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 "If you have a HeliLight, SX-5 Starburst or SX-16 Nightsun searchlight and an EO/IR/TV/FLIR,  you NEED a SLASS®"

SLASS® Model S-301 : Description
The Model S-301 SLAved Searchlight System (SLASS®) converts a standard manually operated searchlight into an automatically controlled searchlight.  The SLASS is used in conjunction with a Forward Looking InfaRed / Television (FLIR / TV) gimballed camera system and allows the operator to slave the searchlight to the FLIR / TV gimbal, so that the searchlight automatically follows and points in the same direction as the FLIR / TV gimbal.  The SLASS can be installed on the HeliLights, Spectrolab SX-5 or SX-16 searchlights, equipped with either standard or high speed drive motors.  It can also be used with the SX-16 IFCO searchlight which is equipped with an infrared filter assembly.  The SLASS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and Remote Control Unit (RCU) are small, lightweight, rugged modules, which along with the SLASS Integration Cable Set, were designed for easy installation by your avionics or maintenance crews.

SLASS® Model S-301 : Additional Features

  • The SLASS comes standard with a Dual Control searchlight capability (optional use) from the J5 connector on the back of the ECU.  Both the observer and pilot can have directional, focus and power control of the searchlight.  Only the observer has SLASS controls. The control priority is to the pilot, who can override the directional controls of the observer.  Either controller turns both on.  The dual control can also be wired to limit the pilot’s directional, power or focus control, if desired.
  • PRESSSCO®, PREssure Sensitive Searchlight Speed COntrol, which allows a user to variably control the speed of the searchlight’s movement based on the thumb pressure applied to the joystick, is also a standard function of the SLASS.  An 8-way joystick can also still be used interchangeably – the SLASS instantly recognizes either with no additional user changes.
  • Soft Stops are standard as well.  These can be automatically set by the searchlight seeking its travel limits (hard stops), or user defined by going through a simple menu process via the RCU. 
  • Also included, free of charge, are an 8-way joystick RCU and an ECU Bypass Box.  These are considered an “emergency kit” if the ECU, RCU, sensors or cables fail.  The customer will still have manual searchlight control while any problems are being fixed.  These are also great for troubleshooting.
  • In case of an in-flight sensors or ECU problem, the SLASS can be bypassed in-flight by turning the system off, then back on while holding the slave button down – this allows the searchlight to continue to be used manually in case of a SLASS failure.  Our goal is not to end the mission or be AOG because of a SLASS problem.
  • A FLIR signal designator will flash on the RCU if the FLIR is not sending proper data.  This is a quick indicator of a FLIR problem and a great troubleshooting tool as well. 
  • The slave light will illuminate when a new calibration has been set giving quick visual verification. 
  • Calibration can be trimmed unlimitedly by pressing the joystick while in slave mode (cal trim) – this allows the observer to compensate for changes in flight angles and elevation.  Any mistakes can be cleared by pressing the calibration button while in slave mode, there-by reverting to the last calibration setting (cal trim erase).
  • When powered, the SLASS is instantly on and does not noticeably reduce searchlight speed in manual mode.  In slave mode however, the motors must be slowed by 2 degrees/second in order to maintain control.
  • When coupled to a HeliLight, the SLASS will run the HeliLight at 45 degrees per second in slave mode and 30 degrees per second in manual mode.  Note: FLIR’s typically move at 60 degrees per second.

SLASS® Model S-301 : Overall
The SLASS retrofit does not interfere with the normal manual operation of the searchlight.  When installed, the SLASS maximizes the versatility and performance of the existing searchlight and FLIR / TV gimbal system, by reducing operator fatigue and minimizing disorientation, when his view changes to and from the video monitor scene and the outside illuminated scene. This system combination also enhances surveillance tactics as well as adding new ones, which increases criminal apprehension, improves ground force (officer) safety and enhances search & rescue missions.

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