Phase One Unveils P3 Drone Payload for Asset Inspection

Phase One has announced the P3 Payload, a versatile solution designed for fast, efficient, and safe inspection of critical infrastructure with a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle or 'drone'). The P3 Payload includes a Phase One iXM 100MP or 50MP camera, one of the RSM lens options, and a new gimbal with integrated rangefinder. Phase One is a leading developer of digital imaging technologies.

The P3 Payload is presented as extremely versatile, offered in two configurations to meet a wide range of user requirements. The P3 for the DJI M300 is plug-and-play and ready to fly with an M300 drone, developed mainly for operators and service providers that already own, or are considering purchasing, a DJI M300. The P3 MAVLink is ready for integration with the many drones that are based on the open-source MAVLink protocol, ideal for bundling by OEMs and solution integrators.

Monitoring in high-contrast or low-light environments

“The P3 addresses the unmet need for a high-quality, integrated imaging solution for inspection of critical assets where capturing the details is of paramount importance,” said Michael Messerschmidt, portfolio director for Drones & Inspection. “The P3 Payload is designed specifically for aerial drone inspection of diverse infrastructure where every flight – and every shot – must count.”

The centerpiece of the payload is the Phase One iXM 100MP or 50MP camera. These sensors boast a dynamic range that guarantees sharp image collection in high-contrast or low-light environments. The variety of lens options ensures large surface areas can be captured with millimeter-level detail – even at safe distances from the asset. The new gimbal with the integrated laser rangefinder ensures precise and fast focusing on every shot, eliminating blurry and out-of-focus images.

“We developed the P3 Payload for cost-effective, productive operation so that large surface areas can be covered in fewer images, significantly shortening the mission time,” said Michael Messerschmidt. “More importantly, the P3 can be operated with minimal risk to the asset and ground crew.”

The P3 Payload is designed for diverse inspection applications:

High-Value Assets – Bridges, dams, energy facilities where the value of the structure itself is high and the demand for frequent, accurate and detailed data is critical.

High-Risk Assessment – Electric transmission lines, oil refineries and other complex sites where inherent danger requires high-resolution inspection from a distance that is safe for the structure, the drone and personnel.

Time-Critical Assets – Wind turbines, offshore oil rigs and other facilities where inspection windows are limited, and every UAV flight must successfully capture the required information.

For more information, see here.