Lufthansa Technik has launched a new cabin surveillance system that enables pilots to monitor cockpit access, as well as cabin and cargo areas, day and night.

The "aerosight" system, which will be available for installation in January 2011, uses up to 16 cameras which automatically switch between day view mode and infrared night view mode.

Aerosight is an internet Protocol (iP) based system with an integrated LAN connection. It can also be connected with Class II electronic flight bags, which Lufthansa Technik says "saves weight and simplifies installation compared to other camera systems".

Aerosight works on all Class II EFBs, including laptops and docking stations in the cockpit. However, the system does not yet support Class I EFB equipment, such as handheld devices, or EFB Class III fixed systems.

Lufthansa Technik has developed the system for an undisclosed launch customer. Aerosight will be available to other customers in the first quarter of next year.

Source: Flight Daily News