In 2016, Trakka showed off its TC-300 multi-sensor surveillance system, and is now planning to make its first deliveries. These should take place from January to March of 2017.
Quoting Vertical Mag's Interview with Andrew Phillips: " There's a look and a feel to it that almost makes it - I'm going to use the word 'sexy' in terms of industrial design.". Sure enough, the part itself cut off over a 100 milligrams of weight from its new design, meaning less wait and more budget efficiency.
The article went on to talk about how Trakka's new product could have more militaristic and ground applications. The example provided mentioned about a ground unit using their camera, the TC-300 to keep all dangers out of arms reach. Like scoping out an enemy combatant, or examining a dangerous situation before sending in the SWAT unit. But for now lets focus on the Helicopter uses.
Trakka TC-300 on a Helicopter
There are plans right now to scale the TC-300 up and down as needed in terms of size, as well as incorporating new modules. This part is a single-line replaceable unit (LRU) system that hold a lightweight 300- millimeter (11.8 inch) gimbal and weighs in at less than 19 kilograms (42 pounds), according to the technical data.
Trakka TC-300 features.
The Trakka TC-300 also has fully digital 4-axis gyro stabilization and a payload suite with a medium wavelength, infrared (MWIR) thermal imager with continuous zoom, color HDTV with continous zoom and various laser sensors.
It also has inertial measurement unit/global positioning system and an advanced high-definition video engine with several features, including target tracking, and haze reduction.
The TrakkaCam line is also exempt from International Traffic in Arms Regulations(ITAR), meaning its easily exportable to countries around the world.
Following the prototype unveiling at Hai Heli Expo in 2016, they also showed it off at the Helitech International tradeshow in October, by which time it already had its first launch order, to an enthusiastic response.
In summary, this new part will be a great way to perform ISR on a budget without adding too much weight to your aircraft. From what we've seen, we think it may be a sound investment. How do you feel about it? Feel free to start the discussion in our comments section or on our twitter page. We'd love to hear your thoughts on it.