The US Army is ordering enhanced TEAC video recording systems for installation on Boeing AH-64 Apaches that may be deployed as part of NATO's campaign in Yugoslavia.
The 1st Regiment of the 1st Aviation Battalion, based in Germany, has ordered TEAC VSC-80Bscan-conversion video systems for its 24 Apaches, in a deal worth $750,000. The units are being delivered immediately from stock.
The 11th Aviation Battalion, whose Apaches have been deployed to Albania but have yet to be used in the conflict, is expected to order the same equipment for its 24-aircraft squadron imminently.
The VSC-80Boffers a 40% improvement in image quality and double the recording time, compared with the 20-year-old TEAC V-1000AB-F units now installed in US Army Apaches.
It is expected the new system will be capable of receiving image transmissions from unmanned air vehicles, although this technology is still in development.
The video system allows pilots to survey the battlefield for a brief period before disappearing from enemy view and analysing the target environment by replaying the video tape. The recordings are also used for post-mission debriefs.
Source: Flight International
