A stable heli-borne vector platform capable of accepting a range of
different sensors or instruments, particularly, but not exclusively, for
the mapping and exploration of mountainous regions is described. The
platform enables the arrangement of the sensors in three orthogonal
directions, thus allowing the restitution of the resultant vector. The
geographical referencing is provided by the use of a differential GPS
receiver, whose antenna is installed on the main body of the platform.
This platform distinguishes itself from its predecessors through the use
of a lateral pulling axis, the use of a heavy weight placed underneath the
main body, and by a perfectly symmetrical geometry in the direction of
pull, thus ensuring perfect in-flight balance and stability.
