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Simultaneous Optical & Thermal Tracking of Airborne Aircraft

Company News Tuesday, March 5, 2019: Specialised Imaging Ltd.

Specialised Imaging reports on how its Lightweight Optical Motion Analysis (LOMA) system has been used to optically track an aircraft for several kilometres while simultaneously capturing the thermal signature of the aircraft over the same distance. Robustly constructed, the LOMA system accommodates large multiple camera payloads enabling high precision optical tracking of fast moving aircraft, drones or projectiles even in environments subject to vibration, electromagnetic radiation or extremes in temperature and humidity. Fitted with a a Basler high resolution optical camera with a 50mm Nikon lens and a FLIR X8500SC thermal imaging camera with 200mm lens, the LOMA system was used to track approximately 15Km of the plane flight. In poor weather or night time conditions the data from the thermal camera would be the preferred way to track the target. Fast to set-up and easy to operate, the LOMA tracking mount provides a high level of camera positional accuracy and operational flexibility. Using independent motors, LOMA system users can control camera elevation (-20 to + 190°) and provide unlimited azimuth rotation using slip ring technology. Precision motor controls ensure smooth auto track functions to capture distant fast moving objects with an angular accuracy of ± 0.002°. In this field trial the LOMA system used a "hot spot" tracking algorithm focused on the aircraft nose. However the software has an offset function that allows the centre of the field-of-view to be moved away from the specific area being tracked. This feature is particularly useful when looking at rocket plumes which are at the rear of the projectile but the area of interest is the front or mid section. Further along the flight of the tracked object the offset can be reduced or removed as the tracking point changed from the front to the centre as the target changes orientation. The initial part of the full 90 second sequences from both the the Basler and FLIR cameras can be seen at the Specialised Imaging YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nfs4e2Rw6c To download the full report on this field trial please visit https://www.specialised-imaging.com/application/files/4515/5147/6480/SI_AP_Optical-tracking-LOMA.pdf  or contact Specialised Imaging on +44-1442-827728 (UK) / +1-951-296-6406 (USA) / +49-8141-666-8950 (Germany) / +86-1068-651-769 (China) or info@specialised-imaging.com. Specialised Imaging is a knowledgeable, dynamic company focused upon design, manufacture, service and supply of ultra high-speed imaging systems and components for industrial, defence and scientific applications.  The company's continuing policy is to invest in the development of innovative imaging solutions, incorporate the latest technological advances and use improved components wherever possible. A total commitment to quality and a thorough understanding of applications are held as the keys  to the future.