ODG, maker of extended reality smartglasses, has announced a prototype called SAVED™, which is the first-of-its-kind heads-up display (HUD) oxygen mask that incorporates ODG’s award-winning smartglasses technology to help pilots in emergency landings if the cockpit gets filled with smoke.
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SAVED (Smoke Assured Vision Enhanced Display) was developed with FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. Now, ODG wants to market the same technology used for building SAVED to civil and commercial aircraft manufacturers and military organizations around the world, opening up a market opportunity comprised of 39,000 planes and improving the safety of up to four billion air passengers who fly each year. The SAVED HUD oxygen mask will provide line of sight to pilots in cockpit emergencies.
In-flight fires, smoke or fumes are among the most significant causes of unscheduled or emergency landings, accounting for an average of one precautionary landing per day, according to FAA Service Difficulty Reports. In-flight smoke is also the number four cause of airplane fatalities and loss of aircraft.
During an emergency, when the pilot cannot clearly see the flight-control instruments, terrain or upcoming runways, smoke evacuation procedures aren’t sufficient. In such a situation, SAVED can quickly provide emergency backup by connecting the aircraft’s HUD computer and cameras outside the plane and displaying the image using ODG’s proprietary technology.
“While in flight, clear vision is everything, and ODG’s award-winning headworn technology is able to create an aircraft display system that will be a lifesaving tool for FedEx and, ultimately, the entire aviation industry,” said Ralph Osterhout, ODG CEO. “SAVED is an excellent example of the power and potential for smartglasses to make real impact to our lives and continues ODG’s unparalleled pace of innovation in the space.”
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Jim Bowman, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations for FedEx Express, said his company is pleased to work with ODG on this innovative pilot safety technology. “We look forward to continued development of this product and believe it has the potential to enhance pilot safety in emergency situations,” he said.
