Omnidirectional speed cockpit display

Abstract

An omnidirectional cockpit display has perpendicular bars independently moving across a plate for providing indications of speed in lateral, forward and rearward directions. A zero point is centered between lateral edges of the plate and is displaced vertically from the center of the plate to provide greater speed indications in a forward direction than in a rearward direction. A safe flight envelope is indicated on the plate, extending around the zero point in lateral and rearward directions and extending toward the edges of the plate in the forward flight direction. Indicator scales are mounted along edges of the plate, and pointers move along the scales to indicate vector sum of component speeds, and density altitude. Other scales and pointers indicate ground speed in orthogonal directions, while the crossbars indicate air speed in those directions. Other peripheral scales and pointers indicate directional control position, collective thrust control position, rate of climb and rate of closure. Vector sum or absolute magnitude is indicated at all times. When the absolute speed exceeds the graphic capability of the display, the vector sum can be determined by viewing the pointer scale on the left side. Safe rotor engagement and disengagement envelopes are presented as a shaded area on the plate. On-off warning flags are provided around peripheries of the plate.