New Si2-Pro, Si2-LD, and Si2-PD models provide best-in-class performance, decision support, fleet management and enterprise data integration with new on-screen gas leak quantification, partial discharge assessment, and mechanical fault measurement.
FLIR, a Teledyne Technologies company, today announced the expansion of its versatile Si-Series of acoustic imaging cameras with three models in the new Si2 family, designed for detecting compressed air leaks, specialty gas leaks, mechanical faults, and partial discharges: the Si2-Pro, Si2-LD, and Si2-PD. The Si2-Series offers industrial-grade solutions for the detection of air and gas leaks as well as mechanical faults such as bearing issues, addressing the top inspection requirements for industries such as manufacturing, electrical, and utilities.
FLIR’s new Si2-Series cameras provide superior performance, with the ability to identify issues over longer distances, detect and measure with increased sensitivity, and produce more accurate classification of issues.
The new Si2-Pro, the Si2-LD and the Si2-PD models offer the best image quality on the market. Improvements in acoustic camera picture quality include 12 MP color camera, 8x digital zoom, and LED illumination for addressing dark areas. The Si2 also has increased battery life to keep professionals in the field longer without the need for swapping power sources. The specialty gas leak quantification and cost estimates have been expanded beyond compressed air to include other common industrial gases such as hydrogen, CO₂, methane, helium, argon, ammonia, and more.
The Si2 cameras apply an array of acoustic imaging advancements that work to detect and quantify air and gas leaks, mechanical faults, and partial discharge, making them the top-performing acoustic imaging cameras on the market for these types of detections.
Industrial acoustic imaging camera for pressurized leak detection, mechanical fault detection, and partial discharge detection with on-camera severity assessments
Industrial acoustic imaging camera for pressurized leak detection and mechanical fault detection in manufacturing and other industrial environments
Industrial acoustic imaging camera for partial discharge detection with on-camera severity assessments for power infrastructure inspection
FLIR’s advanced automatic filtering identifies leaks by their sound signatures even in the noisiest of industrial environments. The new 'mech mode' feature of the Si2-Series enhances site safety by enabling quick detection of mechanical issues, such as bearing faults, empowering professionals to rapidly evaluate conditions, identify problems, and implement solutions.
Plant professionals can swiftly identify mechanical, leak and partial discharge issues, then generate reports for urgent attention. On-camera decision support tools include mechanical defect measurement, classification and severity assessment of partial discharges, leak size estimation, and cost analysis.
The Si2-Pro, the most comprehensive solution that combines the features of the Si2-PD and Si2-LD, actively lowers costs by addressing mechanical bearing issues and partial discharge on electrical equipment, and it also significantly cuts leaks in facilities to reduce expenses from compressed air and gas leaks.
FLIR's Cx-Series compact thermal cameras are indispensable tools for inspections in various fields, including building maintenance, HVAC/R, and electrical repair. Recently, FLIR introduced three enhanced models to the Cx-Series lineup: the FLIR C3-X, FLIR C5, and FLIR Cx5. These new additions come with built-in FLIR Ignite™ cloud connectivity, enabling seamless data transfer, storage, and backup across all your devices. Additionally, all three cameras feature FLIR MSX® (Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging), which enhances thermal images by overlaying scene details from the visual camera onto the thermal image, ensuring maximum clarity and accuracy.
Any camera is a handy thermal imager to have on the job, but which one is right for your needs?
The FLIR C3-X is the entry-level model in the Cx-Series, but don't let that fool you – it packs a punch. With its 3-in-1 design featuring a thermal camera, digital camera, and flashlight, the C3-X offers convenience and versatility in one compact package. The 128 × 96 (12,288 pixel) resolution thermal imager provides an expanded temperature range of -20 to 300°C (-4 to 572°F), allowing for accurate temperature measurements in a variety of scenarios. Despite being the entry-level option, the C3-X still boasts powerful features like FLIR Ignite and MSX, as well as professional reporting capabilities with FLIR Thermal Studio.
Stepping up to the FLIR C5, you'll find all the features of the C3-X, plus some notable upgrades. The C5 sports a more powerful 160 x 120 (19,200 pixel) resolution thermal imager, providing enhanced detail and the ability to spot smaller temperature differences. This higher resolution makes it easier to get accurate temperature measurements and identify potential issues with greater precision. Additionally, the C5 offers zoom capabilities, 1-Touch Level/Span for improved scene contrast, and an extended temperature range of -20 to 400°C (-4 to 752°F), making it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications.
The FLIR Cx5 shares the same impressive 160 x 120 (19,200 pixel) resolution thermal imager as the C5 but is specifically certified for use in explosive environments. This certification eliminates the need to acquire hot work permits due to gas, vapor, and dust, making T-Class surveys quick and easy. The Cx5 is an affordable thermography tool suitable for industries such as chemical, oil and gas, and wastewater treatment facilities, where explosive atmospheres are common.
So, which FLIR Cx-Series camera is right for you? It ultimately depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you're a professional who occasionally relies on thermal imaging for inspections and troubleshooting, the portable and affordable FLIR C3-X may be the perfect choice. However, if you require more detail and performance on a regular basis, the FLIR C5 offers enhanced capabilities while still remaining budget-friendly. For those working in hazardous, industrial environments, the FLIR Cx5 provides peace of mind with its certification and high-resolution imaging capabilities.
In summary, if thermal imaging is a useful but occasional tool in your toolkit, the FLIR C3-X is an excellent option. If you need a robust imager for regular inspections, the FLIR C5 provides enhanced detail and performance at an affordable price point. And if you work in explosive environments and require high-resolution images, the FLIR Cx5 is the ideal choice.
No matter which FLIR Cx-Series camera you choose, you can trust that you're getting a reliable and high-quality thermal imaging solution from a trusted industry leader.
There has been a lot of talk recently about resolution for optical gas imaging cameras, specifically around high resolution OGI cameras. As the global leader in optical gas imaging camera manufacturing since introducing the technology in 2005, Teledyne FLIR offers both high-resolution and low-resolution solutions in our OGI Portfolio. We’re often asked “Why would you offer two resolution cameras when higher resolution is obviously better?”
When considering resolution for an optical gas imaging camera, you should understand that less is often more. Resolution has some unique advantages, but when considering the core function of an optical gas imaging camera — to visualize gas leaks — a lower resolution camera is often better to get the job done.
When looking at the physics of an infrared camera in general, having fewer pixels allows for a more sensitive detector and a lower noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD). With optical gas imaging, the specifications are slightly different. These specifications, often referred to as noise equivalent concentration length (NECL), are discussed in a paper on FLIR’s website. What this means to a leak detection and repair (LDAR) operator using an OGI camera is that the camera can detect smaller leaks easier in most environments.
Lower resolution cameras with higher sensitivity operate better at close range where most LDAR operators usually focus their inspections. Since many LDAR operators stay between five and ten feet away from components when doing OGI surveys, a higher resolution camera isn’t always necessary.
Some applications for OGI cameras include the ability to detect small leaks for regulatory purpose. As an example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines optical gas imaging as the Best System of Emissions Reduction (BSER) in the 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart OOOOa regulation and provides a minimum leak size of 60 g/hr for a methane/propane mix. A lower resolution camera with more sensitivity towards gas detection will see these leaks easier and have a better operating envelope. That said, higher resolution cameras can meet the specifications of these regulations with slightly more restrictive operating envelopes.
Why does FLIR offer a higher resolution camera when lower resolution cameras are better at detecting small leaks? There are some instances where using higher resolution cameras are advantageous. The most obvious advantage is the quality of the recorded video, as you’ll have a clearer view with more pixels. But for the use of the camera in the field, the main reason is to visualize larger leaks more accurately and from great distances. If you cannot access the leak at close range and need to stay “beyond the fenceline” for imaging, using a higher resolution OGI camera could be a great option. Another potential advantage is using a high-resolution camera for quantification as there are more pixels to choose from when analytically quantifying an emission.
Don’t be fooled by simple statements about “highest definition optical gas imaging cameras in the market” and think that “bigger is better.” Make an informed decision on your next capital purchase. At
FLIR, we understand that there are different customers with different needs and we offer a variety of solutions to meet those needs. In addition to multiple resolutions, we also have a broad feature stack in our cameras, including touchscreen LCD, routing capabilities, and quantification inside the camera. Let us know how we can help you with your optical gas imaging means.
A global pharmaceutical company discovered that an acoustic camera is a reliable, fast, and easy-to-use predictive maintenance method for detecting hidden air leaks in the plant area.
Air leaks are a common problem in industrial environments. According to studies on compressed air system leaks, the average leakage rate is around 25%, but some facilities are losing up to 80% of their compressed air through leaks. If not detected and addressed on time, these leaks may end up causing additional costs, unplanned stoppages, and even potential safety hazards. Locations especially prone to air leaks in plants and manufacturing facilities include equipment pipelines, pipes, valves, and equipment gaps, where they are generally invisible to the naked eye and only traceable with specialized condition monitoring equipment.
A large international pharmaceutical and biotechnology company was concerned with compressed air leaks and had been looking for an effective, yet easy-to-use solution for their timely detection. As speed, accuracy, and reliability were high on the company’s list of requirements for leak detection, they decided to try an acoustic camera to perform valve inspections and leak detections to locate compressed air, steam, gas, and vacuum leaks within its facilities. The company was quickly impressed by how effectively the device was able to capture hidden leaks, scanning large areas at a time. The device was not only able to pinpoint the exact location of the leak, but also provided leak size and cost calculations which enabled the company to make data-based plans for the maintenance and repairs of their equipment.
By using an acoustic camera such as the FLIR Si124-LD Plus for their regular predictive maintenance regime, the pharmaceutical company has been able to prevent potential safety issues and ensure the continuity of their operations by detecting air and gas leaks in the plant area. In addition to the obvious benefits of time, cost and energy savings, the company has been pleasantly surprised at how easy the device has been to incorporate into the maintenance cycle with minimal training.
Leaks are a significant source of wasted energy in compressed air systems.
FLIR Thermal Studio Suite with the Si-Series Plugin
No-one is ever especially eager to open a bill - but with energy prices climbing ever-higher across the globe, opening your statement is now increasingly humbling. In fact, there has been an almost 500% increase in people searching for ways to drive their bills down (according to EDF Energy) - and while we’re all feeling the pressure at home, this problem is hugely compounded for energy-intensive industries like manufacturing which don’t have the option to simply reduce usage.
As a crucial element of energy transfer in industrial settings, compressed air is used for a huge range of applications, from atomising paint to operating air cylinders for automation. It plays a pivotal role in industry - but it could be quietly costing you money through air leaks that you can’t see or hear. That is, until now.
Introducing the FLIR Si124.
Air leaks typically account for up to 30% of energy loss in industrial settings - which is becoming increasingly problematic as tariffs spike. The FLIR Si124 acoustic imaging camera helps you to locate pressurised leaks in compressed air systems up to 10 times faster than conventional methods - which means less waste air for which you’re paying a premium. This early detection of potential failures is the first line of defence against rising costs, identifying leaks earlier than traditional methods were capable of doing.
With 124 high-spec audible and ultrasound microphones acting in tandem to isolate and identify leaks as they appear between 2 - 65 kHz, it offers unmatched detection accuracy and identification down to even the smallest breach. It’s a small change that offers a huge impact for operators and ensures that background noises no longer hinder inspections.
The FLIR Si124 range accurately detects the distance between the operator and the leak as well as the size of the leak, its severity, and its estimated cost to your facility if not fixed. With everything operators are looking for, you might think that there’s nothing to add that could improve functionality across the range - but you’d be wrong.
Image shows both Partial Discharge and Air Leaks that have been detected using a FLIR Si124 Camera
The FLIR si124 range comes with an included ecosystem (FLIR Si124 Viewer) that enables operators to easily compile reports. It is essentially a cloud profile with a username and password that connects either through wifi or a hotspot to upload data in real-time. For a number of applications, this proves beneficial - but it is not suited to every industrial setting.
While this is advantageous in terms of speed, some companies have strict IT policies in place that don’t allow this. If this is the case in your facility, then it needn’t become a bother; it is simply a matter of switching from the embedded cloud system to the FLIR Thermal Studio Suite, which is a bespoke and fully customisable reporting and analytics software.
Unlike the free viewer, this can be accessed completely offline - readings are saved onto the device, which can be securely transferred through a USB stick (included in your purchase) and then can be easily accessed on your laptop through a simple drag-and-drop system. Results are visible in as little as 2 seconds; all confidential and offline, and will remain compliant with typical IT policies.
The FLIR Thermal Studio Suite is also fully customisable - meaning that your reports can conform to your brand’s preferred presentation guidelines while losing none of the essential intel you need to drive down your energy consumption.
