Thales UK presented the I-Master radar in cooperation with Seabird Aviation at SOFEX 2008. Seabird Aviation and Thales are working together to study the incorporation of the I-Master radar onto the Seabird SB7L-360 Seeker to enable further joint success in approaching a particular segment of the global airborne surveillance market.

The flight trials programme started in August 2007 and is now accelerating with multiple flights completed in February and March this year using a Cessna 406 aircraft as the trials platform.

"It is an incredibly exciting time in the programme, with our hard work in the development stages being rewarded with some very impressive results. Installation in the Cessna was straightforward, with no aircraft modifications as we were able to use a standard camera position in the fuselage floor," comments Richard Deakin, Managing Director of Thales UK's aerospace business.

The lightweight I-Master can be fitted to UAVs or manned fixed wing and rotary platforms, with the unique Seabird SB7L-360 Seeker as an obvious example. The Seeker is a one-of-a-kind light aircraft specifically designed for low-level aerial observation and surveillance missions. The Seeker is characterised by superior fields of vision, the ability to carry a variety of sensors and cameras, and the capability of stable, slow flight.

With a scalable workstation system for standalone radar operation as well as for integration with other sensors and systems, the I-Master has the capability and flexibility to satisfy all modern surveillance requirements.