Phase One Unveils Advanced Wide-area Aerial Camera

Phase One has announced the iXM-GS120 aerial camera built to meet the demanding needs of national security and geo-intelligence gathering projects. Designed for use on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, the iXM-GS120 is an wide-area, 120MP-resolution camera designed around advanced global shutter sensor technology.

“Phase One designed the iXM-GS120 for reliable, maintenance-free operation in lengthy missions in remote areas, which often typify national security and intelligence gathering activities,” said Dov Kalinski, Phase One vice president of security & space. “For traditional inspection and mapping applications, geospatial users will find the new camera captures massive volumes of high-quality imagery efficiently and cost-effectively.”

Elimination of stitching together image scenes

The iXM-GS120 underscores the Phase One commitment to pioneering development of reliable and innovative aerial imaging solutions. The single-sensor design combined with 120MP resolution guarantees fast collection of detailed information over a wide area of interest in every frame, reducing flight times and enhancing effectiveness. With regards to processing, this design also eliminates the time-consuming stitching together of image scenes from multi-sensor camera systems.

The new camera is the most productive airborne system ever developed by Phase One. Integrating a CMOS global shutter sensor, the iXM-GS120 boasts a remarkable seven frame-per-second capture rate and broad dynamic range. The high-sensitivity, low-noise technology gives the camera an ability to collect data in low-light conditions, thereby expanding its operating window by several hours per day.

Wide range of applications

Available in RGB colour and monochrome versions, the iXM-GS120’s range of applications is further broadened by an expansive selection of fields of view for operation at numerous different aircraft altitudes and speeds. Compatible fields of view include a range of lenses from 35mm to 300mm.

“The iXM-GS120 was created for applications where every image frame is critical,” said Kalinski. “In national security activities, the iXM-GS120 will reliably handle long missions related to wide-area persistent surveillance (WAPS), geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), search-and-rescue, and other intelligence surveillance reconnaissance (ISR).”

Weighing just 630 grams, the compact camera body mounts easily on a wide range of platforms, including Group 3 tactical unmanned aircraft for long-endurance operation.