As well as allowing users to edit and enhance acoustic leaks, it also acts to streamline acoustic analysis and compiles reports with up to 100 images - to illustrate the extent of the energy loss to management in clear terms that they can understand.
Explore how the FLIR Thermal Studio Suite can benefit your inspections> > >
The world of hazardous manufacturing and production can be complicated enough without adding extra elements to your workload. Hot work permits are often seen as being an essential part of working in hazardous environments - but what if you could inspect without this having to provide copious amounts of paperwork??
A multinational chemical manufacturing company has recently begun to do just that; freeing up time and labor to redeploy throughout its workforce.
Typically, inspecting in Zone 2 hazardous environments requires getting a hot work permit signed off by a manager. This can consist of extensive manual paperwork and requires that work ceases for at least one hour prior to inspection. It also requires that all potentially explosive materials (such as combustible dust and gases) are carefully measured and monitored to reduce the possibility of ignition.
To inspect key components of machinery in these challenging environments, thermal cameras are often used to identify hotspots, gauge the temperatures of machinery and check that parts such as valves are operating within expected parameters. Unfortunately, these cameras pose an indirect risk to the safety of the facility themselves because they are not intrinsically safe by design - which is why hot work permits must be approved prior to use.
The FLIR Cx5 is a thermal camera specifically designed to provide safer inspections in hazardous locations. The rugged housing which encases the lithium-ion powered thermal camera ensures high-performance thermography without the inherent risk associated with non-intrinsically safe products.
Whether in hazardous locations dealing with gas, vapor, dust or (in this case) combustible chemicals, it entirely eliminates the need for hot-work permits.
On site at this chemical plant, it allows operators to safely inspect areas that deal with extreme heat, such as the refractory which runs at 1400°C at its core. Operators can clearly see the external temperature of the brick-lined vessel and check to ensure it’s working within guidelines. The FLIR Cx5 is also used in this facility to monitor rotor pumps, the temperature of bearings and the level of liquid inside vessels.
A spokesperson for the facility explains: “Use of hazardous area certified equipment is always preferable as the source of ignition is removed and a hot work permit is not required.
“Generating a hot work permit is labor-intensive as a request must be made, the permit to work prepared and all applicable areas confirmed free of flammable gases (and, of course, this only confirms that flammable gases are not present at that point in time). All-in-all, we’re probably looking at 3 hours’ work for each individual inspection - which the Cx5 eliminates - and means we can better put it to use elsewhere.”
With a 3.5-inch touchscreen interface that is simple to use, and the 160 × 120 thermal resolution reveals the accurate temperature measurement of nearby targets between -20 and 400°C. Add the FLIR Cx5 to your toolbox and you’ll always be ready to investigate mechanical and electrical equipment around your production site - with no hot work permit in sight.
Thermal imaging cameras equipped with a cooled detector offer distinct advantages in comparison to their counterparts with an uncooled detector, albeit at a higher cost. In the realm of contemporary thermal imaging technology, a cooled thermal imaging camera incorporates an imaging sensor intricately linked to a cryocooler. This cryocooler effectively reduces the sensor's temperature to cryogenic levels, a crucial step to mitigate thermally-induced noise below the signal originating from the observed scene.
Cryocoolers, though highly precise mechanical systems, exhibit wear and helium gas leakage over time. Typically, they necessitate rebuilding after 10,000-13,000 hours of operation.
The question arises: under what circumstances should cooled thermal imaging cameras be favored for research and development (R&D) applications?
The answer is contingent upon the specific application at hand.
Cooled thermal imaging cameras prove invaluable when discerning minute temperature variations is imperative, when optimal image quality is paramount, in scenarios requiring high-speed capabilities, for temperature profiling or measuring exceedingly small targets, for visualizing thermal phenomena within precise electromagnetic spectrum ranges, or when synchronization with other measuring instruments is essential. In these instances, a cooled thermal imaging camera stands as the instrument of choice.
These infrared images depict a comparison of tire capture results while rotating at a speed of 20mph. The image on the left was acquired using a cooled thermal imaging camera. At first glance, it may seem as though the tire is stationary, but this effect is the outcome of the cooled camera's exceptionally rapid capture rate, which has effectively frozen the tire's motion. In contrast, the uncooled camera's capture rate is insufficiently swift to capture the rotating tire, resulting in the wheel spokes appearing transparent.
The thermal images displayed above illustrate the maximum achievable close-up magnification when using both cooled and uncooled camera systems. On the left, you'll see an image captured with a 4× close-up lens paired with a 13μm pitch cooled camera, resulting in an impressive 3.5μm spot size. On the right, an image was taken with a 1× close-up lens in conjunction with a 25μm pitch uncooled sensor, yielding a larger 25μm spot size.
Cooled cameras generally exhibit superior magnification capabilities compared to uncooled counterparts, primarily due to their ability to sense shorter infrared wavelengths. Thanks to the heightened sensitivity of cooled cameras, it's possible to use lenses with a greater number of optical elements or thicker elements without compromising the signal-to-noise ratio. This, in turn, enables more effective magnification performance.
Appreciating the enhanced sensitivity of cooled thermal cameras can sometimes be a challenge. How can one truly grasp the advantages of a 50mK sensitivity uncooled thermal camera when compared to a 20mK sensitivity cooled thermal camera? To shed light on this benefit, we conducted a brief sensitivity experiment. In this comparison, we pressed our hand against a wall for a brief moment, creating a thermal handprint. The initial two images capture the handprint immediately after removal, while the subsequent set of images reveals the thermal handprint's residual signature after two minutes. As you can discern, the cooled camera continues to detect most of the thermal features of the handprint, whereas the uncooled camera only retains a partial trace. Evidently, the cooled camera excels in discerning finer temperature distinctions and maintaining them over longer durations than the uncooled counterpart. This translates to the cooled camera offering superior target detail and the ability to detect even the subtlest thermal irregularities.
One of the significant advantages offered by cooled thermal cameras lies in their ease of implementing spectral filtering, enabling the revelation of details and measurements that would otherwise remain beyond the reach of uncooled thermal cameras. In the showcased initial example, we employ a spectral filter, which can either be positioned within a filter holder behind the lens or integrated into the dewar detector assembly, to capture images through a flame. The objective was to assess and characterize the combustion of coal particles within the flame. By applying a "see-through flame" spectral infrared filter, we tailored the cooled camera to a specific spectral waveband in which the flame becomes transparent. Consequently, we successfully imaged the combustion of coal particles. The first video, without the flame filter, exclusively displays the flame itself, while the second, with the flame filter, provides a clear view of the coal particle combustion process.
The second example uses a Nitrous Oxide filter that filters to where Nitrous Oxide is absorptive to the IR and therefore we can “see it” with the cooled thermal camera. The application was to design a better Nitrous Oxide mask and scavaging system; so the first video is imaging the older mask design and the second video is imaging the new mask design. As you can see, the older mask design is leaking a lot of Nitrous gas into the room, which is concerning for many reasons. The new mask design has minimal leakage and appears to be a better solution.
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When deciding on the most suitable thermal camera to include in your tool bag, there are key factors to consider, primarily revolving around the camera's intended purpose and frequency of use. It's worth noting that FLIR thermal cameras cater to various applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings, with prices ranging from a few hundred US dollars to high five figures. Notably, there are notable performance enhancements available at different price points. The ideal handheld thermal camera will offer the necessary features and functionalities required by the user while remaining within their budgetary constraints.
Understanding which specifications are the most valuable to consider becomes essential when evaluating the different series of thermal cameras offered by FLIR, as there are numerous aspects one can compare between the cameras.
Here are four of the most important factors to consider:
Typically, cameras with lower costs also have lower resolutions. While such cameras can still be useful for examining nearby and easily accessible targets, they may fall short in providing sufficient visual detail for making informed decisions regarding very small targets or objects located at a considerable distance.
In lower-end cameras, the focus is often fixed, necessitating the user to physically adjust the camera's position to obtain a clear image. This can pose a challenge when precise measurements are required. An image that is out of focus can result in less accurate temperature measurements, regardless of the camera's actual thermal resolution.
When working in close proximity, a lens with a wide-angle field of view (FOV) of 45° or higher proves more advantageous compared to a telephoto lens with a narrower FOV (typically 12° or 6°), which is more suitable for longer-distance tasks. For individuals needing inspection capabilities for both nearby and distant objects, a device equipped with interchangeable lenses offers the greatest versatility and usefulness.
When making a decision, it is crucial to consider the battery standby time, the anticipated battery life during continuous usage, and the convenience of quickly swapping out batteries. For individuals who only need occasional and brief use of a thermal camera, the standby time becomes a priority. On the other hand, those who expect to use the camera extensively throughout the day may prioritize long battery life and the ability to easily exchange batteries to ensure uninterrupted work.
Considering this, the following three handheld thermal camera models can be a useful starting point for identifying the most suitable camera based on price points and features: the FLIR E96, the FLIR E8-XT, and the FLIR C5.
Considering the significant impact resolution has on the price of a camera, it is crucial to consider the desired resolution and the camera's focusing capabilities for inspecting both nearby and distant points of interest.
Among handheld, pistol-grip thermal cameras, the FLIR E96 stands out with its superior resolution. It is the first camera of its form factor to offer a true thermal resolution of 640 × 480, priced at $9,999 USD. With more pixels, the E96 provides exceptional detail, resulting in highly accurate temperature measurements for various targets.
To fully leverage this remarkable resolution, the E96 offers a range of autocalibrated interchangeable lenses, enabling dynamic focusing options. By incorporating three optional FLIR AutoCalTM lenses, ranging from telephoto (14°) to wide-angle (42°), the camera ensures comprehensive coverage for inspections at both short and long distances.
Additionally, the E96 boasts a high-capacity, interchangeable battery system that offers utmost flexibility for all-day use.
The FLIR E8-XT, with a similar pistol-grip design to the E96, offers an impressive range of features at a fraction of the cost, priced at just $2,999 USD. Although it has a reduced resolution of 320 × 240 true thermal resolution and lacks the ability to adjust focus, the E8-XT's fixed 45° lens provides a suitable field of view for close-range inspections. Please note that the lens cannot be swapped out for different options.
However, the E8-XT compensates for these limitations by allowing users to easily swap batteries for external charging, making it ideal for all-day use. Additionally, it boasts a broad temperature range of -20°C to 550°C (-4°F to 1022°F), enabling high-temperature inspections across various applications.
While the E8-XT may not cater to long-range inspections that require a narrower field of view and adjustable focus, it remains an excellent choice for those seeking a rugged, high-quality handheld camera for close-up inspections.
Priced at just $699 USD, the FLIR C5 offers exceptional value compared to the E8 and E96 models. With a true thermal resolution of 160 × 120, this device features a compact and user-friendly point-and-shoot design, complete with a touchscreen that works seamlessly with gloves. Its portable size allows for easy pocket storage.
Don't be deceived by its small form factor—the FLIR C5 is rugged enough to withstand drops from two meters and effectively shields its components from dust and grime commonly encountered on job sites.
For those currently using the FLIR ONE Pro, the C5 presents an excellent upgrade option. It offers a significantly longer battery life, lasting up to 4 hours on a single charge, and provides approximately 30 days of standby time for quick and occasional use at close range. All these features are packed within a sturdy casing, complete with Wi-Fi connectivity for added convenience.
Thermal imagers make pictures from heat, also called infrared (IR) or thermal energy. They capture IR energy and use that energy to create images through digital or analog video outputs, with the details defined by differences in temperature. Heat is a separate part of the electromagnetic spectrum versus typical visible light. A camera that can detect visible light won’t see thermal energy, and vice versa.
Infrared camera detectors are made of an array of individual detector elements. Because the wavelengths of energy in the IR spectrum are longer than those of visible light, each IR detector element has to be correspondingly larger than elements on visible light detectors in order to absorb the larger wavelength. As a result, a thermal camera usually has lower resolution (fewer pixels) than a visible light sensor of the same mechanical size.
Figure 1: The electromagnetic spectrum includes the infrared waveband ranges from 0.75 µm in the near-infrared to nearly 1 mm (1,000 µm) in the far infrared
Originally developed for surveillance and military operations, thermal cameras are now widely used for industrial applications such as building inspections (e.g., moisture, insulation, roof, etc.), firefighting, autonomous vehicles, automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems, industrial inspections, scientific research, and much more. These cameras come in a variety of form factors, from handheld cameras to unmanned drones, to scientific instruments sent into outer space.
