MS290TA Two-Axis Tri-Light Pod

The MS290TA two-axis tri-light pod integrates an uncooled infrared thermal imager, a 15x continuously zoomable visible-light camera, a laser illuminator, a two-axis servo-stabilized platform, and an image processing component featuring autonomous identification and tracking. With high precision and long operational range, the pod is suitable for deployment on medium and small-sized UAVs to conduct round-the-clock reconnaissance and surveillance missions over target areas.

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

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

This optoelectronic pod is primarily used in scenarios such as reconnaissance, 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-test and fault reporting functions.
c) Provides 15× optical zoom for visible light imaging.
d) Supports both infrared and visible light detection, and can output infrared and visible light images.
e) Visible light channel features optical zoom, autofocus, manual focus, and low‑light capability.
f) Infrared sensor supports electric focusing and electronic magnification.
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) Able to receive commands from the control station and execute pod operations accordingly.
k) Provides carrier disturbance isolation and line‑of‑sight stabilisation.
l) Supports target locking/unlocking; when locked, the pod outputs an image with a tracking frame.
m) Features automatic target tracking, capable of stable tracking against natural interference.
n) Includes memory tracking, allowing rapid target re‑acquisition after short‑term loss.
o) Allows adjustment of the tracking 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) Bidirectional communication with the control station via 100 Mbps network or RS422; outputs infrared/visible images, system status, camera status, and optical axis position.
s) Provides a 100 Mbps Ethernet video output interface.
t) Equipped with 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	S290TA
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	20 to 120 mm
Field of view	21.7 x 17.46 to 3.66 x 2.93
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
Optical zoom	15 times
Mixed Variable Multiplication	30 times
focal length	10mm to 150mm
Field of view	39.6 x 22.9 to 2.8 x 1.6
zoom mode	Autofocus, manual focus
Minimum Illumination	0.01 Lux (Black and White)
Laser measurement
Maximum ranging distance	6km (under conditions of visibility 15km)
Irradiation ability	80mJ
Servo Platform
Orientation angle	360 n (360 continuous rotation)
Pitch angle	-20 to +90 (positive for upward)
Frame corner accuracy	0.1 (1 )
Stable accuracy	0.05mrad (1 )
Maximum turning speed	Azimuth 60 /s, Pitch 60 /s
Maximum turning acceleration	Azimuth 100 /s2, Pitch 100 /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: 60W
weight	16.5Kg
volume	290mm 290mm 401mm
interface
Control Interface	RS422/100Mbps Ethernet
Video interface	100M network
Storage interface	128G memory card (Mini SD card)
Image format	JPG format
Video format	AVI format
Environmental adaptability
Operating temperature	-40 to +50
Storage temperature	-45 to +55
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