In response to a tragic midair collision earlier this year, the US Army has started outfitting its helicopter crews with new navigation systems. The move follows the January crash of a Black Hawk helicopter and a commercial airliner over Washington, DC, which killed 67 people.
The Fort Belvoir-based 12th Aviation Battalion, whose aircraft was involved in the incident, is receiving early access to around 1,700 Stratus navigation devices. These systems link with pilot tablets to deliver real-time data on surrounding aircraft and weather conditions, aiming to improve situational awareness.
Although the Black Hawk involved in the crash had a Stratus device onboard, investigators have not confirmed if it was functioning or used properly during the flight. The incident is still under review by both the Army and the NTSB.
Following the accident, the Army has expanded the use of real-time location transmitters across its helicopter fleet. While flights have resumed, helicopters are still banned from using the Pentagon helipad due to another safety incident. Meanwhile, criticism has emerged over the pace of the Army’s safety reforms, with final investigation results expected soon.
