MS230TA Two-Axis Tri-Light Pod

The MS230TA electro-optical pod integrates an uncooled infrared thermal imager, a 30x continuously zoomable visible light camera, a laser rangefinder, a two-axis servo-stabilized platform, and an image processing component featuring autonomous target identification and tracking. Designed for high precision and extended operational range, the pod is well-suited for deployment on small to medium-sized UAVs to perform round-the-clock reconnaissance and surveillance missions over target areas.

Utilizing the uncooled infrared thermal imager and the 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 streams for mission personnel to monitor.

The pod has been adapted to several mainstream flight control platforms widely used in China, allowing seamless integration with existing flight control systems. Additionally, it can be connected to our organization’s ViewControlStudio display and control software platform, helping the overall system integrator accelerate the development of UAV systems.

This electro-optical pod is primarily applied in scenarios such as reconnaissance, border patrol, search and rescue operations, and forest fire prevention.

I. Photos of the actual product

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) Visible light channel supports 30× optical zoom.
d) Provides both long-wave infrared and visible light detection, with the ability to output infrared and visible light images.
e) Visible light features optical zoom, autofocus, manual focus, and low-light functionality.
f) Infrared sensor supports 4× continuous zoom.
g) Integrated with laser ranging capability.
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 payload operations.
k) Capable of isolating carrier disturbances and stabilizing the line of sight.
l) Supports target locking/unlocking; when 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) Adjustable gate size.
p) Supports tracking point switching.
q) Can calculate target coordinates using laser ranging data, pod azimuth/elevation angles, and UAV attitude information.
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) Equipped with HD-SDI and 100 Mbps Ethernet multi-channel video output interfaces.
t) Provides photo and video recording functions.

III. Mounting Platform

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

IV. Main Technical Parameters

model	S230TA
Infrared thermal imager
Detector type	Uncooled focal plane detector
Operating band	8 m 14 m
Detector resolution	640 512
Pixel size	12 m
Lens focal length	25mm to 100mm continuous zoom
Field of view	17.5 14 4.4 3.52 (error 5%)
Pseudo-color	8 types
Numbers multiplied	1 4X
Noise equivalent temperature difference	NETD 40mK
Minimum distinguishable temperature difference	MRTD 500mK
Visible light camera
resolution	1920 1080
Response band	0.4 m to 0.9 m
Pixel size	2.8 m
Optical zoom	30 times
Mixed Variable Multiplication	60 times
focal length	4.3mm 129mm
Field of view	63.7 35.8 2.3 1.3 ( 5%)
zoom mode	Autofocus, manual focus
Minimum Illumination	0.01 Lux (Black and White)
Laser rangefinder
wavelength	1535nm
Maximum ranging distance	6km (under conditions of visibility 15km)
Minimum ranging distance	20m
Distance measurement accuracy	2m
Ranging frequency	1 5Hz
Servo Platform
Orientation angle	360 n (360 continuous rotation)
Pitch angle	-120 +90 (positive for upward)
Frame corner accuracy	0.06㣨1ң
Stable accuracy	0.05mrad (1 )
Angular position accuracy	1mrad (1 )
Maximum turning speed	Azimuth 60 /s, Pitch 60 /s
Maximum turning acceleration	Azimuth 100 /s2, Pitch 100 /s2
System Indicators
Image tracking	Automatic tracking of selected targets (optional)
AI recognition	Automatic detection and identification of typical targets
Rated operating voltage	24VDC
Power supply voltage range	20V to 32VDC
power	Stable power consumption: 30W
weight	8Kg
volume	231mm 245mm 316mm
interface
Control Interface	RS422/100Mbps Ethernet
Video interface	HD-SDI/100Mbps Ethernet
Storage interface	128G memory card (Mini SD card)
Image format	JPG format
Video format	AVI format
Environmental adaptability
Operating temperature	-40 60
Storage temperature	-45 60
Vibration conditions	The acceleration is 2g; 30 minutes each in the vertical, horizontal and longitudinal directions.
Impact conditions	Peak acceleration 20g, duration 11ms
Protection level	Can fly in light to moderate rain