Engineers developing products or systems incorporating thermal cameras need to have a clear understanding of the key design specifications including scene dynamic range, field of view, resolution, sensitivity, and spectral range, to name a few. Different cameras can excel at different things, so engineers need to understand the tradeoffs between different types of thermal camera modules and the impact those differences will have on the final product performance.
Figure 2: Thermal sensitivity is a key performance metric for low-contrast scenes including foggy weather
One important specification that is often overlooked at the expense of resolution, is the thermal sensitivity, the specification that defines the smallest temperature difference a camera can detect. A thermal camera’s sensitivity will have a direct impact on the image clarity and sharpness that camera can produce. Thermal devices measure sensitivity in milliKelvins (mK). The lower the number, the more sensitive the detector. Thermal sensitivity, also referred to as Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD), describes the smallest temperature difference observed when using a thermal device. In effect, the lower the NETD value, the better the sensor will be at detecting small temperature differences. Integrators and developers should look for manufacturers that can provide NETD performance at the industry-standard 30 °C. The table below can be used to generally rate the sensitivity of a thermal detector.
SENSITIVITY (MK) | DESCRIPTION |
<30 |
Excellent |
40-49 |
Great |
50-59 |
Good |
60-69 |
Acceptable |
70-80 |
Satisfactory |
Table 1. Thermal sensor sensitivity range and description
Increased sensitivity makes thermal imagers more effective at seeing smaller temperature differences, which is especially important in scenes with low thermal contrast and when operating in challenging environmental conditions like fog, smoke, and dust. Selecting a more entry-level, essentially lower cost thermal camera, that features “acceptable” to “satisfactory” thermal sensitivity results in an end product that offers low contrast scenes resulting in poorer image quality, reduced detection range, and limited situational awareness compared to cameras with greater sensitivity. Devices with better thermal sensitivity are ideal for a wide variety of uses from search and rescue to industrial inspection to security.
Figure 3: 20 mK versus 50 mK sensitive thermal sensors of a handprint at time zero and two minutes
IR imaging cameras with a cooled detector provide distinct advantages versus thermal imaging cameras with an uncooled detector. A cooled thermal imaging camera has an imaging sensor that is integrated with a cryocooler, which lowers the sensor temperature to cryogenic temperatures. This reduction in sensor temperature is necessary to reduce thermally-induced noise to a level below that of the signal from the scene being imaged and can result in significantly improved thermal sensitivity.
However, these improvements in performance come at a cost. Cooled IR cameras are generally larger, heavier, and more power hungry. In addition to sacrificing SWaP (size, weight and power), cooled cameras are significantly more expensive and subject to mechanical wear and tear that reduce the mean time to failure (MTTF) of the camera, as cryocoolers have moving parts with extremely tight mechanical tolerances that degrade over time, as well as helium gas that can slowly leak through seals.
Recent improvements in uncooled thermal sensors have brought sensitivity to better than 20 mK – a drastic improvement in sensitivity versus legacy systems, potentially making uncooled LWIR cameras a viable option for a wide variety of new applications. Although tempting, it is important to note that uncooled IR thermal cameras cannot simply replace cooled thermal cameras. Product developers and system integrators need to consider additional requirements regarding imaging speed, spatial resolution, spectral filtering, and more.
Figure 4-7: Application images captured with the Boson+
(Left image: Consumer Electronics Inspection, Right Image: Home Inspection)
(Left image: Public Surveillance, Right Image: Coastal Surveillance)
The Teledyne FLIR range of acoustic imaging cameras, the Si124, Si124-PD and Si124-LD, now offers an improved bandwidth range for detecting compressed air leaks in industrial settings. The change means that the industry-leading range can now detect leaks from anywhere between 2 to 65 kHz and adds crucial functionality to the previous peak bandwidth of 35 kHz.
While it may seem like a minor change, the operational impact of the improvements cannot be overstated: it means marked savings for industrial applications globally, reducing costs and improving reliability.
The range of three cutting-edge Si124 models are now equipped to measure virtually all compressed air leaks in manufacturing settings - regardless of how small and seemingly insignificant. This unique range covering 63 kHz is scientifically the optimal sound spectrum range for detecting leaks, which occur on this measurable threshold. Detecting ranges outside of this spectrum actually detracts from long-term functionality as detecting background noise beyond 65 kHz can interfere with baseline readings and negatively impact leak detection.
Failure to detect air leaks can cost companies thousands of pounds in replacement costs for units that are not operating optimally, and can have a knock-on effect on production when parts are replaced and production lines forced into downtime.
Federico De Lucia, Team Lead of Condition Monitoring Specialists (EMEA Solutions) at Teledyne FLIR explains why this seemingly small change cements the Si124 range as operating across the optimum bandwidth for detecting compressed air leaks in industrial applications.
“Let’s look at, for example, a compressed air leak from a small hole of just 1.5 millimetres and on a network of compressed air at seven bars of pressure. Two years ago, with a price of €0.07 per kilowatt hour, that would have cost a company roughly €1500 (£1300) per year, if we assume an average operating time of 6000 hours.
“Now that the energy situation is more challenging, it means that costs may be three, four, even five times higher in some cases, which could be a cost of up to £7500 a year - which is a shocking amount simply for failing to identify a single small hole in a vital production component. This is staggering when you consider the scale of industrial manufacturing and the scope for leaks to crop up unnoticed.”
“The EV industry is a particularly timely example of how acoustic imaging can be used to replace outdated inspection models, given the rising cost of energy on all fronts.
“This is because the batteries for electric vehicles must be hermetically sealed to ensure they hit operational guidelines and safety standards. They must be both airtight and watertight to keep dirt, dust and other external contaminants from penetrating the core components, which could cause the device to short-circuit and become a fire risk.
“Traditionally, these units were probed by mass spectrometers to identify foreign compounds within the casing or through the more rudimentary method of immersing the units in water to identify leaks by looking for air bubbles - which we call tightness testing - but this was incredibly impractical, as well as wasteful.
“Teledyne FLIR’s improved range of acoustic imaging can detect leaks quicker than this outdated model as well as identify much smaller leaks that are not visible to the naked eye, able to be heard by the ear, or even detected on traditional thermography. The improved bandwidth range of the Si124 ensures that operators are only focusing on the exact and specific frequencies that compressed air leaks can be detected on - and not wasting valuable battery power or AI functionality struggling to filter out avoidable background noise on higher frequencies.”
As well as benefiting from the optimum range of bandwidth for compressed air leak detection, the Si124 range also offers clear advantages for inspectors in industrial applications.
The Si124 range is incredibly lightweight. In fact, it is almost 60% lighter than rival models on the market at just 1.25kg including the battery. This makes sure that they can be used with a single hand, freeing up the operator to carry out harder-to-reach inspections in challenging environments. The lightweight range can be used for up to two hours and can even be operated in a range of challenging industrial settings from between –10°C to 50°C (14°F to 122°F), making it one of the most robust models available.
The acoustic imaging camera range is able to detect problems up to 10 times faster than traditional methods, including detecting air leaks, minimising excess utility costs and making avoidable equipment failures in pneumatic machinery a thing of the past.
The range also has an agile AI which uses projective algorithms to estimate how much a detected compressed air leak will cost by evaluating the air lost in real-time, calculating the spend per kWh and displaying an expected saving per year. Critically, this ensures that inspectors have valuable evidence needed to justify any incurred repair costs across the production line.
The Si124 range also benefits from Thermal Studio: a FLIR-exclusive plug-in which is able to build reports with more than 100 images quickly with fully customizable templates, overlays, and formulas. It streamlines thermal imaging analysis and ensures that inspectors are able to analyse, edit, segment and edit thermal video.
The improved FLIR Si124-PD, Si124-LD, and the original Si124 Industrial Acoustic Imaging Camera models are available for purchase globally from Teledyne FLIR and its authorised dealers. To learn more or to purchase, visit our website.
With the FLIR Cx5 you can:
Potentially explosive environments, such as oil and gas plants or chemical plants, need to be protected from ignition sources. Electronic devices can be an ignition source, which is why – when used in these hot work environments – they need to comply with ATEX Product Regulations or similar regulations (e.g. UKEX and IECEx). The 160 x 120-pixel FLIR Cx5 is mounted in a rugged enclosure, preventing any potential ignition to enter the atmosphere. This enables users to work confidently in all safety.
In hot work environments, it’s critical for surveyors to be able to detect problems fast, so they can minimize their time on site. The FLIR Cx5 is not only robust and explosion-proof, but it’s also compact and very easy to use. This allows maintenance professionals to always have their cameras at hand, find hidden issues quickly, and reduce diagnostic time.
The FLIR Cx5 camera has all the ruggedized features that will enable it to survive the toughest day on the job. The FLIR Cx5 case has shock absorbers and the lens is protected by a Germanium window with anti-reflective coating. The 3.5-inch color display is protected by armored glass and is touchscreen compatible. You can remove the rugged lanyard point in a safe environment to reach the data storage and charging port.
ATEX-compliant cameras, such as gas imaging cameras, are typically situated in the higher price range. This makes them limitedly available for a larger workforce. Requesting such a camera typically requires outside help or at least lengthy application procedures and paperwork. With the FLIR Cx5, organizations can easily equip their teams with an affordable, ATEX-compliant thermal imager that allows them to inspect assets on a regular basis.
EN EIC 60079-0: 2018 IEC 60079-15: 2017
EN EIC 60079-31: 2014 IEC 60079-0: 2017
EN EIC 60079-15: 2019 IEC 60079-31: 2013
A robust, pocket-sized camera with the thermal image quality you are used to from FLIR? What’s not to like? The FLIR Cx5 features a FLIR Lepton® thermal imaging sensor and FLIR-patented MSX® (Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging) technology, which embosses visible scene details onto thermal images. This results in a crisp thermal image, enabling inspectors to pinpoint hidden problems instantly. In addition, FLIR Cx5 is compatible with FLIR Ignite, a secure cloud storage solution that allows users to directly upload, edit, organize and share their images, and with FLIR Thermal Studio, enabling them to finetune their images and create professional reports.
Learn more about the FLIR Cx5 > > >
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GOLETA, Calif. – Nov. 10, 2022 ― Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, today announced its FLIR ONE® Edge Pro, a wireless thermal-visible camera for mobile devices. Unlike previous models, the reimagined FLIR ONE Edge Pro doesn’t need to be physically connected to its companion mobile device nor does it have separate models for specific operating systems, providing maximum flexibility for thermal inspections.
“The FLIR ONE Edge Pro is the most versatile and advanced thermal-visible mobile camera yet thanks to its detachable form factor, designed to fit comfortably in your hand. It offers significantly greater flexibility by eliminating the need for specific connection ports or operating systems,” said Chris Bainter, vice president of marketing and business development, Teledyne FLIR. “In addition to the new hardware design, Teledyne FLIR is providing more software tools to empower new and untrained users to conduct thermography inspections, process images, and create reports. Common uses range from building inspection and auto repair to industrial maintenance applications.”
The “RESNET” compliant and IP54-rated FLIR ONE Edge Pro has a spring-loaded clip designed to allow operators to attach the camera to many types of mobile phones and tablets. Thanks to the combined Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection, users can operate the Edge Pro up to 30 meters away from their mobile device, providing the flexibility to effectively inspect hard-to-reach places or those scenarios requiring greater standoff distances to maintain operator safety.
Offering effective image quality and processing to deliver results, the FLIR ONE Edge Pro features a 160×120 resolution radiometric Lepton® thermal imaging camera paired with a visible camera. Along with VividIRÔ, which combines multiple image frames to deliver one sharper, final image, the cameras are brought together via MSX®. The MSX patented image enhancement feature overlays the edge detail of the visible camera onto the thermal image without sacrificing any thermal data within the image, providing greater context and clarity to improve decision support.
The FLIR ONE Edge Pro also features an extended battery life compared to previous generations of the FLIR ONE and an easily-recognized battery life indicator, making it ideal for more prolonged inspection situations including disaster restoration, home inspection, energy auditing, and industrial equipment diagnostics.
For cloud storage, imaging processing, and reporting, the FLIR ONE Edge Pro benefits from a rich set of Teledyne FLIR software including Tools Mobile, Ignite cloud, and FLIR Thermal Studio desktop software. This allows users to easily share Edge thermal photos with clients and seamlessly integrate them into professional reports.
Additionally, app developers have access to the FLIR ONE software development kit (SDK) to create custom applications for exclusive use with the FLIR ONE Edge Pro.
Available for order country wide starting November 10, visit www.GoThermal.co.za/products/flir-one-edge-pro for more details and availability.
DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today introduces its new DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Series, reimagining what drones can do for business, government, education and public safety. The DJI Mavic 3E and DJI Mavic 3T are the most comprehensive improvement to the world’s compact drone offerings in three years, boosting performance in every area and providing professional users with best-in-class, safe, and efficient aerial technology to help them succeed in their everyday missions.
