Lockheed Martin [LMT] Nov. 12 announced its flight team successfully completed the first flight of its fully integrated Pathfinder advanced pilotage system, marking the beginning of the developmental test phase for the system.
The first flight for the state-of-the-art cargo and utility aircraft pilotage system, derived from the AH-64D Apache’s Modernized Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-PNVS), took place aboard an Army HH-60L Black Hawk Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) helicopter at Felker Army Airfield, Fort Eustis, Va. Sikorsky [UTX] produces the MEDEVAC helicopter.
In July, the company team set up operations at Ft. Eustis (Defense Daily, July 16).
Test pilots and flight engineers from the Army’s Aviation Applied Technology Directorate are evaluating Pathfinder’s technical readiness level for application on cargo and utility aircraft.
“In the short time we have been at Fort Eustis, we already have demonstrated Pathfinder’s pilotage capability as a fully integrated sensor system for the Army’s cargo and utility helicopter community,” Monty Watson, Pathfinder program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
Following the developmental testing, Army aircrews will participate in a limited user test to evaluate the system in an operational environment. The aircrews will come from the Army Reserve 159th Aviation Regiment in Clearwater, Fla.
Lockheed Martin leads an industry team that includes BAE Systems, Elbit-Fort Worth and Thales.
“Flight safety is the single most important facet of any heliborne mission,” Bob Gunning, vice president of Apache programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said. “When you can see better, you can naturally operate more safely and more confidently in any environment. With its high reliability and its unique array of options, Pathfinder allows you to do just that.”
Pathfinder increases situational awareness and reduces pilot workload through a head-up, eyes-out, helmet-mounted display. With an exceptionally wide field of view, Pathfinder is the only forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system designed and developed specifically to support terrain flight and terminal operations in unimproved landing areas during reduced visibility conditions. Its high definition resolution allows pilots to fly at safer altitudes and airspeeds while providing the necessary information to complete complex missions while avoiding obstacles such as wires, poles and trees.
The Pathfinder advanced pilotage system also has a Visible/Near Infrared (V/NIR) camera that enhances situational awareness in low light conditions by blending the V/NIR sensor video with Pathfinder FLIR. The sensor also allows aviators to see laser pointers, improving coordination with ground units.
The Pathfinder turret mounts readily on the helicopter’s chin using a kit consisting of three line-replaceable modules. Eleven of the 14 line-replaceable modules are common with the AH-64D Apache’s M-PNVS system, creating synergy with the established M-TADS/PNVS production line and worldwide performance based logistics sustainment base.