FLIR Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of infrared cameras, has announced the newest member of the FLIR Vue™ thermal imaging camera series for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), the FLIR Vue Pro. Following the introduction of the popular FLIR Vue, the new FLIR Vue Pro delivers expanded capabilities to UAS operators by delivering precision thermal imaging, enhanced data collection capabilities, in-flight control of a variety of camera functions, and easy set-up with mobile apps.
In addition to providing the same easy power-in/analog video-out connection that has been popular on the FLIR Vue, the FLIR Vue Pro records digital thermal video, along with thermal still images, to an on-board micro-SD card. For applications such as electrical inspection, infrastructure assessment, and precision mapping, this on-board recording allows operators to capture thermal data for later analysis. Video files can be recorded in either MJPEG or H.264 format, while the 14-bit still images provide high dynamic range imagery for mapping and survey applications.
The Accessory Port gives users direct control of camera functions like changing the image’s color palettes, starting and stopping recording, and the camera’s e-zoom, making the Vue Pro much more flexible and capable of adapting to mission requirements in flight. With MAVLink compatibility, the FLIR Vue Pro interfaces easily with the standard flight control systems used for mapping, survey, and precision agriculture missions. It can be configured to automatically capture images and annotate each image with the aircraft’s position and other critical flight information. These images are then instantly compatible with leading imaging stitching and orthomosaic-creation software like Pix4Dmapper.
“Building on the pioneering of the original FLIR Vue, the FLIR Vue Pro puts even more thermal imaging functionality and greater flexibility in the hands of sUAS operators,” said Jeff Frank, FLIR’s Senior Vice President for Product Strategy. “The Vue Pro enables commercial drone operators to provide clients with the actionable, temperature-based data to increase efficiency and improve critical business decisions.”
As a result of the FLIR Vue Pro’s Bluetooth interface with a custom app available for iOS and Android devices, camera set-up is easy for both professionals and hobbyists. Through the FLIR Vue Pro app, operators can configure functions to ensure the best imagery possible for their conditions without having to connect the camera to a computer.
The FLIR Vue Pro is being showcased at Interdrone in Las Vegas, and will be available to purchase later in 2015.
