FLIR Systems, Inc. announced the FLIR StormCaster™ family of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) payloads for its SkyRanger® R70 and R80D SkyRaider® airframes.
The new line launches with two multi-sensor products, StormCaster-T, which delivers continuous zoom and longwave infrared (LWIR) imaging and StormCaster-L, which provides ultra-low-light imaging, tracking and mapping.
Line-of-sight stabilisation
StormCaster represents FLIR Systems’ next-generation payload family for the company’s own UAS airframes gained through the acquisition of Aeryon Labs in February 2019.
The new line reflects a leap forward in scalable performance, offering a 7X improvement in line-of-sight stabilization, enhanced range of motion, and greater geolocation accuracy – all in a rugged package.
Easy to change modules
StormCaster line will leverage continuing improvements in aircraft performance Interoperability across the StormCaster family enables users to quickly and easily change modules on the FLIR SkyRanger and SkyRaider UAS systems.
The StormCaster line will leverage continuing improvements in aircraft performance, providing small units with the organic capability to conduct increasingly demanding missions such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
New line of advanced payloads
“StormCaster-L and –T are just the beginning of this new line of advanced, high-performance payloads for our small, tactical UAS platforms,” said David Ray, President of the Government and Defence Business Unit at FLIR.
“For mission needs ranging from force protection and border security to clandestine operations, FLIR StormCaster will provide heightened situational awareness, bolstered by our aircraft’s onboard, real-time artificial intelligence.”
“We will develop more multi-sensor payloads through 2020 that deliver on our promise to offer capabilities at the individual operator level that previously required larger, more expensive UAS,” Ray added.
Features
The StormCaster-T features a FLIR Boson thermal camera to support detection, recognition, identification, and target acquisition day or night, with maximum range and time-on-station.
Its continuous zoom lens, with a 75-millimetre maximum focal length, permits long-distance ISR while providing clear, actionable imagery.
The StormCaster-L ultra-low-light imaging camera offers superior ISR and mapping performance during twilight and night-time operations. Key features include 4K recorded video and full-colour night vision in low-light conditions.
R80D SkyRaider & SkyRanger R70
Developed for United States (U.S.) defence and federal agencies, the R80D SkyRaider delivers a range of versatile Group 2 and 3 payload capabilities with the agility and single-operator deployment footprint of a proven Group 1 Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft.
SkyRaider can carry and deliver multiple payloads up to 4.4 pounds and features an open architecture, plus one of the most powerful embedded AI computing devices available on an sUAS.
Similar in capabilities to the R80D but for non-U.S. military customers, the SkyRanger R70 was designed for the most demanding UAS operators within the global defence, security, and public safety markets.