Lockheed Martin is a name that is not normally found in business aviation.
However, the company has unveiled a new pilotage sensor for cargo and utility aircraft. The system is called Pathfinder and uses technology from its modernised target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensor system used on the Boeing AH-64D Apache.
Pathfinder is a forward-looking infrared system designed and developed specifically to support terrain-following flight and terminal operations in unimproved landing areas.
Lockheed is also evaluating alternate sensor and image processing techniques that would allow Pathfinder to show visible and near infrared features, such as people, missiles, rockets and gunfire.
The system has potential for civil use and could benefit police and emergency medical services.
Source: Flight Daily News