The two new Mavic 3 Enterprise drones are based on the powerful DNA of DJI’s flagship prosumer Mavic 3 series and have been designed to operate in a vast array of commercial missions. Streamlined, portable and compact, the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise drones can be carried in one hand and deployed at a moment's notice. Thanks to their impressive flight time of 45 minutes, they are ideally suited for lengthy assignments.
“Our mission at DJI Enterprise is to make our drone and camera technology accessible so organizations around the world can do their work better. The Mavic 3 Enterprises series delivers that promise with a powerful all-in-one solution that can get the job done in an easier, smarter and safer way,” said Christina Zhang, Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at DJI. “The Mavic 3 Enterprise will prove to be an extremely valuable and beneficial tool for environmental and wildlife protection, construction, surveying, energy, public safety and countless other fields.”
The DJI Mavic 3E’s extraordinary combination of features enables highly efficient mapping and surveying missions without the need for Ground Control Points.
It integrates a 20 MP wide-angle camera with a 4/3 CMOS sensor with large 3.3μm pixels that, together with Intelligent Low-Light Mode, offer significantly improved performance in dim conditions. Its powerful up-to-56x hybrid zoom camera has an equivalent focal length of 162mm for 12MP images. A mechanical shutter prevents motion blur and supports rapid 0.7-second interval shooting.
Engineered to serve the special needs of aerial operations in firefighting, search and rescue, inspections and night missions, the DJI Mavic 3T has the same tele camera as Mavic 3E, a 48 MP camera with a 1/2” CMOS sensor, as well as a thermal camera with a Display Field of View (DFOV) of 61° and an equivalent focal length of 40mm with 640 × 512 px resolution.
The Mavic 3T's thermal camera supports point and area temperature measurement, high temperature alerts, color palettes, and isotherms to help professionals find hot spots and make quick decisions.
With a simultaneous split-screen zoom, the Mavic 3T's thermal and zoom cameras support 28× continuous side-by-side digital zoom for easy comparisons.
With a maximum control range of 15 km, DJI O3 Enterprise Transmission enables the Mavic 3 Enterprise drones to fly further and transmit signals with higher stability, offering pilots greater peace of mind during flight. It provides a high frame rate live feed at 1080p/30fps. Transmission distance is a proxy for signal strength; always fly in accordance with local laws and regulations, including flying the drone within the operator’s line of sight unless otherwise authorized.
DJI has always led the drone industry in developing innovative safety features, and the Mavic 3 Enterprise series continues this legacy with improved obstacle sensing and navigation systems to give drone pilots the guidance they need to stay safe. The Mavic 3 Enterprise series drones include DJI AirSense, which receives ADS-B signals from traditional aircraft in the area to warn drone pilots of other air traffic nearby.
The new improved DJI APAS system 5.0 for obstacle sensing with zero blind spots is supported by six omnidirectional fish-eye sensors.
The Mavic 3 Enterprise series comes with new tools combining accessories and software for professional missions.
The DJI RC Pro Enterprise is a professional remote controller with a 1,000-nit high-brightness screen for clear visibility in direct sunlight and a built-in microphone for clear communication.
The RTK Module enables surveying professionals to achieve centimeter-level accuracy with support for network RTK, custom network RTK services, and D-RTK 2 Mobile Station.
The D-RTK 2 Mobile Station is DJI’s upgraded high-precision GNSS receiver that supports all major global satellite navigation systems, providing real-time differential corrections.
By plugging in the Speaker, pilots will be able to broadcast a message from above, with support for text-to-speech, audio storage, and looping, to improve search and rescue efficiency.
DJI Enterprise customers expect the highest standards of security and privacy for their data. The Mavic 3 Enterprise series offers state-of-the-art security features to protect the integrity of photos, videos, flight logs and other data generated during sensitive flight.
When activated, Local Data Mode will stop the DJI Pilot 2 flight control app from sending or receiving any data over the internet. This provides added security assurances for operators of flights involving critical infrastructure, governmental projects or other sensitive missions. The radio link between the aircraft and remote controller features robust AES-256 encryption.
Lear more about the Mavic 3 Enterprise Series:
Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, announced today the release of new additions to its perimeter security portfolio for critical infrastructure; Elara™ R-Series Commercial Ground Security Radars and the Triton™ FH-Series Multispectral Fixed Cameras. A first for Teledyne FLIR, the Elara R-Series is the ideal commercial radar system for industrial commercial applications, increasing detection coverage, auto-tracking, dynamic mapping and position intelligence of intruders. Part of the Teledyne FLIR premium Triton family of cameras, the Triton FH-Series delivers both intrusion detection and video verification through its high-resolution thermal and visible imaging capabilities. These features plus the ability to capture vital details using 4K imagery enables security personnel to properly identify and assess situations, significantly improving response time.
The Elara R-Series introduces compact ground radars built to work within larger security systems to provide advanced warning of both human and vehicle intrusions beyond the fence line, while continuously tracking and precisely locating multiple targets. This series consists of two models, each designed with regional certifications in mind: the Elara R-290, which is compliant with United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines, and the Elara R-190, which is Conformité Européenne (CE)-compliant for Europe. The Elara R-290 features a 90-degree field of view, up to a 400-meter range for vehicle tracking, a 200-meter range for human tracking, and provides wide-area protection as well as situational awareness beyond the fence line; the Elara R-190 offers a 300-meter range for vehicles and 125 meters for humans. These products are designed for reliable detection in all weather and lighting conditions. The radars’ auto-tracking feature helps to direct pan-tilt-zoom surveillance sensors in the right direction; the radars also help expand coverage area and significantly minimize false alarms. In addition, both models can provide security personnel with precise, real-time data, 24/7.
The Triton FH-Series are ruggedized, multispectral fixed cameras that integrate industry-leading thermal imaging for detection with 4K visible imaging to help identify intruders in harsh perimeter security settings. Critical infrastructure facilities will benefit from technological advancements, such as highly-accurate convolutional neural network (CNN)-based video analytics for both thermal and visible spectrums, which minimize false alarms and aid in geo-locating threats for superior situational awareness. The on-board scheduling tool gives the operator the ability to select the type of analytics used to make detections based on time of day, business hours, and seasonality. Additionally, radiometric versions of the Triton FH-Series can be used for early fire detection applications to help critical sites operate safely and efficiently.
“Teledyne FLIR is committed to equipping security directors with technologies that empower them to protect their facilities and personnel at mission critical sites,” said Kai Moncino, Global Business Development Manager, Security at Teledyne FLIR. “The Elara R-Series and Triton FH-Series are built to enhance perimeter protection, providing accurate detection and alerting of threats. As with all of our new products, the Elara R-Series and Triton FH-Series are designed with the latest cyber-hardening features for added security and peace of mind.”
To learn more about the Triton FH-Series ID, please visit https://www.gothermal.co.za/products/triton-f-series-id-thermal-security-camera-with-onboard-analytics.
To learn more about the Triton FH-Series R, please visit https://www.gothermal.co.za/products/flir-triton-fh-series-r.
To learn more about the Elara R-190 please, visit https://www.gothermal.co.za/products/flir-elara-r-190-commercial-ground-radar.
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With 2020 firmly behind us, it’s time to start looking to the future and what better way to start than with the launch of the Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced (M2EA). That’s right, the Mavic Series is back and this time better than ever with the M2EA bringing a host of new features and performance upgrades.
With everything you’d expect from the Mavic family; reliable flight times, a solid battery life, and powerful modules all packed into a compact, sleek design with foldable arms for easy deployment, the M2EA has also received some serious enhancements that take the entire series to the next level. This includes huge upgrades to the thermal and visual cameras alongside the addition of an RTK module that enables vastly superior real-time positioning precision.
In this article, we take a look at the top 5 features that are making the M2EA the new standard for small commercial thermal drones.
With its new improved thermal sensor, the M2EA packs a whopping 640x512 thermal resolution at a 30 Hz frame rate letting you see in more detail than ever before. Compared to its predecessor’s resolution of just 160×120, this is an enormous upgrade making it one of the most advanced compact thermal drones ever to hit the market.
In recent years, thermal imaging drones have become indispensable for public safety workers the world over operating in a range of scenarios from firefighting missions in Chernobyl to super-sized solar plant inspection drones in Brazil.
The latest upgrade for the M2EA also includes a powerful 16x Zoom giving operators an unprecedented level of detail while Dual Vision mode means users can quickly switch between thermal, visual, or split-view feeds to help spot critical details during operations.
This increase in thermal imaging capacity alone raises the industry bar for compact thermal drones but, as if that wasn’t enough, the M2EA also comes with a host of additional enhancements.
The M2EA sports a massive 48 MP visual camera compared to the 12MP of its predecessor. This is a huge upgrade. Maximum image size has increased to 8,000 x 6,000 and, with a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor alongside a mammoth 32x Digital Zoom, this is quite literally one of the most powerful cameras ever seen on such a lightweight aircraft. Coupled with the M2EA’s thermal capabilities, this provides some of the most accurate and detailed imaging on a commercial drone of this size.
With the inclusion of the new RTK module, the M2EA is capable of centimeter-level positioning accuracy. Real-Time Kinematics or RTK is a highly sought-after advanced satellite positioning technique. Deployed on the M2EA, it is used to combine and contrast position data captured from virtual and physical base stations, correcting the drone’s camera location in real-time with centimeter level precision.
If the RTK module wasn’t enough, the M2EA also features the return of all the other interchangeable modules from its predecessor including;
The M2EA’s waypoint system has been revamped to allow for an enormous 240 waypoints. Coupled with the RTK module, this makes it one of the most advanced compact inspection drones to date. The enhanced waypoint system enables operators to automate routine flight routes that capture identical data points every flight, automatically capturing visual or thermal images, as necessary.
Coupled with the RTK module, this makes routine inspection flights both more accurate and simpler to execute with waypoint missions able to be conducted in highly complex environments with the M2EA automatically adjusting for obstacles.
The Mavic 2 Enterprise series has always been the drone of choice for those who require rapid deployment. With the M2EA, a trained operator can unpack, prepare, and take off in under a minute. Maximum ascent speed has been pushed to 6 m/s meaning the M2EA can arrive on scene and provide aerial awareness faster than ever. Max descent speed has also been increased to up to 5 m/s meaning the M2EA can return to home faster, saving battery and time.
Lightweight, portable, and reliable, the M2EA offers everything you’d expect from the Mavic series alongside a host of massive upgrades. The boost in both thermal and visual cameras alone raises the bar for commercial thermal drones, however, with the inclusion of the RTK module and enhanced waypoint missions, the M2EA reaches a whole new level.
The same size and weight as its predecessor, the M2EA nonetheless is faster, more powerful, more accurate, and packs in more advanced technology. Make no mistake, the M2EA is the new standard for small commercial drones.
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Since the height of the second World War, Radio Detection And Ranging (radar) technology has significantly influenced military conflicts around the globe. First introduced in the United States in 1934, this radio-based detection and tracking technology—which uses microwaves to determine the range, angle, and velocity of objects—also evolved independently in several nations during the mid-1930s, culminating in the fully integrated ship- and land-based radar systems that defined conflicts following the end of the war. Radar has since been used across a wide range of industries due to its ability to dynamically map human and vehicle movement and deliver early warnings of intruder activity. In recent years, its integration into physical security systems has improved the protection of assets at critical infrastructure locations.
Perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS) typically employ camera-based solutions to monitor perimeters or other areas of importance, but adverse environmental and imaging conditions can impede the performance of traditional camera sensors. Radar addresses these challenges, detecting intruders 24/7 even in harsh weather and low-light or no-light scenarios. By integrating a ground-based commercial radar—the Teledyne FLIR Elara™ R-Series, for example—as another essential sensor within a PIDS to complement visible and thermal cameras, security managers maximize detection coverage, receive early warnings of threats, and gain position intelligence of threats for a turnkey end-to-end security solution.
The basic operation of a radar system involves transmitting a high-frequency electromagnetic signal towards the location of an expected target, then measuring the radiation of its reflections. Those measurements include the delay between transmitted and received energy proportional to range and the frequency shift between transmission and reception (TX and RX respectively) proportional to relative velocity, as well as the angle and angle rate available through antenna and gimbal measurements to determine to location of foreign objects.
In other words, as a radar takes a snapshot picture of the area, it learns the fixed environment. After several scans are recorded, the radar compares the most recent picture with the fixed environment and notes what is different. On the next revolution, it measures any change in the location of any abnormality, and if the difference meets one or more of the criteria for an intruder, it generates an alarm.
