Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has selected Safe Flight to provide the powerline detection system (PDS) on its turbine 480B helicopters for the Royal Thai Army.

The PDS is a small, 3lb lightweight system that alerts the aircraft pilot and crew when approaching an energised power line.

The system, FAA and EASA certified, detects the electromagnetic field that radiates from the lines and alerts the pilot with a visual and aural warning.

The aural warning increases as the aircraft nears the danger allowing the pilot to avoid contact with the hazard.

The single-turboshaft helicopter is a variant of the TH-28 and will enter into service with the army in the first quarter of 2011, primarily for training, according to AINonline.