Opportune Landing Site Testing Proves Successful Published Feb. 6, 2008 By Air Vehicles Directorate AFRL/RB WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The AFRL-managed Opportune Landing Site (OLS) program recently conducted two successful landing site soil tests. Boeing and the US Army's Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) jointly developed the OLS software, which uses satellite imagery, digital terrain elevation data, and Air Force Weather Agency data to help find suitable landing sites for aircraft. The software analyzes terrain characteristics such as width, length, and flatness to determine whether the location is free of vegetation, standing water, and obstructions. In the first round of tests, conducted at Vandenberg Air Force Base (AFB), California, Air Force Civil Engineering Service Agency researchers collected soil samples of terrain chosen by the OLS software. The soil underwent analysis and comparison to OLS system data. Test results revealed that the OLS software model had accurately predicted both soil type (to a depth of 30 in.) and soil hardness (strength). Additional testing, conducted at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, partially reinforced these preliminary findings: while actual soil type did not match predictions, the OLS software once again proved itself a reliable predictor of soil strength. Pilots could use OLS software in conjunction with other analysis tools to assist their landings in natural terrain. The software therefore has the potential to increase the capabilities of mission-critical vehicles such as transport aircraft. It could also broaden the range of possible landing options for military aircraft, saving time and money. The OLS program is funded under the US Transportation Command's Technology Transformation Initiative and directed by Air Mobility Command. SynGenics and General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems provide systems engineering support for the program.