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by widforss 327 days ago
It looks like the pilot barely sees out the window? Does it rely on cameras or does it föy by itself?
1 comments

It relies on cameras.

Wikipedia: The flush cockpit means that the long and pointed nose-cone will obstruct all forward vision. The X-59 will use an enhanced flight vision system (EVS), consisting of a forward 4K camera with a 33° by 19° angle of view, which will compensate for the lack of forward visibility.

Thats pretty cool, Concorde had to drop the nose so the pilots could see out when landing, no longer an issue.
What happens if the camera stops working?
Same thing that happens when flying through storms or clouds - fly by instrument.
Regular aircraft equipped for IFR can't safely land with zero forward visibility. The pilot has to be able to see the runway for the final touchdown and roll out. Only a few aircraft and airports are able to do Category IIIC precision landings.

https://skybrary.aero/articles/instrument-landing-system-ils

In an emergency you do whatever you have to in order to preserve safety and lives.

No idea if the procedure here would be use a backup camera, try to land on ILS, or eject/bail out (if equipped). Presumably they've thought of that and it's in the "emergency procedures" section of the flight manual.

I am sorry for a stupid comment, but when I hear this I always picture sad pilot reaching for a guitar, playing a ballad and hoping for the best.
Are there many pilots who are even rated for 6-strings?

I know commercial airliners are required to carry an emergency ukulele, but that's only 4 strings.

I knew what it was going to be before I clicked it, but I clicked it anyway. Classic.
Lindbergh managed without being able to see dead ahead.
It's one of a number of safety-critical items onboard, including the pilot.

There may even be multiple. Cameras are pretty cheap these days.

You stop the plane. They are only really used while taxiing.
Backup periscope or mirror perhaps?
RUD.