When integrated with sophisticated management software, the radar displays this data on a dynamic map, delivering real-time insights to any security personnel monitoring the device; it then sends coordinates to integrated cameras and initiates slew-to-cue functionality, using the cameras for visual assessment of intruders. This layering of intrusion detection sensors enables redundancy and prevents false alarms by verifying intrusion events with two data points; it also prioritizes multiple targets to provide pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras with logic, such as “follow closest” or “follow furthest,” taking the operator out of the equation and allowing personnel to focus their time on response efforts.
Pan-tilt-zoom cameras, such as the FLIR Triton PT-Series, are crucial to perimeter protection. However, the addition of radar ensures total area coverage in challenging environmental conditions.
For years, radar was utilized primarily as a government-issued military technology for ground surveillance, missile control, fire control, air traffic control (ATC), moving target indication (MTI), weapons location, and vehicle search. The Teledyne FLIR Government and Defense unit developed the Ranger line of short-, mid-, and long-range radars for the defense industry. This powerful suite of radar systems includes devices that have the vertical coverage, low minimum detection velocity, and algorithms to monitor a coverage area up to four times per second—24/7—as well as detect and track up to 512 ground and aerial threats simultaneously in virtually any climate, day and night. These rugged and reliable radars are built to address any conceivable need for military-grade perimeter surveillance.
As the use of radar expanded into other applications such as commercial, industrial, travel, civil infrastructure, and critical infrastructure, Teledyne FLIR saw the need to add a high-performing, cost-effective solution to their vast portfolio of physical security solutions.
These commercial radars offer end users an invaluable strategic advantage: a right-sized system built to deliver high-end technical performance while increasing accessibility to broader range of commercial applications. The key differences between FLIR Ranger and Elara R-Series radars include coverage, classification, and most notably, the Elara R-Series’ use of a lower frequency and signal power output. This streamlines the integration process, making it an attractive option for customers building civilian perimeter monitoring systems.
Radar technology has been receiving increased attention across the commercial and security industries, especially in critical infrastructure. To help understand the applications radar would perform well in, please see these four use case examples where radar provides added value for perimeter protection.
As security radars see increased adoption across various industries, it is important to consider why radar could benefit your specific application.
With a wide field of view (FOV) and long-range detection, radar provides true wide-area protection and situational awareness well beyond the fence line. Radar is designed to efficiently monitor large open areas. In scenarios where multiple cameras would need to be installed to cover a 90-degree FOV, installing just one security radar together with thermal and visible cameras could deliver the same coverage with a detection range far beyond that of any visual or thermal camera alone. In the case of the new Elara R-Series, the R-290 model detects vehicles up to 400 meters and humans up to 200 meters away, while the R-190 models detects vehicles up to 300 meters and humans up to 125 meters away.
The FLIR Elara R-Series mounted above a FLIR Elara DX Multispectral PTZ Thermal Camera. The radar unit can detect vehicles up to 400 meters and humans up to 200 meters away (R-290 model).
To achieve wide area monitoring, some security customers opt for increasing the number of wide FOV cameras installed on-site. This presents its own set of challenges. Cameras with wide-angle lenses have significantly less range, reducing subsequent alarm lead times. In contrast, narrow FOV cameras offer better detection range but yield less coverage. For these reasons, a radar capable of scanning a full FOV up to 10 times per second for faster target detection is an effective option. The result is reduced infrastructure costs and early warnings of approaching threats for security operators.
Radar is also built to enhance detection accuracy and overcome the limitations of other sensors. For example, rain, heavy fog, snow, and smoke can all significantly decrease the performance of cameras, resulting in low-contrast images that decrease video analytic performance. However, radar is designed to perform in all weather conditions and is unaffected by shadows and light reflections that trigger false alerts on visual only systems. When security operators deploy radar to increase detection accuracy, they are empowered with real-time insights that enable them to keep their facility, equipment, and people safe.
When intruders are approaching a perimeter from multiple directions, delayed detection or lost visuals can severely limit an operator’s ability to intercept potential threats before they breach the perimeter. Radar is purpose-built to detect, track, and map human or vehicle movement for superior tracking of threats. It delivers continuous target tracking with distance to target accuracy within one percent. Moreover, the time from first detection to intrusion intercept is drastically improved with a radar, enabling a faster, more efficient response. In some cases, a radar detecting a human on foggy day occurs as many as 60 seconds faster than it would take a thermal camera to see the intruder in its line of sight.
A PIDS system solely relying on PTZ cameras for target tracking often requires multiple hand-offs to effectively follow a target over a large area. However, the ability for a radar to locate an intruder’s geolocation with extreme accuracy improves the entire PIDS’ capability to respond. The radar tells every integrated PTZ exactly where to aim, guaranteeing fewer hand-offs from one target tracking sensor to another and eliminating the chance of a lost visual on target. When using a radar such as the Elara R-Series, security managers can track 32 targets simultaneously and view a bird’s-eye map with overlaid masking zones, alarm areas, targets, range, and target tracks for expanded situational awareness. End users who overlap multiple radar FOVs gain uninterrupted coverage. Intelligent GPS time-stamped CHIRP slotting ensures Elara R-Series radars do not interfere with one another. The target consolidation feature helps to eliminate confusion and undesired multiple alarms, as a target inside the coverage area of overlapping radar beams will only show as a single target.
Integrating radar with multiple PTZ cameras helps to create a fail proof solution. For instance, if a camera were to lose a target due to visual obstruction or interference from poor lighting, bad weather, blinding sunlight, shadows, light reflections, etc., a radar would continue to track and deliver an intruder’s geolocation to the other PTZ cameras. In other words, by integrating radar into your PIDS, the system is far less likely to lose target’s location.
When it comes to installation, radar height, location, and tilt can all measurably impact the effectiveness of a radar within a PIDS. It is important for system integrators and end users to be aware of installation best practices to optimize radar performance. Achieving accurate and persistent localization of multiple threats at optimal ranges in all weather and light conditions comes down to accounting for every possible scenario that might limit both camera sensors and radar systems. Here are some installation pitfalls to avoid well as deployment strategies to adopt:
Radar cluttering refers to echoes or reflections not important to a radar’s function that affect its sensitivity and performance. Examples include large or nearby metal objects such as trucks, buildings, and chain link fences. Trees and brush can also absorb radar energy, decreasing its range and effectiveness.
Noise can also present a potential problem. The total signal competing with the target return—either electronic, external environmental conditions, or both—is clutter plus noise. The signal-to-noise ratio, then, compares the level of desired signal to the level of background noise, such that a ratio higher than 1:1 (greater than 0 dB) indicates more signal than noise. Installing a radar in a location where that ratio guarantees more signal than noise is the basic premise of this best practice.
An optimal installation location for any radar system is based on the line of sight to the area under surveillance. A radar’s line of sight can be interrupted by the presence of buildings, trucks, aircraft, or other large metallic objects; uncovered areas due to ground elevations; trees and brush, which in some cases are considered a seasonal factor; and grass height and density. Thus, the solution to these problems involves installation strategies that take each circumstance into account. For specific recommendations, refer to your local Teledyne FLIR sales representative. Their team of pre-sales engineers provide assistance in site survey and site design to ensure your system works well when commissioned.
A difference in ground elevation is one of the most common pitfalls that radars face. Whether the ground is undulating, sloped, or uneven—even if a radar beam stretches across a given area—it is not guaranteed that its beam will cover every zone within that area. A combination of strategic radar height, tilt, and layering can mitigate these conditions by minimizing any clutter effect from the ground and by covering any blind spots under the radar.
Placing a radar too high, for example, will detect tall targets, while leaving the zone closest to the ground uncovered. Tilting a radar incorrectly will also reduce a radar’s sensitivity by creating ground return interference, where the beam bounces off the earth. Thus, the perfect height and tilt takes into consideration the slope of the covered area as well as the height and location of the desired detection area.
Another important strategy that leaves no zone uncovered involves a multilayered approach, wherein multiple radar beams are overlapped using different heights, or tilts if necessary, in order to provide a video management system (VMS) a variety of sensor data covering every zone within the same area. Planning an installation using a low grazing angle, for instance, with one radar and a higher or upward tilted angle with another will provide maximum coverage of the same area. System integrators can also specify a radar’s height to maximize detection of different sorts of intruders. The recommended height for security applications is three to five meters, which helps to reduce the risk of obstruction, thus yielding more range while also decreasing clutter levels.
Finally, when it comes to deploying radar for security installations, it is critical to choose a radar that integrates with your preferred VMS for ease of use and total control. Without tight integration, security operators will not be able to access or leverage the full benefits of radar, such as dynamic mapping of targets simultaneously. Logic-based target tracking, hand-off, overlapping coverage via fusion mode, and data visualization all require a radar working in concert with its VMS component.
With reliable performance in all weather conditions, simultaneous tracking of multiple targets, and geolocation capability, ground-based security radars add a critical layer of intrusion detection to perimeter systems. Radars paired with PTZ cameras can activate alarms and guide these cameras for streamlined target tracking, visual verification of threats, and faster reaction time. By implementing installation best practices, radar will deliver consistent results with minimal maintenance for optimal return on investment.
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Here it is. This is it. DJI’s newest, latest, and greatest: the Matrice 300 RTK.
We’ve welcomed feedback from those who know our drones best: the first responders, inspectors, and surveyors, and incorporated their ideas into making the M300 RTK the tool they demand and deserve to get the job done.
With the M300 RTK bringing so much new to the table, we decided to simplify things and give a breakdown of the top 9 most exciting features of the Matrice 300 RTK:
After unpacking from its hard travel case and assembling its foldable arms, you’ll notice the M300 RTK’s props and rotors face downwards. The body of the M300 RTK, and therefore its center of gravity, sits above the plane of the propellers, which allows unprecedented agility, acceleration, and maneuverability, even in high winds and harsh conditions. The M300 RTK’s inverted propeller design elevates its body above the arms and props, providing this platform’s six direction obstacle avoidance sensors with a clear, unobstructed range of view. Additionally, for scenarios when equipped with an emergency parachute, the M300 RTK’s props will not cut or interfere with the deployed parachute, making this platform a new standard for safety.
The M300 RTK is DJI’s safest drone platform yet. With six direction dual visual sensors and dual Time-of-Flight (TOF) sensors, and an adjustable detection range between 1 to 40m, pilots can fly with confidence and peace of mind. These sensors are effective even in low light conditions when top and bottom auxiliary lights automatically turn on. An upcoming additional Circular Scanning Millimeter-Wave (CSM) Radar can be mounted to augment the six collision detection sensors. With the M300 RTK, pilots can maintain safety while flying in close proximity to their targets, so they can capture the highest definition data.
This drone is fast. With its design revamped for performance, the M300 RTK boasts ascent speeds of >5m/s, descent speeds of >3m/s, and horizontal speeds in excess of >23m/s (51 mph). Now pilots can deploy and reach their targets faster than ever before. Once data is collected or it’s time to return-to-home, rather than descending vertically above your home point, the M300 RTK now offers horizontal slope descent at 6m/s. This not only drastically reduces time spent waiting for your drone to land, but it saves battery power and increases efficiency.
Speaking of batteries, the M300 RTK is powered by two TB60s - DJI’s highest capacity batteries yet. Two TB60 batteries together enable the M300 RTK to hover for 45 minutes when flying with an H20 camera, or 55 minutes without. For lengthy and demanding missions, you can hot swap batteries one by one and quickly get back in the air. The M300 RTK also comes packaged with a rugged and portable Battery Station that houses eight TB60 batteries, charges two in approximately 60 minutes, and stores an additional four remote controller batteries. Featuring smart self-heating, the TB60s are reliable even in sub-zero temperatures and if under an emergency situation where one battery becomes disconnected, the other can get you back home.
Safety and reliability were a cornerstone of the M300 RTK’s development. Similar to its dual-battery design, the M300 RTK is bolstered with a series of redundancies to ensure safety in the case of damage or emergency. With duplicates for most sensors including an extra accelerometer, barometer, IMU, RTK antennas, the M300 RTK is DJI’s safest and most reliable drone to date.
To access a detailed report on the Matrice 300 RTK's redundancy features, click below.
With triple gimbal support, the M300 RTK can simultaneously leverage two payloads below, as well as one on top. For more flexibility, an Onboard SDK port is also available to enable advanced computing power on demand. With support for a max payload of 2.7kg, and compatibility with the H20 and H20T, our newest versatile hybrid multi-sensors, the M300 RTK is a multifunctional heavy lifter.
