Virginia Guard Soldiers test new aircraft-mounted video downlink system -- Sept. 12, 2012

Soldiers from the Sandston-based 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment test the operability of the tactical video downlink system and view live video from a UH-72 Lakota helicopter Sept. 12 at the Virginia Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility. The system is part of a new Mission Equipment Package, which includes a forward centerline-mounted camera system with advanced optics and infrared sensors, a high intensity searchlight, cockpit and cabin touch-screen displays with moving map, a video management system, a digital video recorder and data downlink system, plus additional avionics and communications equipment. The Soldiers on the ground were able to view live video directly from the aircraft-mounted camera and request video footage from various known locations in the area. The MEP enhances the Virginia Guard's capabilities for missions such as aerial reconnaissance, damage assessment and search and rescue while supporting state active duty.

To view photos of a MEP-equipped Lakota helicopter, click here.