Night Vision and Geo-Location for Solar Impulse

20.05.2008
Nearly two hundred personalities from research institutes, government, industry, banking and commerce attended the twentieth edition of the award ceremony of the Franco-Swiss Chamber of Commerce (CFSCI) in Montreux on April 25, 2008. The awards are known as “Trophées CFSCI” for outstanding achievements in marketing, organisation and innovation by French and Swiss enterprises.

This year’s innovation award went to Solar Impulse, Bertrand Piccard’s project of zero pollution, solar powered flight. He received the award from the hands of Emeric D’Arcimoles, Groupe SAFRAN, an official partner of the CFSCI Awards and sponsor of the Solar Impulse project.

SAFRAN, through its Swiss subsidiary Vectronix AG, displayed their handheld day and night observation and location equipment. VECTOR Rangefinder Binoculars are the worldwide reference in rapid surveying of inaccessible objects. MOSKITO combines the same angle and distance measurement functions with image intensified night vision. The latest product, TARSIUS16, is the smallest and lightest monocular night viewer on the market.

The PLRF15C Pocket Laser Range Finder can measure the flying height and determine the position of landmarks on the ground. This gift from Vectronix should help in fine tuning techniques and procedures during the various trials before the Solar Impulse’s attempted flight around the globe. A BIG25 Night Vision Goggle may aid in navigation and contribute to mission safety.