The M300 RTK is the first platform to feature DJI’s newest transmission system: OcuSync Enterprise. An upgrade to OcuSync 2.0, OcuSync Enterprise is capable of transmitting three routes of 1080P 30FPS downlink at 15 km to your remote controller. With OcuSync Enterprise, pilots now have the longest and most responsive connection to their drone and its payloads. While the M300 RTK’s smart controller can only display two input feeds at a time, pilots can seamlessly transition between displays and access mission critical information.
The M300 RTK is the first platform that features our next-generation HUD. Inspired by civil aviation standards, Primary Flight Display (PFD) was developed on the DJI Pilot App and offers pilots a flying interface that is more intuitive and functional than ever before. This redesign gives pilots access to enhanced situational awareness at their fingertips, allowing for missions to be executed with safety and confidence.
The M300 RTK comes with revamped dual pilot control protocols that enable missions to be executed with greater safety and flexibility. When flying with a co-pilot, you both have equal access to gain flight control priority, the transfer of which is signaled by a series of icons on your DJI Smart Controller Enterprise. Two pilots can seamlessly transfer between control of the drone and of its gimbals. With these redesigned flight control protocols, visual line of sight can be maintained from one pilot to a co-pilot to enable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) missions. A mission can take off at the location of one pilot and land at the location of the second. For flight training, a teacher can safely guide a learning pilot.
We hope you’re as excited as we are about the Matrice 300 RTK. These top nine features are just a sample of what this powerful robot packs. If you would like to request a quote for a M300 RTK, you can fill out the form here and our sales network will get in touch. You can learn more about the M300 RTK at its product page by clicking here.
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Teledyne FLIR made available today the FLIR Vue® TZ20-R, a high resolution, thermal zoom gimbal, purpose-built for the DJI® V2 Matrice 200 Series and Matrice 300 airframes and includes radiometry to measure the temperature of every pixel in the scene. Featuring two 640x512 resolution FLIR Boson® thermal camera modules, with one providing a narrow-field-of-view (18 degrees) and the other a wide-field-of-view (95 degrees), the Vue TZ20-R provides even greater situational awareness, accuracy, and context by offering more pixels on target with the corresponding temperature data.
IP44 rated to provide operability in poor weather conditions and weighing just 640 grams (1.4 lbs.), the dual thermal camera system offers unmatched thermal zoom performance at five times, 10 times, and 20 times digital zoom for a variety of public safety and industrial missions. The dual Boson camera modules also provide four times more radiometric pixels on target at every zoom level versus all competitors, empowering pilots to scan and survey large areas quickly, all while preserving flight time and maintaining a safe standoff distance.
Utility, roofing, solar farm, and other industrial inspectors can achieve unmatched clarity from a safe distance. Emergency response pilots in search and rescue, law enforcement, firefighting, and public safety, can also more easily search for and observe in silence while using the thermal zoom to reduce false positives and make critical decisions faster.
Operators can use in-app features, such as isotherms to automatically detect temperatures of interest, ideal for industrial inspection and public safety where quickly spotting anomalies is mission critical.
The TZ20-R offers simplified operation and payload connection via the Skyport V2.0 gimbal on the DJI Matrice 300 or V2 Matrice 200 series. Thermal video and still-image data can be recorded on dual microSD cards along with the ability to stream thermal video mid-flight. Post mission, operators can export the data to FLIR Thermal Studio and third-party data processing software for in-depth analysis and review.
The FLIR Vue TZ20-R is available for pre-order with delivery in October through authorized distributors. To learn more click here or Get in Touch.
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY) announced today the successful completion of the acquisition of FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLIR). At each of the respective company’s special meeting of stockholders held on May 13, 2021, the stockholders approved and adopted merger proposals related to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated January 4, 2021. FLIR will now be included in Teledyne’s Digital Imaging segment and operate under the name Teledyne FLIR.
Under the terms of the agreement, FLIR stockholders received $28.00 per share in cash and 0.0718 shares of Teledyne common stock for each FLIR share, which implies a total purchase price of approximately $57.40 per FLIR share based on Teledyne’s closing price on May 13, 2021. The aggregate consideration for the transaction was approximately $8.2 billion, including net debt. Previously, Teledyne secured all permanent cash financing for the transaction with a weighted average borrowing cost of less than two percent.
Teledyne expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive to earnings, excluding transaction costs and purchase price accounting, and accretive to GAAP earnings in the first full calendar year following the acquisition.
Simultaneously, Teledyne announced the following executive promotions, effective today. Edwin Roks, current Vice President of Teledyne and President of Teledyne’s Digital Imaging Segment, is now Executive Vice President of Teledyne. Edwin will continue to serve as President of Teledyne’s Digital Imaging Segment, which now includes Teledyne FLIR. In addition, Todd Booth is promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the acquired Teledyne FLIR group of businesses.
“We appreciate the support from our stockholders, and I am delighted to welcome FLIR to the Teledyne family,” said Robert Mehrabian, Executive Chairman of Teledyne. “As a combined company, Teledyne FLIR will uniquely provide a full spectrum of imaging technologies and products spanning X-ray through infrared and from components to complete imaging systems. Teledyne FLIR will also provide a complete range of unmanned systems and imaging payload across all domains ranging from deep sea to deep space. Finally, I want to congratulate Edwin and Todd, whose promotions are very well deserved.”
Teledyne and FLIR filed the vote results for their respective special meetings of stockholders on a Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2021.
Teledyne Technologies is a leading provider of sophisticated digital imaging products and software, instrumentation, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems. Teledyne’s operations are primarily located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Western and Northern Europe.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, with respect to management’s beliefs about the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Teledyne in the future. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, are based on the current expectations of the management of Teledyne and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “estimate”, “project”, “predict”, “believes” or “expect”, that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. All statements made in this communication that are not historical in nature should be considered forward-looking. By its nature, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance or results and involves risks and uncertainties because it relates to events and depends on circumstances that will occur in the future.
Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Many factors could change anticipated results, including: ongoing challenges and uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic for businesses and governments around the world; the inability to integrate FLIR successfully, to retain customers and key employees and to achieve operating synergies, including the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction are not realized when expected or at all, including as a result of the impact of, or problems arising from, the integration of the two companies or as a result of the strength of the economy and competitive factors in the areas where Teledyne and FLIR do business; the parties’ ability to meet expectations regarding the accounting and tax treatments of the proposed transaction; dilution related to the issuance of Teledyne stock in the acquisition to the holders of FLIR stock, which will result in Teledyne stockholders having lower ownership and voting interests in Teledyne than they currently have and exercising less influence over management; changes in relevant tax and other laws; the inability to develop and market new competitive products; inherent uncertainties involved in the estimates and judgments used in the preparation of financial statements and the providing of estimates of financial measures, in accordance with U.S. GAAP and related standards; operating results of Teledyne FLIR being lower than anticipated; disruptions in the global economy; the spread of the COVID-19 virus resulting in production, supply, contractual and other disruptions, including facility closures and furloughs and travel restrictions; customer and supplier bankruptcies; changes in demand for products sold to the defense electronics, instrumentation, digital imaging, energy exploration and production, commercial aviation, semiconductor and communications markets; funding, continuation and award of government programs; cuts to defense spending resulting from existing and future deficit reduction measures or changes to U.S. and foreign government spending and budget priorities triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic; impacts from the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union; uncertainties related to the policies of the new U.S. Presidential Administration, including tax policies; the imposition and expansion of, and responses to, trade sanctions and tariffs; escalating economic and diplomatic tension between China and the United States; the impact of higher inflation; semiconductor and other supply chain shortages; and threats to the security of our confidential and proprietary information, including cyber security threats. Lower oil and natural gas prices, as well as instability in the Middle East or other oil producing regions, and new regulations or restrictions relating to energy production, including with respect to hydraulic fracturing, could further negatively affect our businesses that supply the oil and gas industry. Continued weakness in the commercial aerospace industry will negatively affect the markets of our commercial aviation businesses. In addition, financial market fluctuations affect the value of the Company’s pension assets. Changes in the policies of U.S. and foreign governments, including economic sanctions, could result, over time, in reductions or realignment in defense or other government spending and further changes in programs in which the Company participates. While the Company’s growth strategy includes possible acquisitions, we cannot provide any assurance as to when, if or on what terms any acquisitions will be made. Acquisitions involve various inherent risks, such as, among others, our ability to integrate acquired businesses, retain customers and achieve identified financial and operating synergies. There are additional risks associated with acquiring, owning and operating businesses internationally, including those arising from U.S. and foreign government policy changes or actions and exchange rate fluctuations.
Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described above can be found in Teledyne’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in other documents that Teledyne files with the SEC.
All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on information available at that time. Teledyne does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by federal securities laws. As forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, caution should be exercised against placing undue reliance on such statements.
Lines on a map don’t follow the path of least resistance. Towering mountains, jagged shorelines, and barren landscapes that once served as effective borders are now playgrounds for the opportunistic. That meandering, invisible line that skirts through corridors of geography is what separates everything and everyone that you’ve sworn to protect from the everchanging threats that jeopardize their well-being. Effectively monitoring, navigating, and defending vast areas of terrain is key to safeguarding the land that once held its own.
Elusive, well-equipped border security threats can push traditional patrols to the brink. When detection range directly affects response time, reliably spotting and determining the intentions of approaching individuals, vehicles, and UAS must occur faster than ever. FLIR integrated border solutions package the best surveillance technology into dynamic, scalable platforms to help operators make faster, more confident interdiction decisions.
Vision is the cornerstone of every border surveillance platform. Pushing the boundaries of what we can see—from high ground and binoculars to electro-optics and infrared sensors—is the determining factor of a system’s efficacy. Optics innovation has dramatically expanded the capabilities of perimeter protection, where eyes-on-target is the gold standard for threat identification.
FLIR sensors help officials detect unlawful and unsafe crossings of the English Channel
Long-range IR imaging gives operators the ability to pinpoint humans, vehicles, and other heat-generating equipment in any lighting condition. The sensitivity of high-performance IR cameras captures key classification details in complete darkness and adverse weather conditions, such as whether a target is armed or if a vehicle is under power. Often combined with IR imaging in a multispectral, pan/tilt sensor, high-resolution visible light cameras offer unmatched identification to complement the 24/7 detection of infrared optics. The long-range capability of these daylight cameras helps capture license plate details, aircraft registration numbers, and individual characteristics.
Achieving a new level of mission flexibility, unmanned aerial systems quickly cover grueling terrain where other means of navigation are impractical. Stabilized EO/IR payloads and advanced video analytics offer the perks of integrated multispectral imaging in a compact, highly maneuverable system. With up to 40 minutes of flight time or indefinite in-air replacement using multiple UAS, airborne surveillance is more feasible than ever.
Integrating complimentary technologies helps achieve a true tactical advantage while defending a perimeter. Combining optics, radar, and unmanned systems elevates each technology’s strengths while simultaneously covering any shortcomings. Radar cues multispectral cameras to focus on an approaching target’s position. IR cameras pinpoint and classify an armored vehicle under the cover of darkness. Visible light cameras capture key identifiers that radar and IR imaging can’t distinguish. A drone reestablishes eyes-on-target when line-of-sight is interrupted. The efficacy of a surveillance solution lies in the sum of its parts. The more specialized technologies operating in the same ecosystem, the greater your advantage.
FLIR Cameleon command and control brings each detection technology into a streamlined interface to fully leverage GIS mapping, target tracking, and slew-to-cue camera controls. Whether operating in the field or from a dedicated command center, FLIR video management software integrates a virtually unlimited number of sensors into a networked solution.
Tapping vehicles, aircraft, and dismounted personnel to deliver various detection technologies creates a more dynamic, custom solution. The most effective strategy to reliably cover one 50-mile segment may change dramatically over the following 50 miles. Fortunately, integrated solutions serve as building blocks that are infinitely scalable and interchangeable. Whether current funding only covers the highest-risk 100 miles of a 200-mile problem, FLIR border solutions operate in a common ecosystem for unparalleled flexibility and expansion.
Long-range IR and radar achieve impressive levels of coverage. But when your area of interest spans hundreds of miles, impressive often isn’t acceptable. Fixed-mount installations are effective but require significant levels of investment for a gapless perimeter. Mobile surveillance systems help address this challenge by offering versatility throughout challenging terrain. With decades of sensor leadership and innovation, FLIR is well-equipped to deliver high-performance surveillance technology as a vehicle-mounted or man-portable solution, regardless of SWaP-C constraints.
Ground vehicles, such as the FLIR LVSS, allow a single operator to access remote, high-risk areas or effectively cover multiple waypoints in quick succession. The skid-based design converts a standard pickup truck into a mobile command center that can be deployed or packed up in minutes. For more demanding terrain, a compact camera/radar mast is installed onto an all-terrain vehicle chassis, offering short- to mid-range surveillance from a more rugged and nimble system.
