What's Happening?
Leonardo DRS has unveiled the Tenum® 640 Orbit™, a cutting-edge uncooled Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) thermal camera module, at the SOF Week exhibition in Tampa, Florida. This new technology is designed for integration into unmanned air, ground, and maritime
platforms, specifically targeting Group 1-3 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), and Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). The module features a 640 x 512 resolution with a 10 µm pixel pitch, operating in the 8-14 µm spectral band. It provides high frame-rate thermal imagery, supporting functions such as detection, tracking, navigation, and obstacle avoidance. The Tenum® 640 Orbit™ is engineered to enhance the endurance of small unmanned systems, functioning effectively in various visibility conditions. It supports 60 frames per second and offers thermal sensitivity of less than 20 mK. The module is optimized for size, weight, power, and cost (SWAP-c), making it suitable for broad deployment without compromising performance.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of the Tenum® 640 Orbit™ by Leonardo DRS represents a significant advancement in the capabilities of unmanned systems. By providing a high-performance thermal imaging solution that is both compact and cost-effective, this technology can enhance the operational effectiveness of unmanned platforms across various sectors, including defense and surveillance. The ability to integrate such advanced imaging technology into smaller platforms allows for more versatile and efficient operations, potentially leading to increased adoption of unmanned systems in both military and civilian applications. This development could also drive further innovation in the field of unmanned systems, as manufacturers and operators seek to leverage these enhanced capabilities.
What's Next?
As Leonardo DRS continues to promote the Tenum® 640 Orbit™, the focus will likely be on facilitating its integration into existing and new unmanned systems. The compatibility with Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) Camera Serial Interface (CSI) and Camera Command Set (CCS), along with optional USB connectivity, positions the module for widespread adoption. Future steps may involve collaborations with OEMs to streamline integration processes and expand the deployment of this technology across various platforms. Additionally, the company may explore further enhancements to the module's capabilities to meet evolving operational requirements.
