Aircraft
Lockheed Martin Offers Bolt-on Multi-Mission Sensor System
Lockheed Martin UK Integrated Systems has unveiled a self-contained sensor pod that can be fitted easily to helicopters and airlifters to convert them
Lockheed Martin’s Vigilance podded system can be fitted to AW-101 and other helicopters, or to military transports. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
Lockheed Martin’s Vigilance podded system can be fitted to AW-101 and other helicopters, or to military transports. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

Lockheed Martin UK Integrated Systems has unveiled a self-contained sensor pod that can be fitted easily to helicopters and airlifters to convert them for a variety of airborne surveillance missions. At the core of the package, which Lockheed Martin has named Vigilance, is an adaptation of Northrop Grumman’s fighter-size APG-80/81 AESA radar series.

The sensor pod can be mounted on a hardpoint or a rigid frame and contains the radar antenna, processor and power supply, an IFF interrogator, GPS/INS, ESM sensors and its own cooling system. Two of them carried on either side of the platform can provide 360-degree coverage.