The CAP CAPabilitities video produced a few years ago highlighted the "EyeCam" system, which is a thermal imaging system that would let thermal photos be transmitted similar to the way the SDIS system does normal digital photographs.
I haven't heard much about this. Anyone got a decent update on the status of using thermal imaging, night vision, etc?
never heard of it
yeah it sucked. It was paris hilton style NV handheld vid cam, could capture stills & shoot them just like SDIS, but it sucked. You can't half-azz bottom dollar something your buddy rigged up in the garage. FLIR, especially the airborne variety, is 20+ year tested & fairly standardized technology that just doesn't cost that much. However, it takes some practice to fly with & the cost to equip most of the fleet would be pricey. Still, you know I strongly favor spreading that out over 5 years. How useful would that be flying those snow patrol missions? Or Mt Hood a few weeks ago? Or after an earthquake or hurricane looking for people in need of assistance.