A technology that protects pilots from optical laser strikes could be in service next year following an agreement signed at the show.
Airbus-owned Satair Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with MTI's Canada-based Lamda Guard division which will lead to an exclusive distribution arrangement as part of a go-to-market plan targeting a 2018 introduction.
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"We are now looking to select an industrial partner to develop an STC," says Satair chief executive Bart Reijnen.
The initial application will be on the Airbus single-aisle family, but this will be expanded to cover other types – including airliners, business jets and helicopters. MTI's MetAir laser protection product can be applied to transparent surfaces such as aircraft windscreens to deflect laser beams.
Laser strikes are a growing threat to pilots, MTI chief executive George Palikaras says. "There have been over 2,000 already this year," he says, adding that the threat is likely to worsen as high-powered lasers become cheaper and more accessible.
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Source: FlightGlobal.com
