L-3 Wescam has announced that it has received an order from CHC Ireland to provide MX-15 electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems for installation on the S-92 search and rescue (SAR) aircraft selected for the Irish Coast Guard.

The installation of the turrets will be completed by Sikorsky aircraft ahead of their deployment to Ireland. The newly equipped S-92s will be utilised for SAR missions and operate from bases located near Shannon, Dublin, Waterford and Sligo, Ireland. The first system was delivered in January and remaining systems are scheduled to be delivered during 2013.

The MX-15i will provide the Irish Coast Guard with the most technologically advanced multi-sensor EO/IR imaging capability available. The system has been engineered as a one-line replacement unit solution, which reduces installation weight by 25 per cent and increases much-needed cabin space for transporting rescue victims. The system’s digital IR camera is capable of a 20 per cent increase in visual range, allowing missions at night or in inclement weather to result in a higher search success rate.

In addition, the system comes with Wescam’s MX-GEO gen. 3 package, which incorporates GEO-scan, automated video/GEOtracking and adaptive-GEO technologies. Together, this software suite helps deliver maximum geographic location accuracy and significantly reduces operator fatigue that often arises in demanding and stressful SAR operations.