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The console
in the MD500E & MD530F is virtually identical
(picture on left). The picture on the right is the
MD-500D console. The pilot operates from the left
side and the tactical officer from the right. The FLIR /
moving map screen and key board are visible on the right
along with the search light control and police radios. |
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ASTREA
routinely uses Night Vision Goggles for all night patrol
and rescue operations. These devices amplify ambient
light 30,000 times. This gives a tremendous margin of
safety and effectiveness for crews whether working over
a city or in a dark back country canyon. As seen
in the picture to the left, the goggles affix to the
wearer's helmet and are powered by a battery pack which
affixes to the rear of the helmet. |
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The moving map
can display any one of a number of maps including street
& road, topographical and airspace. A real-time
display indicates the aircraft position as it flies.
Addresses or locations can be entered using the keyboard
and a display indicates direction to turn and time
enroute. The FLIR system shares this screen and
therefore only one system can be operated at a time. |
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The
Freightliner Fuel Truck pictured on the left carries
1200 gallons of jet fuel and is capable of delivering 25
gallons per minute. It also serves as a remote scene
support vehicle and can accommodate five crew persons.
ASTREA operates another similar fuel truck which can
carry over 4000 gallons of fuel. |
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The FLIR or Forward
Looking Infra Red mounts to a bracket on the right side
of the aircraft. It is controlled by the tactical flight
officer using a joy-stick device.
The picture on the left is an example of the type of
image the crew sees when using FLIR. Instead of
"seeing" light, the FLIR "sees"
heat. The warm areas of an object are displayed brighter
white. In this case, the sleeveless arms and uncovered
face and neck is displayed brighter than areas covered
by clothing.
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