Twin Otter Guardian 400 World Demonstration Tour Part I

Viking Air Limited revealed its Guardian 400 Twin Otter special mission aircraft at the 2019 Paris International Airshow, marking the launch of a World Demonstration Tour.

Featuring a pixelated camouflage paint scheme, the Guardian 400 demonstrator aircraft features Airborne Technologies' wing-mounted SCAR pods, LINX® flexible surveillance architecture solution that integrates all sensors and communications systems with intuitive user interface, and tactical workstation with with high-definition touchscreen monitors.

Hensoldt has supplied the Argos EO/IR imaging turret with multi-spectral HDTV camera, mega-pixel HD Thermal imager, laser range finder, multi-mode auto tracker, and Remote Image Bus (RIB) video feed for display on the cockpit MFD and/or crew workstation.

An Osprey Radar system, supplied by Leonardo, is a low size weight and power (SWaP) active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar surveillance system that features 120-degree forward swath and true multi-mission capability for high performance maritime and land surveillance. The Osprey system also provides high-resolution ground mapping, small and low speed ground target indication, and air-to-air surveillance, tracking and intercept capability.

Sentient has supplied the Visual Detection and Ranging (ViDAR) Camera system complete with Kestrel moving target indication (MTI). The VidAR is a wide area optical search system consisting of high-resolution sensors coupled with onboard automation software capable of detecting small objects and dramatically extending aircraft coverage during Search & Rescue missions. The Kestrel MTI continuously detects moving objects while increasing the surveillance area by a factor of 20, thereby reducing operator fatigue and increasing reliable detection over long missions.

CarteNav Solutions, also a key contributor to the Guardian 400 demonstrator, has provided its AIMS mission system software that processes and manages imagery and data from the various sensors to enhance situational awareness and improve mission effectiveness with real time, geo-referenced local operating pictures.

The Guardian 400 prototype also features a data/voice/video recorder, Mission Management Unit (MMU), mission radio communications, intuitive hand controller for MCU & SLR camera targeting and IKHANA ergonomic operators mission seat for optimized crew comfort. The prototype is also equipped with Viking conformal bubble windows, left and right NATO standard wing-mounted hard points by IKHANA, Thunder Bay Aviation stretcher racks, and an aft lavatory for crew comfort.

The Guardian 400 World Demonstration Tour encompasses detailed briefings and demonstration flights throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and North America, with a tour extension to Central and South America under consideration. The Guardian 400 demonstrator aircraft is available for viewing on static display at the 2020 Singapore Airshow and CANSEC 2020.

See www.guardian400worldtour.com for more information.

Thank you and music credit to Bensound.