Introducing the Vayu HD: A Breakthrough in Thermal Imaging
Sierra-Olympia Technologies has unveiled its latest innovation,the Vayu Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) HD thermal camera. This device boasts the world’s first Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, utilizing a 12μm uncooled VOX microbolometer array. Weighing just 450 grams and compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand, this thermal imaging platform is optimized for size, weight, and power (SWaP), making it perfect for UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) applications, as well as for unmanned ground and surface vehicles (UGVs/USVs).
unmatched Resolution and Performance
According to Sierra-Olympia, the Vayu HD stands out as the highest resolution uncooled LWIR camera available, surpassing the conventional 640 x 480 resolution by a remarkable 7.5 times in pixel count, while delivering a smooth 60 frames per second. Its compact design,combined with extraordinary image quality and the reliability of an uncooled LWIR system,marks a meaningful advancement in low-SWaP thermal imaging technology.
Designed for Versatility and Integration
The lightweight structure and user-friendly interfaces of the Vayu HD make it an excellent choice for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), systems integrators, and end-users alike. Sierra-olympia has tailored 25mm and 50mm lens options specifically for this thermal imaging platform. To ensure broad compatibility, the camera features USB3.0 raw video output, along with standard HDMI (1080p) and IP-video outputs (H.264/265).an integrated processor enhances imaging capabilities and allows for optional features such as object tracking,detection with telemetry,and NMEA metadata frame tagging.
Specifications at a Glance
Here are the key specifications for the Vayu HD LWIR thermal imaging camera:
- Dimensions (25 mm): 122 mm x 77 mm x 72 mm
- Dimensions (50 mm): 139 mm x 77 mm x 72 mm
- weight (25 mm): 450g (1 lbs)
- Weight (50 mm): 520g (1.1 lbs)
Detector Features
- Type: Uncooled VOx Microbolometer
- Bit Depth: 16-bit
- Array Format: 1920 x 1200
- pixel Pitch: 12μm
- Spectral Response: LWIR 8-14μm
- Frame Rate: 60Hz
- 1-point NUC: Scene or mechanical shutter
Lens Specifications
- F#: 1.2
- Focus: Manual
- Field of View (25mm): 49.5° x 32.1°
- Field of View (50mm): 25.9° x 16.4°
- Environmental: Athermalized, High-performance AR Coating
System capabilities
- Video Formats: HDMI (1080p), RTSP, USB3-UVC (raw)
- RTP Stream: H.264/H.265 MPEG
- Enhancements: Linear Histogram AGC,CLAHE,LAP,Sharpen,De-noise
- Camera control: ethernet,USB3.0, RS-422
- Othre Interfaces: Serial in/out for telemetry, GPIO
Expert Insights
Chris Johnston, President of Sierra-Olympia, stated, “With over three years of experience with this unique, large format FPA, we are thrilled to reintroduce it now that production is ready. Our new camera is designed for minimal size and weight, providing a more adaptable core for our integration partners. Notably, we can classify this product as dual-use, facilitating smoother sales to our international clientele.”
tim Decker, Product Engineering Manager at Sierra-Olympia, added, “This technology is particularly sought after by users who require both a wide field of view and high spatial pixel density. Being uncooled, it eliminates the maintenance and overhauls associated with cooled/MWIR cameras, significantly lowering long-term ownership costs and enhancing reliability.”
Experience the Vayu HD in Action
Check out the video demonstration of the Vayu HD below, showcasing a test flight over Los Angeles and highlighting the platform’s suitability for low-SWaP aerial applications that demand a wide field of view and high pixel density.
