Helicopter Visual Landing Support Lighting System Enhances Naval Operations
**The Helicopter Visual Landing Support Lighting System (HEGIDAS) has been successfully integrated into a corvette, marking a significant milestone in naval operations.** Announced by STM on April 21, 2023, this advanced system, developed in collaboration with Berkin Defense Industry Engineering Trade Inc., is now actively being utilized as part of an export project. HEGIDAS has passed thorough acceptance tests and is now operational, illustrating the success of local innovation in military technology.
As part of the initiative, HEGIDAS will not only serve on the initially constructed corvette but will also be incorporated into another vessel within the same export project. Furthermore, the system is slated for deployment on three ships in the Malaysian Corvette Project and across the 6th to 12th vessels of the MİLGEM İstif Class in Turkey. This strategic roll-out aims for HEGIDAS to enhance operations across a total of twelve surface platforms, showcasing Turkey’s growing naval capabilities.
Designed to provide visual guidance and reliable flight deck lighting, HEGIDAS is equipped with advanced software that ensures optimal functionality of its components. This system is crucial for enabling pilots to land helicopters safely on military vessels, regardless of time or visibility conditions. With HEGIDAS, the challenges of nighttime or poor visibility landings are significantly diminished, allowing for efficient operations while reducing workload on the pilots.
HEGIDAS is compatible with all military surface platforms that are equipped to handle helicopter operations, including corvettes and frigates. Its technical features include a wide beam angle of 9º, pressurized nitrogen gas, an anti-icing heater, and an adjustable beam azimuth of 180º. Furthermore, it employs cutting-edge LED technology and is designed to be NVIS compatible, making it an asset in diverse operational environments.
In line with the growing demand for such advanced systems, HEGIDAS is entering mass production, with STM already conducting NETA sea tests. This initiative not only emphasizes Turkey’s commitment to advancing its domestic defense technologies but also underscores the importance of SAFER operations in naval warfare, where precision and reliability are paramount.
