MS280TA Two-Axis Tri-Light Pod

The MS280TA 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 module 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, enabling day-and-night reconnaissance and surveillance over target areas.

Equipped with an uncooled infrared thermal imager and a visible light camera, the optoelectronic pod can detect, identify, and track ground targets around the clock, while simultaneously outputting real-time infrared and visible light video for mission personnel to monitor.

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

Typical applications of this electro-optical pod include reconnaissance missions, border patrol, personnel search and rescue, 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-testing and fault reporting functions.
c) Visible light module supports 30x optical zoom.
d) Features both infrared and visible light detection capabilities, with the ability to output images from both bands.
e) Visible light function includes optical zoom, autofocus, manual focus, and low-light operation.
f) Infrared function supports switching between six color palettes.
g) Integrated with laser ranging capability.
h) Provides two-degree-of-freedom movement (azimuth and pitch).
i) Supports multiple operating modes: automatic search, manual search, follow-up, automatic tracking, and favorites.
j) In manual search mode, can receive commands from the control station and perform pod operations accordingly.
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 function, allowing rapid re-acquisition of a target after brief loss.
o) Allows adjustment of the tracking gate size.
p) Supports tracking point switching.
q) Enables bidirectional communication with the control station via RS422/100 Mbps Ethernet, outputting infrared images, visible light images, system working status, camera working status, and optical axis position.
r) Equipped with HD-SDI and 100 Mbps Ethernet video output interfaces.
s) Provides photo and video recording functions.
t) Includes target positioning capability

III. Mounting Platform

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

IV. Main Technical Parameters

model	S280TA
Infrared thermal imager
Detector type	Uncooled focal plane detector
Operating band	8 m 14 m
Detector resolution	1280 1024
Pixel size	12 m
Lens focal length	30-150mm continuous zoom
Field of view	28.7 x 23.2 to 5.9 x 4.7
Pseudo-color	6 types
Noise equivalent temperature difference	NETD 50mK
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	1535um
Maximum ranging distance	6km (under conditions of visibility 10km)
Minimum ranging distance	20m
Distance measurement accuracy	2m
Ranging frequency	Adjustable from 1 to 5 Hz;
Servo Platform
Orientation angle	360 n (360 continuous rotation)
Pitch angle	-110 to +20 (positive for upward)
Frame corner accuracy	1mrad (1 )
Stable accuracy	0.1mrad (1 )
Angular position accuracy	1mrad (1 )
Maximum turning speed	Azimuth 90 /s, Pitch 90 /s
Maximum turning acceleration	Azimuth 90 /s2, Pitch 90 /s2
System Indicators
Image tracking	Automatically track selected target
AI recognition	Automatic detection and identification of typical targets
Rated operating voltage	24VDC
Power supply voltage range	20V to 32VDC
power	Stable power consumption: 100W; Peak power consumption: 300W
weight	19 kg
volume	280mm 280mm 456mm
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 65
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