Technology sheds a light on what lies beyond that darting line that once separated known from unknown. The intentions of those who crawl through the brush, walk under the cover of darkness, or speed through the desert will be known well before they reach the fence line—if there is one.
Unified optics, radar, UAS, and command software create a true tactical advantage to quickly detect, track, and intercept approaching threats. These integrated solutions help operators make informed mission-critical decisions for safer force protection and more secure borders.
The number of specifications listed for a thermal camera can be overwhelming when you’re trying to find the right camera for your needs. Any spec in isolation won’t tell you much about the camera—instead, it’s a combination of factors that determine a thermal imager’s capabilities.
All specs provide useful information, but here are the main ones you need to consider to ensure you’re purchasing the right camera for your application:
Range is the entire span of temperatures the camera is calibrated to and capable of measuring.
Some cameras have multiple ranges in order to more accurately measure a wider span of temperatures. Know the temperatures you’re likely to encounter in your application - selecting a camera with a higher temperature range is especially important for certain industrial applications, such as measuring high-temperature equipment like boilers, kilns, or furnaces.
Applications like measuring the temperature of kilns (left) require a camera with a high temperature range. When a camera is out of range, an * by the temperature indicates that the camera is guessing the temperature.
Field of View is determined by the camera lens, and is the extent of a scene that the camera will see at any given moment. For work being done close-up, you need a lens with a wide angle FOV (45° or higher). For long distance work, you need a telephoto lens (12° or 6°). Some cameras may be available with multiple lenses for different applications.
FOV determines how much the camera sees and from what distance. A telephoto lens is better for measuring at a distance (left), while a wide angle lens is better for close-up work (right).
The resolution of the camera is how many pixels the camera has on the scene. Higher resolution means that each image contains more information: more pixels, more detail, and a greater likelihood of getting an accurate measurement. Depending on your application, especially when you can get close to the target, you may be able to get away with a lower-cost, lower-resolution camera. Measuring smaller targets from further away will require a higher resolution.
Low-resolution cameras are better suited to measuring targets at a close distance (left). A high-resolution camera is required for measuring at a distance (right).
Thermal sensitivity or Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) describes the smallest temperature difference you can see with the camera. The lower the number, the better the thermal sensitivity of the infrared system. A word of warning: cameras from low-cost manufacturers may be hiding poor sensitivity by taking NETD at 50°C instead of the industry-standard 30°C.
If the targets you need to measure typically have wide temperature differences, a camera with a low NETD probably isn’t necessary. However, for more subtle applications, like detecting moisture issues, you will need more sensitivity.
Detecting subtle details, like studs in a wall, requires high thermal sensitivity.
Cameras may be fixed focus, meaning they are always in focus; have manual focus, meaning the user adjusts the focus on the camera; or automatic focus, meaning the camera will autofocus based on what it can see for contrast on the scene. In general, more entry level cameras will have fixed focus, and high-performance cameras will have either manual or automatic focus. The advantage of manual vs. automatic focus comes down to user need.
An image in focus is required for accurate temperature measurement.
Spectral range is the range of wavelengths that the sensor in the camera detects, measured in micrometers (µm). Most gas detection cameras (such as propane, methane, and butane detectors) are midwave cameras, meaning they have a spectral range of 2µm to 5µm. Almost all other thermal cameras are longwave, and have a spectral range of 8µm to 14µm. Longwave cameras are appropriate for most other applications, from electrical inspections to firefighting.
Midwave cameras are used to detect gases like propane, methane, and butane (left), while longwave cameras are used for most other applications (right).
Keep these important specs in mind when determining which thermal imaging camera is the best for your needs. Remember, looking at just one spec value won’t give you a good indication of a thermal camera’s capabilities. For instance, if you need to detect subtle issues like moisture, having high resolution won’t do you any good if the camera doesn’t also have high thermal sensitivity.
If you need a place to start, check out the FLIR Exx-series for a good general purpose handheld camera. For long distance electrical or utility work, take a look at the FLIR T-series, and for close up work or for an entry-level choice, consider a lower-cost camera like the FLIR ONE Pro or FLIR C3.
For more information, Get in Touch
Electrical contractors know the value of having the right tool available for the job. Being properly equipped can mean the difference between searching for the problem for minutes versus hours, or never finding the issue at all. Whether scanning breaker panels or diagnosing electrical circuits, it’s important to leave no stone unturned and provide your customers with certainty that their home or building is safe and operating at peak electrical efficiency. Here are 5 of the tools every electrical contractor should have on the job.
A thermal imaging camera can drastically speed up electrical inspections by quickly catching hot spots on electrical systems that indicate a potential problem. A handy tool for electricians is the pocket-portable FLIR C5, which makes identifying hidden problems easy with a 160 × 120 pixel thermal imager, MSX® (Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging), 5-megapixel visual camera, and LED flashlight. Another great option is the FLIR TG165-X, which comes in a traditional temperature gun form-factor but offers full thermal imaging capabilities with MSX image enhancement and a bullseye laser to help ensure you’re always targeting the right component for measurement.
Thermal images can also provide visual proof a fault existed and was properly repaired. The C5 directly uploads and stores your images to the FLIR Ignite™ cloud, where you can organize and back up files, while the TG165-X has internal storage for up to 50,000 images.
A multimeter is an indispensable tool for testing, diagnosing, and troubleshooting electrical circuits, components, and devices. The Extech EX530 is a heavy-duty, 11 function, True RMS Industrial Multimeter ideal for use in the outdoors, on boats, and in any harsh industrial environment. It measures AC/DC voltage and current, resistance, capacitance, electronic and electrical frequency, temperature, 4 to 20 mA, and duty cycle.
Professionals performing field troubleshooting and verification of electrical installations need a reliable voltage detector. The FLIR VP50-2 is a durable, CAT IV-rated non-contact voltage detector featuring light, vibration, and beeper feedback alarms, as well as a powerful LED flashlight. Use the VP50-2 to reliably check if an AC circuit is live before beginning work, detect voltage on exposed conducting parts or through insulation, identify live wires within electrical panels, switches, and outlets, or trace live wires and map circuits.
Whether you are a commercial, industrial, or residential electrician, FLIR clamp meters will help you maximize safety and efficiency. The FLIR CM94 is a go-to for tackling high-current measurements in demanding utility and industrial job sites. It features a 2000 A AC/DC range, oversized jaws for oversized conductors, drop-test protection, and a CAT IV-1000 V safety rating.
For extra detection capabilities, FLIR clamp meters enhanced with Infrared Guided Measurement (IGM) provide a fast, reliable way to identify hot spots and overloaded circuits from a safe distance. The FLIR CM275 clamp meter combines thermal imaging with electrical measurement into a powerful inspection, troubleshooting, and diagnostic tool. Confirm your findings with the clamp meter’s wide range of functions and temperature readings, and wirelessly upload images or data to the FLIR Tools™ app.
A cable locator and tracer allows you to quickly locate and trace powered or unpowered wires and cables in walls, ceilings, floors, and underground. The Extech CLT600 is a reliable, easy-to-use tool for detecting electrical power cables, telecommunication cables, and wires in building applications. Featuring non-contact voltage technology, work lights, and an ergonomic design, professionals can safely and efficiently locate hidden wires and cables.
FLIR offers a wide range of solutions to help you improve the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of your work. With the right inspection tools, you can easily stay safe on the job, add value to your services, and provide peace of mind to your customers. To Learn more about FLIR solutions for electrical contractors, Get in Touch
Having the ability to effectively inspect, diagnose, and document trouble spots is crucial for property managers, facilities maintenance staff, building inspectors, contractors, electricians, service technicians, plumbers, and even homeowners. It requires the aid of effective tools, including thermal imaging, to quickly recognize and resolve those trouble spots. That’s why FLIR has introduced its latest entry-level Cx-Series camera, the FLIR C3-X™, a compact thermal camera packed with features that can help users confidently find faults in close range. It easily fits in a pocket or tool bag, is tough enough for any job, and available at a price point that building professionals and homeowners can afford.
Along with the five-megapixel visual inspection camera, the enhanced C3-X has a 128x96 resolution thermal camera that features a temperature range up to 300 degrees Celsius on an easy-to-read 3.5 inch touchscreen. These features are important to get a detailed view of the situation and troubleshoot areas of concern such as hot fuses or air leaks. FLIR Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging (MSX®) mode adds visible light details to thermal images in real time for greater clarity, so users can easily identify issues within the context of the problem area.
The C3-X stands up in tough environments with four hours of operating time and features an IP54 enclosure, providing a high level of protection against dust and water, and is designed to withstand a 2 m (6.6 ft) drop. It’s compact, handheld design, allows professionals to fit it in their pocket or into their tool bag without taking up too much space. The built in LED light helps see in dark areas such as crawl spaces.
Featuring FLIR Ignite™, the C3-X offers cloud connectivity, allowing professionals to directly transfer, store and backup data so images are always available on all devices. The C3-X also offers seamless customer reporting when paired with FLIR Thermal Studio™.
For more information click here or Get in Touch.
FLIR MSX® (Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging) adds visible light details to thermal images in real time for greater clarity, embedding edge and outline detail onto thermal readings. Unlike image fusing (merging of a visible light and thermal image), MSX does not dilute the thermal image or decrease thermal transparency.
MSX adds visible light details to thermal images.
Thermal imagers with MSX capabilities actually have two cameras—a thermal imager and a visible light camera (i.e. a typical digital camera). Every time you take a picture, both a thermal image and a visible image are captured simultaneously. Built-in software extracts key visible image elements—outlines, words, numbers, and other high-contrast edge details--and adds them to the thermal image. This helps give the image definition and makes it easier to tell what you’re looking at.
Thermal and visible image taken simultaneously.
Thermal image and image with added MSX.
This is especially useful when looking at saved images later, or making a report. When you are on the scene, you can probably tell what it is you are currently looking at, but a thermal image without reference details may prove puzzling later. MSX eliminates the need to take additional visible light reference images, and can make it easier to demonstrate to clients what and where the problem is.
Fine details—like numbers—become visible on the breaker box with MSX.
MSX can be turned on or off when using a thermal imager, and can also be added or removed later in FLIR Tools®. Both a thermal image and a digital image are saved, so all radiometric (temperature measurement) data remains uncompromised. Check out some of the FLIR cameras that are equipped with MSX® technology: the Exx-Series, Ex-Series, Cx-Series (C3-X, C5) and FLIR ONE PRO.
FLIR Systems, today announced the FLIR VS290-32™, an industry-first, videoscope that combines thermal imaging and a visible camera specifically designed for safer and more efficient inspections of hard-to-reach underground utility vaults. The VS290-32 is the company’s first industrial-grade, electrical safety-rated, flexible dual-sensor videoscope on a replaceable, two-meter-long camera probe.
For use in the most demanding environments, the VS290-32 is CAT IV 600 V safety rated for electrical inspections, along with an IP67-rated camera tip and IP54 base unit to protect against dust and water. The device features FLIR Systems’ patented Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging (MSX®), which improves image clarity by embossing visual scene details onto full thermal images, providing crucial context to accurately and safely assess and identify potential issues to prevent blackouts and asset failures. A low-profile tip and bright LED work light provides illumination for MSX in dark environments, including under manhole covers or in other tight spaces such as attics, within HVAC systems, and inside machinery.
“The ruggedized and electrical-safety rated videoscope with MSX will drastically increase the ease of thermal inspections within tight, hard-to-reach places at power generation plants, power distribution systems, manufacturing facilities, and for public safety, and building diagnostics inspections,” said Rickard Lindvall, General Manager, Solutions Business at FLIR Systems.
The FLIR VS290-32 videoscope combines thermal imaging and a visible camera on a replaceable, two-meter-long probe for safer and more efficient inspections of vented manholes without having to remove the cover. (Photo: Business Wire)
The VS290-32 features a FLIR Lepton® thermal sensor and offers the option of hot/cold color alarms, or isotherms, to quickly identify areas of concern across a temperature range from -10 to 400 degrees Celsius (14 to 752 degrees Fahrenheit). The device includes a dual battery charger along with lithium ion rechargeable batteries that each provide up to six hours of continuous use.
“Safety is Con Edison’s top priority,” said Andrew Reid, Section Manager for Engineering and Analysis in Distribution Engineering at Con Edison. “This new tool allows our crews to safely, efficiently, and effectively inspect vented manholes and identify potential problems without having to remove the cover or even having to enter the structure. This reduces the physical effort required by our crews, the time it takes to complete an inspection and enhances data collection activities to support our ongoing infrastructure planning and maintenance.”
To learn more about the FLIR VS290, visit https://www.gothermal.co.za/products/flir-vs290-32 or contact us.
