Thermal Imager Passes Test

The Aero 20/2X thermal imaging system designed for law enforcement, aerial inspection, and search and rescue applications has successfully completed its initial flight test aboard an OH-58 helicopter. Developed by Sagebrush Technology Inc. of Albuquerque, N.M., and by EMX Inc. and Arion International Inc., both of Orlando, Fla., the imager incorporates an uncooled IR video camera and a two-axis stabilized gimbal mount.

The detector is a 320 x 240-pixel, BST hybrid ferroelectric staring focal plane array with a spectral range of 7 to 14 µm. The 45.5-lb gimbal mount has a range of motion of ±60° and +15° to
-45° in azimuth and elevation, respectively.

The companies are working toward obtaining certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration for use of the system on rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.