Goodrich presents next-generation low-cost camera gimbal for helicopter market

Goodrich Corporation is demonstrating a low-cost family of stabilised surveillance camera gimbals for the helicopter market that provides enhanced information-gathering capability to budget-pressured cities, businesses and armed forces.  

The gimbal system, part of the TASE family, is produced by Goodrich's ISR Systems team from the Hood River, Ore.-based Cloud Cap Technology, Inc. business that was acquired by Goodrich in May, 2009.

The TASE gimbal system consists of a lightweight stabilised camera gimbal, software and a FAA-approved mount for the aircraft.  The TASE system collects video during flight that can be displayed in real-time in the cockpit, reducing pilot workload, enhancing safety and reducing costs; images are also recorded for future playback.

"The Goodrich TASE system brings significant surveillance and inspection advantages to helicopter operators in smaller municipalities and businesses. These capabilities have previously been available only to cities and organisations with large capital budgets," said Mark Zanmiller, director of business development for Cloud Cap Technology. 

"Configurable video and map displays for the operator or pilot, combined with autonomous tracking and anomaly tagging, reduce flight crew workload.  Images are recorded and synchronised with GPS image position, so precise pinpointing for follow-up happens automatically. We anticipate a great demand for this affordable system to enhance a myriad of commercial and military helicopter missions including infrastructure inspection, forestry and coastline surveillance, firefighting and border patrol."

Goodrich's commercial customers for the new TASE system range from energy companies that use it for gas pipeline inspection to local law enforcement officials who use it to track potential criminals and support police officers on the ground.

Goodrich helicopter technology, including the TASE gimbal system, will be on display at the HELI EXPO, stand 3207, February 21-23, 2010 in Houston, Texas.  More information about the TASE gimbal system can be found at www.cloudcaptech.com.

Source: Goodrich