , wherein the mounting bracket is removably connected to the main body.