Lightweight PTZ Sensor Solution for Public Safety UAV Applications

Sierra Pacific Innovations (SPI), a provider of thermal PTZ solutions for military, law enforcement and civilian applications, has introduced its M1-D Thermal PTZ solution for UAV/ UAS manufacturers.

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are “drone” systems, which were previously called as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). These were developed primarily for military operations. The FAA has recently announced new UAS regulations for public safety agencies that need to operate UAS platforms. SPI’s M1-D Thermal PTZ meets these regulations.

The M1-D Thermal PTZ is a low-cost and lightweight EO/IR sensor package. It can be mounted on both fixed wing and rotary craft UAS devices. Fixed wing devices are those like airplanes, and rotary craft include those like helicopters. The traditionally high costs of these devices and complex FAA licensing procedures have prevented others apart from the military to utilize these systems.

The FAA through its 2012 reauthorization has rationalized the licensing procedure for public agencies. It has allowed government public safety agencies to operate UAS that weigh up to 4.4 lb. Further, the FAA and DOJ have entered into an agreement through which the safety agencies can operate these systems that can weigh up to 25 lb.

Public safety agencies can expand their area of coverage and increase their effectiveness by mounting the M1-D Thermal PTZ on UAS vehicles weighing up to 25 lb. The SPI system weighs 2 lb and contains a daylight TV camera, a laser pointer and a thermal sensor in a pan-and-tilt body. When compared to previous thermal PTZ systems, the new M1-D Thermal PTZ is significantly less expensive, enabling wider usage.

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