Transcription of This project included installation of VDL-6000 AIS ...
1 installation of AIS transponder on Latvian Air Force Mi-8 MTV-1 helicopters this project included installation of VDL-6000 AIS transponders ( Systems, Sweden) on two Latvian AF Mi-8 MTV-1 helicopters. Above picture represents view on AIS monitoring display (Latvian Marine Safety Unit). You may notice SAR helicopter at the centre of the display, with the info table beside. Airborne AIS transponders installed in aircraft greatly enhance search and rescue capabilities for surveillance of large areas even outside base station coverage.
2 The identification and localisation of all AIS-equipped vessels greatly increase homeland security, environmental protection, and the possibility of rescuing vessels in distress. AIS-equipped aircraft, with their high speed and extreme VHF coverage, are well suited to be used in SAR operations. The SOTDMA technology used in the AIS transponder broadcasts and receives information about all vessels within VHF. coverage. this information includes position, identity, course over ground, heading and rate of turn as well as navigational status and the destination of the ship.
3 The information received is easily plotted on an electronic chart display system. this gives the coastguard a surveillance capability that was not possible prior to AIS. AIS information on draught, type of cargo and destination is also useful in rescue operations. Airborne AIS transponder may be installed as a stand-alone unit, but you may add great search and rescue functionality by interfacing it to onboard moving-map system (EuroNAV by Euroavionics, for example). this would allow pilots to use any of visible AIS objects as a target for direct-to function.
4 Also a great feature of exchanging text messages between AIS-equipped objects, and using this text information for direct-to function, too. ASU Baltija, Ltd. Phone: +370 37 760112. Kaunas Intl. Airport Fax: +370 37 207009. Karmelava, Kaunas distr. e-mail: Lithuania, LT-54460 web.
