RIO DE JANEIRO, April 12 (UPI) -- The first solar-powered helipad kit was put on display Tuesday at the Latin American Aero and Defense International Exhibition and Conference on Aerospace and Defense Technology.
The solar-powered system, reputedly the world's first comprehensive and stand-alone wireless helipad light and navigational aid, was launched as a joint production of Carmanah Technologies and ADB Airfield Solutions amid increasing demand in Latin America for security access to remote and isolated areas of the continent.
Brazil and neighboring countries have been looking into ways of securing their remote jungles and porous borders where illegal immigration, drug trafficking and other organized crime activities have led to increasing investment in military equipment.
Brazil stepped up border and offshore security as it began work on developing deep-water hydrocarbon resources that are not easily accessible from the shore.
The manufacturers said the Helipad Kit features ADB wireless solar engine power systems, visual navigation aids and Carmanah wireless solar-powered airfield lighting technology.
The helipad kit comes as a wireless, stand-alone and self-contained unit. It is configurable and is being promoted at the show as the ideal total helipad safety improvement system for remote locations where grid power is difficult or impossible to access.
The kit includes a complete system of lighting and navigation aid and is configurable to a helipad's unique mission requirements, said the manufacturers.
The kit is being shown to potential buyers as an example of the combined strength of the Carmanah and ADB partnership.
By joining solar and AC-powered product portfolios as well as several decades of expertise in developing and delivering airfield lighting systems, "Carmanah and ADB are responding to opportunities that demand a complete solution," the companies said.
It was not immediately clear if the solar-powered helipad had already received firm orders from U.S. or foreign buyers.
The kit can be used both as a permanent or temporary and portable helipad with ease of installation.
The kit's solar-powered components install within minutes, eliminating the need for trenching, cabling or
accessing external power.
The manufacturers hope the flexibility to respond quickly and efficiently will appear to a whole range of users, from commercial airports, armed forces, emergency medical services, fire departments, hospitals and coast guards.
The kit consists of everything needed to improve the safety and visibility of virtually any size of ground, rooftop, offshore or remote helipad, including wireless solar-powered perimeter lights, approach lights, ID and obstruction beacons, flood lights, windcone, directional signs, wireless handheld controllers and all of the mounting and deploying hardware required.
Carmanah Technologies Corp. and ADB began their partnership last year. Carmanah is a publicly traded company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. ADB is a leading airfield lighting technology company in the Federal Aviation Administration and International Civil Aviation Organization markets providing advanced, integrated and sustainable solutions for visual guidance.
