ORLANDO, Fla., 16 July 2008. Engineers from the U.S. Army and Lockheed Martin Corp. are set to flight-test the Lockheed Martin Pathfinder pilotage sensor on an Army HH-60L helicopter at Fort Eustis, Va.

Pathfinder uses existing technology from the Lockheed Martin Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) system, also known as Arrowhead, which is deployed on the AH-64D Apache attack helicopter. Pathfinder enhances the pilot's awareness of his surroundings and places information on data screens in an eyes-forward, eyes-out, helmet-mounted display.

Pathfinder is a state-of the-art pilotage sensor for cargo and utility aircraft. Tests, scheduled through November, will involve an industry team that includes BAE Systems, Elbit-Fort Worth, and Thales.

"The Pathfinder pilotage sensor is the optimum low-risk, best-value pilotage solution for providing safe flight operations in degraded visual environments such as brownouts and whiteouts," says Bob Gunning, vice president of Apache Fire Control programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Pathfinder offers an immediate, positive influence to aircraft safety and provides an outstanding pilotage solution that works even when night vision goggles cannot."

The Pathfinder forward-looking infrared system supports terrain flight and operations in degraded-visibility landing areas. Its high definition resolution allows pilots to fly at safe altitudes and air speeds while avoiding obstacles such as wires, poles, and trees.