Third-generation UltraCam Hawk Unveiled

At the Intergeo 2013 conference in Essen, Germany, Microsoft’s UltraCam business unit unveiled the UltraCam Hawk, a new base model UltraCam digital aerial system that leverages the third-generation UltraCam architecture which was first introduced to the market in 2011. The UltraCam Hawk will be available for delivery to customers in early 2014.

The UltraCam Hawk extends the existing UltraCam product suite to meet varying project requirements and budget restrictions. While the UltraCam Hawk provides smaller mapping companies with an affordable option to expand their aerial services, the system can be upgraded to the larger UltraCam Falcon or Eagle as the company’s needs evolve. Also, the UltraCam Hawk is fully supported in the UltraMap workflow software system and is compatible with the UltraNav direct georeferencing and flight management system.

The UltraCam Hawk system architecture offers features and benefits that include:

• A 92 mega-pixel (11,704 x 7,920 PAN) image footprint with a 70mm focal length lens, ideal for smaller aircraft and local projects that require a rapid response

• A system sensor head that integrates the sensor, computing sub-systems, solid-state devices (storage sub-system), and the optional UltraNav direct georeferencing and flight management system, simplifies installation and requires minimal space in the aircraft

• Advanced electronics for excellent frame rate and a minimal 72 dB signal-to-noise ratio achieves high image dynamic

• Filters with curved characteristics to flatten out vignetting ensures operation of lens system at best Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) performance for maximum sharpness and contrast