Tests of Wilga 2000 Equipped With FLIR
Warsaw, 05 December 2003
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PZL-104M WILGA 2000 aircraft with a new tracking system POP-200 is undergoing tests at EADS PZL “WARSZAWA-OKĘCIE”. We have used for tests the first prototype of Wilga 2000 which is the property of its manufacturer.
POP-200 system installed on this aircraft comprises a stabilized gyro head with TV camera as well as FLIR (Forward Looking Infra Red) camera. A picture generated by this equipment is projected on liquid crystal displays and recorded on magnetic tape by a recorder placed in a cabin, this enables the processing and recording of ground reconnaissance data. The whole tracking head is controlled with a joystick by an operator sitting in the place of pilot from right side. The system has an automatic target tracking function, i.e. after selection and “freezing” a target, visible on the display, its further tracking is done automatically until the operator abandonment. It enables for aircraft manoeuvring during target tracking.
At present, the system tested at Okęcie is the second tracking system used on Wilga 2000. In the latter half of 90’s of the 20th century Polish Border Guard purchased five Wilga 2000 aircraft equipped with FLIR Argus-2000 system. This system isn’t furnished with TV camera but only FLIR camera, besides it has a larger size (it needs more space in a cabin than POP-200 system). Wilga airplanes equipped in this manner are used by Polish Border Guard for patrolling of north and east border. This task will become particularly important after 1st May of 2004 when Poland becomes European Union member and its mentioned frontiers will turn to be outside Union borders.
It is worth adding that Wilga is an ideal patrol aircraft thanks to excellent visibility from cabin, flight range, STOL characteristics and the possibility of operation in off-field area. What’s more, the simple construction (easy repairs) of Wilga and long service life makes it a favourable offer for countries that want or have to use patrol systems similar to product of EADS PZL “Warszawa-Okęcie”.
