A laser precision hover sensor for HLH helicopter

A Heavy Lift Helicopter (HLH) is being designed to have a load handling capability up to 73,000 lbs. (80% of a Boeing 707-320c capability). Specific use is for cargo handling from truck, rails and even ships under running conditions in high sea state. Damage easily reuslts from mishandling of large loads thereby requiring the helicopter to have the capability of ??freezing?? in mid-air or dynamically matching the motion of a heaving deck. An experimental sensor and performance is described.