Australian researchers are working with the US Army to develop technology that uses the sense of touch to help helicopter pilots better respond to low visibility conditions and possible threats.

The University of Canberra and Adelaide-based company elmTEK are working on software suitable for the needs of Australian Army helicopter pilots.

The team has received a share of $14 million for the project from the Australian Defence Force's Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTP) Program.

Researcher Braden McGrath said the US Army had already developed the hardware needed.

The system uses a vibrating vest, which is worn by a pilot while flying.

"With the tactile cueing system as the pilot comes into land, if a drift starts, say on his right hand side, he would feel a vibration on his right hand side," Dr McGrath said.

But he said the next step was to create Australian specific software.

Australian Army 'do things differently to US'

Dr McGrath said the software developed would be applicable to Australian aircraft, Australian conditions and to how the Australian Army flies its aircraft.

"We do things differently from the US. This is one of those situations where we couldn't just buy it from the US, we needed to develop our own software," he said.

The technology will be designed to aid helicopter pilots flying in low visibility environments,

Dr McGrath said the tactile cueing system could be used in conjunction with existing visual displays, providing extra information when a pilot's visual and auditory senses were focused on other aspects of the flying.

"The rapid and instinctive response to touch allows the pilot to make the fastest possible response to a threat or changing environment," he said.

He said the system also had the potential to provide helicopter pilots with accurate information about altitude, velocity, navigation, acceleration, and target location.