(Riegl USA: Orlando, FL) -- In 2006, a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SW-06-68) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was distributed regarding the potential hazards of mounting forward looking infrared (FLIR) systems on rotorcraft. Subsequent policy changes have been implemented regarding the safety of airborne laser scanners on rotorcraft because of these potential hazards. The policy identifies concerns with Class 3A, 3B, and 4 lasers. The proposed policy directs that these lasers not be approved in an operational configuration; the laser function must be electrically disabled and a Class 1 rating mandatory.

Riegl Laser Measurement Systems GmbH has released its latest Airborne Laser Scanner, the LMS-Q680i—Class 1 for FAA rotocraft.  The scanner will use reduced laser power to achieve the important Class 1 rating the FAA policy dictates. The risk to a person in the area around the LMS-Q680i—Class 1 scanner is zero. “We are excited to be able to quickly respond to the geospatial communities need to be in accordance with the FAA regulations,” says James Van Rens, president of Riegl USA.

The new LMS-Q680i-Class 1 for FAA rotorcraft offers its established, industry-leading echo digitization for in-depth full waveform analysis, now smoothly combined with multiple-time-around signal processing. The combination allows the user to benefit from the high pulse rate from high-flight altitudes and thus to achieve high measurement densities on the ground.

This system will have the same 266,000 measurements at ground performance. It provides unrivaled point density performance and an unmatched laser pulse repetition rate of 400KHz.

A scan rate of up to 200 lines per second at a constant 60-degree field of view makes this product ideal for city modeling, power-line monitoring, and coastal mapping. The scanner is also ideal for forestry and DEM model-generation applications.

The new system is available for order in North America immediately. For more information please contact info@rieglusa.com.