MS220TD Two-Axis Tri-Light Pod

The MS220TD Two-Axis Tri-Light Pod is an advanced electro-optical system designed for medium and small-sized UAVs. It combines a cooled infrared thermal imager, 30x zoom visible light camera, laser rangefinder, and two-axis servo-stabilized platform with autonomous identification and tracking capabilities. Operating day and night, it delivers real-time infrared and visible light video feeds for comprehensive reconnaissance and surveillance. The pod seamlessly integrates with mainstream Chinese flight control platforms and ViewControlStudio software for rapid UAV system development. Ideal for reconnaissance, border patrol, search and rescue, and forest fire prevention, it offers exceptional precision and extended operating range for mission-critical applications.

The MS220TD electro-optical pod integrates a cooled infrared thermal imager, a 30× continuously zoomable visible light camera, a laser rangefinder, a two-axis servo-stabilized platform, and an image processing module featuring autonomous target identification and tracking. Designed with high precision and a long operational range, the pod is well-suited for medium and small-sized UAVs to conduct round-the-clock reconnaissance and surveillance missions over target areas.

Equipped with the cooled infrared thermal imager and visible light camera, the pod enables all-weather detection, identification, and tracking of ground targets. It simultaneously outputs real-time infrared and visible light video for mission operators to monitor.

The MS220TD has been adapted to several mainstream flight control platforms in China, allowing seamless integration with UAV flight control systems. It can also interface with our organization’s ViewControlStudio display and control software platform, helping the overall system integrator to rapidly complete UAV system development.

Typical applications for this electro-optical pod include reconnaissance, border patrol, personnel search and rescue, and forest fire prevention.

I. Photos of the actual product

S220TD

Figure 1 Product Image

II. Product Functions

a) Capable of automatically identifying and tracking typical targets.
b) Equipped with self-test and fault reporting functions.
c) Provides 30x optical zoom for visible light.
d) Supports both infrared and visible light detection, and can output images from both bands.
e) Visible light channel features optical zoom, autofocus, manual focus, and low-light capability.
f) Infrared sensor supports dual-field-of-view switching.
g) Integrated with laser ranging function.
h) Supports two-degree-of-freedom movement (azimuth and pitch).
i) Offers multiple operating modes: automatic search, manual search, follow-up, and tracking.
j) In manual search mode, can receive commands from the control station and complete pod operations accordingly.
k) Capable of isolating carrier disturbances and stabilizing the line of sight.
l) Supports target locking/unlocking; once locked, the pod outputs an image with a tracking frame.
m) Features automatic target tracking with resistance to natural interference.
n) Includes memory tracking, allowing rapid target re-acquisition after brief loss.
o) Allows adjustment of the gate size.
p) Supports tracking point switching.
q) Can calculate target coordinates using laser ranging, pod azimuth/elevation, and UAV attitude data.
r) Enables bidirectional communication with the control station via 100 Mbps Ethernet/RS422, outputting infrared/visible images, system and camera status, and optical axis position.
s) Provides HD-SDI and 100 Mbps Ethernet multi-channel video output interfaces.
t) Supports photo and video recording functions.

III. Mounting Platform

Vertical take-off fixed-wing drones, rotary-wing drones, tethered drones, etc.

IV. Main Technical Parameters

modelS220TD
Infrared thermal imager
Detector typeCooled focal plane detector
Operating band3 m 5 m
Detector resolution640 512
Pixel size15 m
Lens focal length20mm 275mm 
Field of view27.0 21.7 2.0 1.6
Noise equivalent temperature differenceNETD 20mK
Minimum distinguishable temperature differenceMRTD 180mK
Visible light camera
resolution1920 1080
Response band0.4 m to 0.9 m
Pixel size2.8 m
Optical zoom30 times
Mixed Variable Multiplication60 times
focal length4.3mm 129mm
Field of view63.7 35.8 2.3 1.3 ( 5%)
zoom modeAutofocus, manual focus
Minimum Illumination0.01 Lux (Black and White)
Laser rangefinder
wavelength1535nm
Maximum ranging distance 6km (under conditions of visibility 15km)
Minimum ranging distance 20m
Distance measurement accuracy 2m
Ranging frequency1 5Hz
Servo Platform
Orientation angle360 n (360 continuous rotation)
Pitch angle-115 to +90 (positive for upward)
Frame corner accuracy 0.06㣨1ң
Stable accuracy 0.05mrad (1 )
Angular position accuracy 1mrad (1 )
Maximum turning speedAzimuth  60 /s, Pitch 60 /s
Maximum turning accelerationAzimuth  100 /s2, Pitch 100 /s2
System Indicators
Image trackingAutomatically track selected target
AI recognitionAutomatic detection and identification of typical targets
Rated operating voltage24VDC
Power supply voltage range20V 32VDC
powerStable power consumption:  60W
weight 5.5Kg
volume 220mm 239mm 295mm
interface
Control InterfaceRS422/100Mbps Ethernet
Video interfaceHD-SDI/100Mbps Ethernet
Storage interface 128G memory card (Mini SD card)
Image formatJPG format
Video formatAVI format
Environmental adaptability
Operating temperature-20+60 (-40 optional)
Storage temperature-40 65
Vibration conditionsThe acceleration is 2g; 30 minutes each in the vertical, horizontal and longitudinal directions.
Impact conditionsPeak acceleration 20g, duration 11ms
Protection levelCan fly in light to moderate rain

V. Mechanical Dimensions and Installation Interfaces

S220TD
S220TD

Figure 2 Product mechanical dimensions diagram