Intended For Cargo, Utility Aircraft Applications
Lockheed Martin unveiled its new pilotage sensor for cargo and
utility aircraft during recent flight demonstrations on a UH-1H
helicopter at Fort Belvoir, VA.
The pilotage sensor, called Pathfinder, is derived from the
Lockheed Martin Modernized Target Acquisition Designation
Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) system deployed on
the AH-64D Apache.
Lockheed Martin describes the Pathfinder as a low-risk pilotage
system for safe flight operations. It increases situational
awareness and reduces pilot workload through a heads-up, eyes-out
helmet-mounted display (HMD).
"The Pathfinder system offers an immediate, positive impact to
aircraft safety and provides an outstanding pilotage solution that
works even when night vision goggles cannot," said Bob Gunning,
director of Apache Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire
Control. "Our passion for the safety of the Warfighter and
drive for mission success motivated us to develop Pathfinder as the
ideal integrated system solution for current challenges."
Pathfinder is a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system designed
specifically for terrain-following flight and terminal operations
in unimproved landing areas. The company said it is also evaluating
alternate sensor and image processing techniques to allow
Pathfinder to show visible and near IR features such as cultural
lighting, rockets, gunfire, spotters/pointers and missiles.
The FLIR used in Pathfinder is
long-wave, high-definition, and has a 52-degree, wide field-of-view
optics. The FLIR technology is based on a Standard Advanced Dewar
Assembly I (SADA I) integrated detector cooler assembly and
electronics modules common with the M-TADS targeting
FLIR.
Pathfinder's high definition 1728 by 960 resolution allows
pilots to fly at safer altitudes and airspeeds while providing
necessary mission information. The system is provisioned for image
blending and its advanced processing algorithms give pilots the
best resolution possible to avoid obstacles such as wires and
trees. It can be adapted for use on rotary- and fixed-wing
aircraft.
The Pathfinder turret is mounted on the helicopter's chin using
a kit consisting of three line replaceable modules. Eleven of the
14 line replaceable modules are 100 percent common with the AH-64D
Apache's M-PNVS system, creating a unique synergism with the
already established M-TADS/PNVS production line.