Desert landings at night?
If I understand your question you are looking for the safest way to conduct night landings in the desert?
Dust/Sand recirculation is the killer. FLIR and nightsun are useful for a site recce but will not help you during the actual approach and can make the situation worse as the dust cloud reaches the cockpit.
NightSun fitted to a buddy helicopter illuminating the landing site from above and behind you could also be a great help if there is no recirculation.
A really thorough recce is required using every aid available to find a level site clear of obstructions on the approach and overshoot and a stoney rather than sandy surface! Approach into moon if possible and always into wind and aim for a slow/zero speed touchdown to the ground.
The safest helicopter aid for night desert landings has got to be NVG combined with a blacklight searchlight.
Just as important however is training, training and many many more hours of training and then maintaining current practise.
None of this kit will provide a magical ability. Night desert landings are probably the most difficult and dangerous manoeuvres any helicopter pilot will ever attempt. If the money is tight spending it on NVG training hours is better than buying Nightsun and FLIR hardware. That is my opinion.
Last edited by speds; 23rd May 2008 at 22:10.
Reason: Spleling