Eclipse Aerospace, known for its pioneering work in single-pilot light jets, has started testing for a new AI-enhanced visual awareness system designed by Daedalean AI, aimed at easing pilot workload and improving safety. This innovative system leverages machine learning to provide real-time situational awareness, helping pilots anticipate and react to potential threats during critical phases of flight.
“Eclipse Aerospace pioneered the single-pilot very light jet category, enabled through a high degree of automation and system integration designed to significantly reduce the pilot workload in a high-performance twin-engine aircraft,” Jerry Chambers of Eclipse Aerospace, said. “Collaborating with Daedalean enables us to evaluate AI-enhanced capabilities…on a certified Part 23 twin-engine jet.”
The system, part of Daedalean’s Situational Intelligence suite, uses aircraft-mounted cameras to deliver landing guidance, detect cooperative and uncooperative traffic, and navigate GPS-denied environments. Dr Yemaya Bordain, Daedalean’s Chief Commercial Officer, explains that the AI system enhances safety by working alongside traditional tools like radars and transponders, offering pilots visual data for real-time threat assessment. “These functions rely solely on aircraft-mounted cameras feeding real-time visual information to an onboard computer to output alerts to the pilot,” Bordain said, underscoring the added layer of safety.
Eclipse Aerospace’s test flights, conducted over Albuquerque, New Mexico, focus on how Daedalean’s system manages detect-and-avoid scenarios and monitors runway safety, particularly at small, remote airports where business jets often operate. “Business aviation aircraft are often called upon to bring passengers to small, uncontrolled airports,” Fergus Flanagan of Eclipse Aerospace, added. “We are looking at how Daedalean’s systems can reduce pilot workload at more remote airports to maintain the highest levels of safety,”
The development comes as the business aviation industry shows increasing interest in AI-based safety systems. At the NBAA-BACE convention in Las Vegas, Dr Bordain joined discussions on the potential of AI in aviation, noting that Daedalean’s technology is on track to become one of the first certified AI systems for safety-critical aviation applications. “We believe our systems are poised to be the first certified for safety-critical applications,” Bordain said, highlighting their work with regulators like the FAA and EASA to ensure safety compliance.
As the collaboration progresses, Eclipse and Daedalean aim to enhance both pilot support and passenger safety, setting a new standard in AI-integrated aviation technology.
