Compact 360-Degree Helicopter Search Light Unveiled

Thales has introduced what it describes as the first compact, flush-mounted Search & Landing Light to combine unrestricted 360-degree swivelling coverage with zero illumination dead zones, designed to deliver mission-tailored functionality across military, security, search-and-rescue, and civil aviation helicopter operations.

The high-power system uses a compact, flush-mounted architecture that reduces aerodynamic impact. It features a software-defined, connected architecture that integrates with onboard systems such as Forward-Looking Infrared sensors, helmet-mounted displays, and multifunction displays to enhance situational awareness and streamline crew coordination in demanding environments.

For complex night-time search-and-rescue missions across terrain such as mountains, forests, or snow-covered areas, the light enables rapid area scanning and continuous illumination of survivors, rescue teams, and landing zones without requiring pilots to reposition the aircraft. Control of single or multiple light units can be distributed among the pilot, co-pilot, or hoist operator to maintain precise, stable lighting of the winch area during critical medical evacuations or maritime recoveries.

In military and special operations environments, the system supports tactical effectiveness during infiltration and exfiltration missions. It features dedicated covert operating modes with low infrared detectability, helping reduce the aircraft’s visual and infrared signature while preserving the illumination required to maintain tactical awareness in contested environments.

Thales is responsible for the complete optical assembly design for the LED-based lighting subsystem, as well as full system integration, assembly, and testing at its facility in Dourdan, France.

Nicolas Bonleux, Vice President, Aerospace Communications, Thales, commented, “Helicopter crews operate in some of the most demanding environments, often making critical decisions in seconds and under extremely challenging conditions. Our new Search & Landing Light was developed with those operators in mind, giving them greater flexibility, enhanced mission effectiveness and the ability to adapt to a wide range of operational scenarios from a single system. It illustrates our commitment to delivering solutions that evolve with our customers’ missions.”