Improvements in thermal camera performance and on-camera image enhancement, such as FLIR-exclusive MSX® technology, help thermographers instantly pinpoint issues. However, even the most experienced inspectors often need to adjust images after the fact.
Properly adjusting level and span in FLIR Thermal Studio Suite helps highlight failing equipment.
Analysis and reporting software helps you adjust saved IR images after an inspection. These solutions allow you to fine-tune critical details, including level and span, emissivity, and color palette selection to better identify problems and convey repair recommendations to untrained decision-makers.
As analysis and reporting solutions evolve, streamlining on-site inspections and automating the reporting process creates a new level of efficiency, saving time on the job and at the desk.
Pre-planning an inspection with the FLIR Route Creator plugin for FLIR Thermal Studio Pro helps you quickly check every box. Simply create a route, export the file to an Exx-Series or T-Series camera running FLIR Inspection Route, and save images as you move throughout the site. The predefined route will guide your on-site movement to each inspection asset, automatically collecting and organizing saved images for a seamless import into FLIR Thermal Studio Pro.
FLIR Thermal Studio Pro simplifies post-inspection reporting and compiles historical data for reliable asset monitoring over time. Importing thermal and visible images from FLIR Route Creator automatically matches them to items on your inspection list, allowing you to quickly identify faulty equipment for repair recommendations. Advanced processing tools, such as batch image editing, thermal video enhancements, and custom report templates make FLIR Thermal Studio Pro a powerful tool for creating polished reports in a fraction of the time.
Not only do the E76, E86, and E96 feature interchangeable lenses in 24 degree, 42 degree, and 14 degree fields of view, the lenses are also more intelligent. Older cameras required a manual calibration before adding new lenses, but now the lenses auto-calibrate, helping pros save time.
For the first time, FLIR Inspection Route is now offered as a standard feature on every Exx-Series camera. Designed for thermographers and electrical contractors who regularly inspect large numbers of objects, FLIR Inspection Route guides the user along a pre-defined route of inspection points so they can collect images and data in a structured manner.
The Exx-Series offers more than just a laser pointer. These cameras also have a laser receiver that can calculate distances between the camera and a target. This not only improves the autofocus response, but also adds critical data for reporting.
When scanning an area with the Exx-Series, you can set a measurement box over a target and use laser distance measurement to calculate the square area inside that box. The camera saves the area measurement along with other image data, so you can create detailed reports that lead to faster repairs.
1-Touch Level/Span allows you to choose a small area of focus in a thermal image and—with one touch of the screen—auto-adjust the level and span based on the thermal contrast at that spot in the image. This saves time on manual adjustments and allows you to dial in on the problems and details you care about.
Features an Automatic On-Edge Guide to the Inner-Canthus for Improved Temperature Reading Accuracy and People Flow Through Screening Checkpoints
As employees continue returning to the office, travelers start flying again, and fans slowly return to stadiums, technology that focuses on maintaining health and safety in semi-public and private venues remains crucial to slowing the spread of COVID-19.
In response, FLIR Systems today announced the FLIR Elara™ FR-345-EST, a fixed-mount radiometric thermal security camera that measures elevated skin temperature (EST) accurately without contact or the need for a reference temperature source. This system provides a safe and effective environment at high-traffic airports, stadiums, commercial buildings, and manufacturing facilities to quickly asses skin temperature at access control points. The Elara FR-345-EST automatically guides to the part of the body that most closely correlates to core body temperature: the inner-canthus—or the inner eye of a human face—without sacrificing accuracy or the ability to maintain social distancing guidelines.
The Elara FR-345-EST camera can serve as a stand-alone system without the need for desktop software or as part of a broader access control program designed to improve people flow for elevated skin temperature screening while simultaneously improving the accuracy of finding the inner-canthus, balancing the needs of personal safety and convenience. It also integrates with a variety of third-party video management systems (VMS), including FLIR United VMS, to enable fast integration within the existing security infrastructure to avoid adding risk to network IT security.
Through the use of integrated algorithms and a convolutional neural network (CNN), as individuals pass through the screening process the interactive on-screen prompts assist with eyewear identification, proper pose, positioning, and head orientation. This enables the camera’s on-edge artificial intelligence to automatically locate and measure the temperature at the inner canthus within an accuracy of +/- 0.5° C (+/- 0.9° F).
The improved AI capabilities with the on-camera software also improves the screening assessment time to an average of one-second-per-individual (after the subject is in a stationary position in front of the camera and once eyewear has been removed), helping to keep lines of workers, spectators, guests, students, and patients moving and to eliminate any potential crowding at checkpoints*. The self-screening operation provides instant go/no-go feedback and the adaptive alarm threshold feature can be used to minimize false alarms to account for natural body temperature fluctuations throughout the day.
The Elara FR-345-EST reduces setup time and calibration while improving real-time operator decision-making with on-edge analytics. Now the user has the ability to simply self-start by connecting the camera to a smart monitor with a web browser to view a live user interface. While the camera removes the need for a dedicated operator specific to EST frontline screening**, integrators, customers and their staff can still expect a seamless user experience.
The camera can also be customized to meet specific integrator or customer needs. In addition, FLIR offers extended training and support for customers and users to properly setup, operate and maintain the system.
The Elara FR-345-EST is available globally starting today through authorized dealers, with shipments expected to begin in Q4.
The Insights from the Field series features insight from FLIR experts who recommend, deploy, and use thermal imaging technology every day. Join us as we discuss the diverse applications of thermal technology in security, safety, and equipment protection for critical infrastructure.
Security personnel must be able to quickly detect unauthorized vehicles and individuals at critical infrastructure sites. Without intrusion detection, entities like electrical substations can be subject to physical attacks. 88 percent of substations experience at least one break-in every year and 10 percent see more than 20 intrusions in the same time frame, according to CIGRE, a global electricity industry organization. To safeguard remote substations from external threats, electric utilities are relying on durable thermal cameras for superior monitoring and protection.
The failure of a key substation caused by a security breach would have a debilitating effect for homeowners, businesses, and mission-critical infrastructure. While physical security is a top priority for utilities, designing, installing and operating a perimeter system requires skill. Remote location, limited network connectivity, minimal lighting, internal security audits, and compliance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation are some of the challenges that both substation security directors and system integrators face.
Thermal security cameras monitor perimeters in adverse weather conditions, day or night.
Since their arrival on the mainstream security scene a few decades ago, thermal security cameras have quickly become the optimal solution for remote substation perimeter security, due to their ability to monitor perimeters day and night in adverse weather conditions as well as in harsh environments.
Thermal cameras measure the minute differences in heat signatures emitted by objects and people to produce high-contrast images and reliable intrusion detection. They enable security personnel to detect an intruder before they ever reach the perimeter for early intervention.
As the industry leader in advanced thermal technology, FLIR provides the best sensor quality available. FLIR’s total security solution featuring a diverse suite of perimeter cameras offers the widest selection of lenses and detection ranges, adaptable to both large and small deployments. FLIR’s track record of success is just one of the reasons why utilities choose FLIR cameras time and again.
Thermal cameras can effectively monitor the interior of substations when "looking out" may generate false alarms.
When deploying thermal cameras at substations, there are several factors to consider to optimize performance. Here are some tips from our FLIR experts.
As a final consideration, choose the right software to streamline management, operations, and functionality. For large applications where customers need to manage surveillance, access control, radar, and other disparate systems on one platform, consider command and control software. For enterprise-level surveillance operations, a video management system is optimal and for small applications using just a few cameras, a network video recorder is sufficient. Regardless of the size of the project, partner with an expert team that can help assess, design, install, and program the right system for your application.
Two innovative companies have integrated the new FLIR Hadron into sUAS platforms being launched this summer. The Hadron is a compact, low power form factor that includes both a visual and thermal camera and is designed to enable lightweight and dynamic aircraft. Teal Drones and Vantage Robotics took advantage of the Hadron’s state-of-the-art capabilities to create sUAS platforms at the leading edge of the industry.
Teal was started about five years ago by CEO George Matus, who had a vision of enabling unmanned systems to be more than just single use-case devices. Early in 2019, Teal was awarded a prototype OTA contract from the United States Army for its short-range reconnaissance program of record. Through that OTA, Teal has developed its next-generation dual-use sUAS for applications between enterprise and defense markets.
Originally designed as an ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) solution, the Golden Eagle has been made to the army’s exacting performance specifications. “Most importantly,” says Matus, “its focus is around the FLIR Hadron as its core payload, providing really high-quality EO and IR imaging in a really small form-factor.”
Vantage Robotics has been developing micro-gimbals over the last seven years and working in collaboration with engineers at FLIR to develop the stabilization technology for the Hadron. Vantage was the first drone company to get a broad waiver for commercial operations over people, allowing them to work with customers like CNN to collect footage of populated areas.
When they became aware of the need of the US government to have a trusted UAS, they designed the Vesper platform for ISR and situational awareness applications. In addition to the US government and worldwide governments, they see applications for first responders, wildlife management, and commercial inspections.
A priority for both companies was making their platform as light as possible, allowing the drone to fly farther and for longer. “Every 7.5 grams we can shave off lets us fly for an additional minute,” explains Tobin Fisher, CEO at Vantage. “So we’re tracking every tenth of a gram, and are always excited to see packages that let us reduce that.” The Vesper weighs only 650 grams, but has more flight and sensor capabilities than most similar products on the market. It can fly over 45 kilometers (about an hour of flight time) and do so nearly silently. “That’s something that really hasn’t been seen before,” says Fisher.
Likewise, the Golden Eagle only weights about 2 pounds, but is just as capable as much larger platforms, making it more affordable and scalable for customers. The tiny, lightweight drone can be easily carried by warfighters without adding much weight to their load, can fit into tight places, and is generally more covert. Teal also has a custom propulsion system designed to be much quieter than other aircraft, a huge advantage to ISR related use-cases. “It’s essentially just a better version of Teal, and where we always wanted to take drones,” Matus says.
Integrating the Hadron was a critical component to keeping the weight off. “The Hadron is far away the lightest and smallest combined EO/IR sensor that has ever been commercially available,” says Fisher. “For an aircraft where you’re trying to push the limit on flight performance, every gram matters. The ability to get these sensor capabilities in a package this small makes an enormous difference.”
Teal and Vantage found the Hadron easy to integrate into their designs. “It was a really great experience working with FLIR for the integration,” says Matus. We were able to partner early on and work hand-in-hand with the Hadron project team through the integration.”
This was a contrast from the design of Teal’s first flagship consumer product, the Teal One, which had a custom camera that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to implement. “Being able to use the Hadron, we didn’t have that big resource drain on the company,” says Matus. “We were able to lean on FLIR and their expertise for doing what they do best.”
Vantage also saved internal resources by integrating the Hadron, according to Fisher. “The Hadron reduced engineering costs and time,” he says. “Having it prepackaged in a module like this makes it a lot easier to work with and integrate into our gimbal payload.”
Both were impressed with the quality of the product and ease of use.
“The software package for ingesting the thermal and the EO was extremely easy to use, the product was robustly designed and extremely easy to integrate,” says Fisher. “Everything worked as expected – that made integration very fast and painless.”
Matus has a similar report. “The Hadron product itself we were super impressed with. Really high quality, really low weight and size… It allowed rapid integration, and ultimately deployment of the prototypes for the army.”
An emerging theme in the sUAS world is that the American drone industry is on the rise. “We’ve been hammered over the past several years,” says Matus, “but we’re making a comeback.” One factor that Teal sees boosting the American drone industry is the US Army’s support of US-based drone companies and requirement of DOD compliant drones. “We’re fortunate that Teal can be on the forefront of that.”
Vantage is looking forward to seeing the American drone industry become more competitive on a global scale. To achieve this, Fisher advocates more collaboration within the industry. “One of the things that I firmly believe,” he says, “is that for the American drone industry to be competitive, we have figure out how to reduce duplication of effort and figure out how to work together in a more effective, collaborative way.
“To try to walk the talk on that, we’ve decided to make systems from Vesper commercially available to other system integrators within the drone industry in order to bring their products to market faster. That includes the stabilized version of the Hadron.” This stabilization technology is key to enabling smaller, lighter gimbals.
“There’s a phenomenal wealth of talent, of ideas, of innovation,” Fisher continues. “There’s amazing work going on by so many groups in the American drone industry. It’s so exciting to see the breadth of innovation that’s happening at every level, from software, to hardware, to sensors, to airframes.”
We hope to continue seeing innovative sUAS manufacturers like Vantage and Teal using FLIR solutions like the Hadron to enable better, more capable drones for use in the military, commercial industry, and beyond.