HoodTech Vision introduces dual-payload on a single aircraft

HoodTech Vision has demonstrated the ability for a single aircraft to carry two stabilised imaging systems. The system allows operators to simultaneously and independently operate the two payloads for operations on manned or unmanned aircraft.

The company’s on-board aircraft electronics provide power, video, and control function management of the payload.  The new dual-payload imaging systems on a single, manned aircraft are controlled by a rear-seat payload operator with analogue video ground-link hardware.  Video signals from each payload are multiplexed to the downlink hardware via computer control.  Ground-based payload control has been successfully demonstrated on the various aircraft.

Chris Johnston, VP sales and marketing Infrared Projects, HoodTech Vision, said that two of the 4-axis, gyro-stabilised, imaging payload systems have been delivered to international customers for installation on a single aircraft. 

He said: ‘The EO payload was an adaptation of HoodTech's field-proven Alticam 09EO1 product that offers National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scale (NIIRS) level 9 for airborne imagery from a 4,200 ft slant range, along with a continuous zoom MWIR payload based upon our Alticam 09MWIR2 product.

‘In a separate activity, HoodTech Vision has also demonstrated two-payload operations from a small UAS where a centre-of-gravity (CG) payload was mounted, in addition to a standard, nose-mounted payload.  Both EO-only and EO/IR payloads were installed and operated in the CG position.  A standard EO/IR payload occupied the nose position on the UAS.  Independent imager control, articulation, and tracking were successfully accomplished.  HoodTech and its customer partner realised great value in the 2-payload load-out when interrogating two, independently-operating targets from a single airplane.  Situational awareness was increased in both the single target and dual-target scenarios.’