HISVESTA-HIgh Stability VErtical SeparaTion Altimeter instruments

HISVESTA is the next step in solving the remaining RTD challenges after the successful HASTAC project in FP6. The project will develop a new generation of altimetry module, suitable for fixed wing and rotary wing applications, which will give altitude accuracy capabilities significantly improved over those currently available today. Air Data Computer and aircraft flight testing performed in the project will demonstrate the effectiveness of the performance improvement.

The strategic objective of the project is to increase the safety in all in-flight situations, particularly low visibility situations, by improving the altimetry transducers used in Air Data Computers for aircraft applications. The project is relevant in auto pilot situations in the reduced vertical separation minima legislation of 1000ft, as well as in demanding manual flying situations such as darkness and low visibility. Used in enhanced transponder applications, the project will contribute to significantly increase reliability in altitude information for manual and automated Air Traffic Control Systems. Aircraft Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems will also benefit from more accurate and reliable altitude information, which will allow the automated avoidance instructions to be more accurate and effective.

Another project objective is to contribute to reduction of the emission of CO2 and NOx significantly in the next generation jet Engines, by improving the multifunctional pressure
control system in the Full Authority Digital Engine Control Systems.
This initiative consists of a strong consortium of European SMEs and participants from new member states. The entities in the Consortium have worked together successfully in the past, enhancing the probability for success in the project.

SINTEF - Stiftelsen for Industriell og Teknisk Forskning ved Norges Tekniske Hogskole (Norway) is the Project Coordinator.

MEMSCAP AS (Norway),

Microelectronica S.A. (Romania),

Curtiss - Wright Controls Ltd. (Penny & Giles Aerospace Ltd. - United Kingdom),

and CERAMica INgenua S.R.L. (Romania) are the Project partners

As a third possible spin off objective, meeting the strategic target in the Aeronautic call of FP7, to improve Passenger Comfort, by utilizing the more accurate pressure transducers developed in the HISVESTA project in Cabin Pressure Control Systems (CPCS), the control of the pressurized cabin can be better controlled relative to flight altitude and local barometric conditions, hence improving passenger Comfort.

Innovation elements:

• New Generation of silicon MEMS barometric and high temperature pressure sensors and fully compensated and digitized transducers
• Sensor systems with significantly improved altitude accuracy capabilities over time, target is better than 100ppm/year (0.01%/year)
• Altimetry Lab and Aircraft flight testing will demonstrate the effectiveness of the improvement
• The new generation of transducers with a new silicon MEMS sensor (absolute pressure sensing elements) as the key component, will also be available for other application areas, such as transponders, cabin pressure control systems and Engine control Systems (FADECs)

Project's webpage