NIGHT vision goggles have made a Hampshire manufacturer a major contributor to one of the country's largest onshore helicopter companies, Leonardo.

Gosport based manufacturer LFD provided "state-of-the-art" LED technology for night vision goggles for Leonardo's AW149 helicopter.

The AW149 helicopter is a medium multi-role helicopter that Leonardo is putting forward for the government’s New Medium Helicopter requirement, which will see the UK Armed Forces replacing four helicopter types by mid-2025.

LFD was one of around 70 companies included in the helicopter manufacturer's 'Team AW149', comprising of its onshore supply chain for the AW149 helicopter.

LFD’s managing director, Len Fleck, said: "LFD has been fortunate to work in a close and successful relationship with Leonardo Helicopters.

"Leonardo has generously given its support to help LFD in designing and developing world beating aircraft lighting systems.

"We supply lighting kits for most Leonardo platforms including the AW149, AW159, and AW101. As a small team of 15 staff we are proud and appreciative of our relationship with Leonardo and its support to the UK aerospace industry."

The Hampshire company designs, develops, manufactures, and repairs a range of innovative lighting equipment for use with night vision goggles on aircraft and ground vehicles.

Night vision goggles are essential for night manoeuvres in a helicopter when pilots are observing with poor visibility as they allow the pilot to have a higher level of situational awareness.