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Long-range thermal cameras

Thermal imaging cameras are widely used for Homeland Security. Thanks to their ability to detect human-sized targets several kilometres away, they are well suited for border surveillance and protection. The FLIR HDC thermal imaging camera is the latest addition to the border security and coastal surveillance product line, providing more detail at a long range with its High Definition 1280 x 720 detector.

The FLIR HDC allows users to see more details at longer ranges without losing situational awareness – with twice the area coverage at any distance compared to 640x480 systems, the FLIR HDC provides a 16:9 wide video screen to show more of the scene at a glance.

Using a cooled detector, the FLIR HDC provides exceptional long-range performance with detection of man-sized targets beyond 18 km and vehicles beyond 22 km. The system also supports continuous zoom to maintain situational awareness with target focus in both a wide field of view and during zoom for effective target assessment. This capability ensures users always have an optimised field of view for targets at any range.

The system also features the new FLIR Image Processing Engine with advanced algorithms developed to generate a perfect picture with minimal adjustment and includes features such as DDE (Digital Detail Enhancement) and CRISP (Clear Regional Image Sharpness). Where DDE is designed for creating a perfect image in high contrast scenes, CRISP does the same in low contrast scenes. Auto perfect mode creates a clear image in all circumstances.

Developed under the unique FLIR CDMQ process (Commercially Developed, Military Qualified), the FLIR HDC delivers a military quality system, designed to work 24/7 with unmatched reliability.

Cooled detector

The HDC is equipped with a mid-wave, cooled detector. A thermal imaging camera with a cooled detector has the advantage that the user can see and detect potential threats much further away than with an uncooled detector. But there is more; objects which are at a close distance can be seen with much more detail. The FLIR HDC is equipped with a cooled Indium Antimonide (InSb) detector.

Continuous optical zoom on the thermal image

The FLIR HDC contains an exclusive auto focus feature which delivers crisp, clear images at the press of a button. Focus is kept while zooming in or out. The system allows the user to experience better situational awareness in the wide field of view, while maintaining detailed recognition capabilities in the narrow field of view.

The HDC thermal imaging camera is equipped with powerful continuous optical zoom capability on the thermal image. It offers excellent situational awareness but also the possibility to zoom-in, and see more detail, once a target has been detected. This way operators can see further, recognise more detail and react more quickly to security threats. The advantage of continuously zooming compared to other systems that use a rotating lens system is that there is no switch or swapping between the different images. You can gradually zoom in while keeping your focus all the time. All systems are also equipped with a 16x continuous digital zoom.

Easy and fast to install

The HDC can be easily incorporated into the common power and video interfaces found in existing and new security systems. It can be easily integrated into any existing infrastructure providing early detection and visibility 24/7 all year round. The images from the 1280 x 720 pixels detector can be displayed as MPEG4-format or high end HD SDI format.

All systems are configured to be either fixed mounted or field transportable for fast deployment. They can be mounted on a standard tripod. A single operator can set up the system in minutes, making it ideal for mobile operations and quick deployments. The systems are extremely rugged, their vital core is well protected against humidity and water and operate between -32°C to +55°C.

The FLIR HDC comes with a TCP/IP interface that supports Nexus and multiple common standard protocols to provide video over IP. The IRIG B synchronisation enables integration into demanding applications where accurate time stamping video is required. The video can be synchronised with external sources.

The HDC can be easily upgraded with new software features and developments in the future. This can be completed from the control room, without the need to open up the camera. This makes the HDC a state-of-the-art system for many years to come.

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