Wescam cuts weight on new sensing turret
The Wescam division of L-3 Communications is here with the first installation of its new MX-15i imaging turret installed on a UK Maritime and Coastguard Ag

The Wescam division of L-3 Communications is here with the first installation of its new MX-15i imaging turret installed on a UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency S-92 located at the Sikorsky booth. The S-92 installation was done by Sikorsky’s Keystone Helicopter division. The UK Coastguard purchased another MX-15i, and AgustaWestland has ordered two.

The current MX-15, a staple of search-and-rescue helicopters, has a separate master control unit (MCU)–external to the turret–that weighs about 50 pounds. The MX-15i integrates the MCU electronics into the turret, eliminating 47 pounds while adding slightly less than half an inch to the height of the turret. Total MX-15i weight, including MCU electronics, is about 98 pounds.