Jay Clemens
Textron has announced it will offer an Overwatch Imaging-built precision survey sensor technology as part of the Aerosonde small unmanned aircraft system.
Overwatch Imaging designed its TK-7 Firewatch multispectrum survey payload with color focal plane array and co-boresighted infrared sensors that Textron will integrate with the UAS’ onboard image processing system to facilitate precision mapping and aerial photography, Textron said Monday.
Dennis Racine, senior director of civil and commercial products at Textron’s systems business,  said he believes the integration of the Firewatch sensor onto the Aerosonde SUAS will help wildland fire incident responders to obtain situational awareness in real time.
Textron added the TK-7 payload can support time-critical analytics and reporting if combined with the firm’s geospatial information systems knowledge workflows.
The Aerosonde is designed to integrate with multiple sensors that work to transmit real-time data on fire growth, burn intensity, fuels and heat concentrations to responders.
