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.

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com