Story ID: 181 APG SITE systemsNEW
APG Avionics Shows Controp’s Systems
By: Mark Phelps
Caption: The company’s camera systems are geared toward the rescue market.
Word Count: 292

APG Avionics, a division of Aviation Partners Group, is here at Heli-Expo (Booth 11535) representing Controp Precision Technologies and displaying Controp’s line of Surveillance Infrared Thermal and Electro-optical (SITE) systems. AGP recently formalized a partnership under which it will market, install, maintain and provide other support for the SITE systems. The agreement will help Controp expand its reach in the civil helicopter market, particularly in the U.S., Controp and APG executives said when they announced the new partnership Tuesday at Heli-Expo.

 The airborne camera systems are geared toward police, search-and-rescue (SAR), firefighting, coastal surveillance and border protection/control operations. APG isspotlighting Controp’s SITE-20, SITE-30HD and SITE-50HD systems. Cameras are gyro-stabilized day/night capable and include thermal imaging, continuous optical zoom lenses and proprietary image-enhancement features. APG cites the systems’ low weight and operator-friendly features as “cost effective” reasons for choosing them over competing brands.

In selecting Controp as a marketing partner, APG called up its experience working with UT Air to upgrade 32 United Nations helicopters for compliance with a mandate for terrain awareness and warning systems (TAWS), with another 26 helicopters to be equipped. APG also partnered with Sandel Avionics to meet Russian government certification requirements for the latter’s ST3400H HeliTAWS product. Finally, APG worked with Shadin Avionics to develop a connector adapter enabling western avionics to interface with Russian helicopters.

Established in 1988, Controp has experience installing its equipment in Bell 206 and 407 helicopters, Airbus AS350s and more, as well as experience with Russian Mil Mi-17s, Mi-24s and various Kamov models. The company also has experience developing electro-optical infrared camera systems for fixed-wing aircraft from Diamond, Cessna, Piper and others, as well as for unmanned aerial systems.