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Who Needs Windows? Supersonic Jets May Fly By Cam

There's a good reason the nose of the Concorde tilted down 12.5 degreeseach time it came for a landing -- if it didn't, the pilots wouldn't be able to see out of the windshield. That's a bad situation, unless the plane doesn't have a front window to begin with. As crazy as it might sound, aircraft manufacturer Gulfstream is seriously considering the idea as it develops the next generation of supersonic jets, which because of their needle-like design tend to offer limited views during takeoff and landing. It has joined NASA's Dryden Flight Research Centerin exploring the possibility of aircraft cockpits that eliminate front windshields in favor of high-definition cameras and video monitors. Such technology could simplify design and cut development costs. Gulfstream and NASA have in the past month made five test flights in which a pilot in the rear seat of a NASA F-18 systems research aircraft(similar to the plane pictured) successfully flew the plane using only small side windows and a a 22-inch LCD display connected to a high-definition cam. The system allows the pilot to see what's going on outside regardless of the aircraft's position and without adjusting the nose for an unobstructed view. Gulfstream plans three night flights by the end of the month. It should be noted that the test pilot is accompanied by a pilot in the front seat with an unobstructed view who stands ready take control of the plane if things go bad. Still, the big challenge will convincing the Federal Aviation Administration that fly-by-cam technology is viable -- and safe -- enough for passenger planes. NASA's project manager for external vision systems Larry Myers told Aviation Week the demo flights are ?designed to convince the FAA that under visual flight rules you could do this, and so far it looks like you could.? An FAA test pilot may try it out later this year. The blind cockpit is one element of Gulfstream's supersonic jet research program. The company is exploring advanced technology options in systems, aerodynamics, structures and propulsion, including a technology called Quiet Spike that cuts the noise impact of sonic boom on the ground. Other companies, including Lockheed's Skunkworks division, Aerion and Supersonic Aerospace International also are exploring supersonic business jets. Gulfstream is betting that despite the current economic malaise, there will be a big market for small, super-fast business jets. Whether passengers will be willing to trust a pilot using only a camera to fly is another question altogether. Photo by NASA Dryden Flight Research Center.