360 Degree viewing for Aviation Refuellers

‍Client: Holmwood Highgate

Location: Airport

Project: Installation of 5 Camera 360° Birdseye System on Aeroplane Refueller

Aviation refuelling vehicles operate in tight spaces on a busy tarmac, surrounded by people and equipment. As they transfer flammable liquid, workplace safety is a high priority.

Birdseye systems offer the driver a 360-degree real time view around their vehicle, to detect obstacles in blind spots and provide enhanced viewing when manoeuvring in a busy environment.

The Continental ASL360/ProViu Birdseye camera system was selected for this installation with five specialty cameras. Each features a unique 187° fish-eye lens with superior image quality to encompass the entire view that you cannot achieve with standard rear vision mirrors.

The addition of a 5th camera mounted facing upwards is specific for the refuelling task. The camera is programmed to operate when a light is turned on, to highlight the underside of the aircraft wing. This enables the driver to position the truck accurately, by lining the correct height work platform with the plane’s refuelling point.

TRVS can customise combinations of cameras and views to suit the specific needs of each vehicle and application. On this installation, our technicians worked with the vehicle manufacturer to achieve the best result. The manufacturer routed cables and mounted the cameras while they were assembling the body of the Aeroplane Refuelling Vehicle. TRVS then programmed and calibrated the system at the manufacturer’s factory.

The objective of this installation was to reduce the risk of accidents on the tarmac. At the time of refuelling, the area around a plane is generally busy. With baggage movement, refuelling, catering loading and passengers boarding all at the same time, to optimise the plane’s turnaround time. The truck driver needs to manoeuvre the vehicle under the wing and out again, without coming in contact with the plane fuselage or other services.

Although the driver conducts a safety ‘walk around’ the vehicle prior to exiting the area, it’s an ever-changing environment and things can change before the driver moves the truck. The Birdseye camera system transmits an image on the dash-mounted monitor that encompasses the entire perimeter of the vehicle. This delivers superior driver vision and improves workplace safety.