US Army Rolls Out New Navigation Tools After Deadly DC Helicopter Collision
The US Army has started equipping its helicopter crews with Stratus navigation devices following a tragic midair collision in Washington DC in January that claimed 67 lives. The accident involved a Black Hawk helicopter from Fort Belvoir’s 12th Aviation Battalion, which collided with a commercial aircraft over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport.
The battalion involved in the crash is receiving priority in the rollout of approximately 1,700 Stratus systems, which integrate with pilot tablets to deliver real-time data on air traffic and weather conditions. Army officials say the devices are intended to enhance situational awareness, especially in congested or low-visibility environments, and help avoid future accidents.
The Army has not disclosed technical specifications or the manufacturer of the devices. Although a Stratus unit was aboard the Black Hawk at the time of the incident, it’s still unclear whether it was operational or in use. Investigations by the NTSB and the Army are ongoing, with updates expected soon.
Since the crash, the Army has expanded use of real-time location transmitters and has halted helicopter landings at the Pentagon helipad, citing safety concerns. Some lawmakers and victims’ families have criticized the response as delayed, though officials maintain that safety improvements are underway.
