Text-To-Speech Goes DigitalText-To-Speech Goes Digital

Boeing Co. is using SpeechWorks International Inc.'s text-to-speech engine to support the on-board warning system of the newest Apache Longbow assault helicopter. SpeechWorks' Speechify software will let the U.S. Army and foreign military customers more easily add warning commands as the need to detect advanced weaponry grows.

Until now, the Apache aircraft, considered the Army's most advanced combat helicopter, has shipped with an assortment of audio messages, but commands could be added only by recording the new warnings in a studio. With the Speechify software, customers can add commands digitally by tapping into Boeing's network and accessing text files that are converted into spoken words, then loaded into the on-board warning system, says Hal Klopper, site manager for communications for Boeing's Apache helicopter and military-support programs.

Boeing started producing the digital version of the Apache in 1997. Customers can ship aircraft back to Boeing to have the technology added to their fleets.

Photo courtesy of Reuters/Landov