Long-range thermal imaging cameras for border and coastal surveillance applications

Thermal imaging cameras are widely used for Homeland Security. Thanks to their ability to detect human-sized targets several kilometers away, they are extremely suited for border surveillance and protection. The HDC thermal imaging camera is the latest addition to the Border Security and Coastal Surveillance product line of FLIR Systems, now providing more details at along range with its High Definition 1280 x 720 detector.

The FLIR HDC enables users to see more details at long range without losing situational awareness with twice the wide area coverage at any distance compared to 640×480 systems. The FLIR HDC provides a 16:9 wide screen video 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 18km and vehicles beyond 22km. 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 to always have an optimized 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 any circumstance.

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 gives you the advantage that you can see and detect potential threats much farther 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 you 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 farther, recognize more detail and react more quickly to security threats. The advantage of continuously zooming compared to other systems that are using 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 incorporates easily with 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 the 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. It operates 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 synchronization enables integration into demanding applications where accurate time stamping video is required. The video can be synchronized with external sources.

The HDC can easily be upgraded with new software features and developments in the future. This can be done from the control room, no need to open up the camera. This makes the HDC a state-of-the-art system for many years to come.

If you would like more information about the FLIR line of security cameras or about FLIR Systems and its wide range of thermal imaging cameras, please contact:

About FLIR Systems
FLIR Systems is the world leader in the design and manufacturing of thermal imaging cameras for a wide variety of applications. It has over 50 years of experience and thousands of thermal imaging cameras currently in use worldwide for predictive maintenance, building inspections, research & development, security and surveillance, maritime, automotive and other night-vision applications. FLIR Systems has eight manufacturing plants located in the USA (Portland, Boston, Santa Barbara and Bozeman), Sweden (Stockholm), Estonia (Talinn) and France (near Paris). It operates offices in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, Dubai, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, UK and the USA. The company has over 3,200 dedicated infrared specialists, and serves international markets through a global distributor network providing local sales and support functions.

If you would like more information about FLIR thermal imaging cameras or about FLIR, please contact:

FLIR Commercial Systems
Mr. Christiaan Maras
Marketing Director EMEA & APAC
Luxemburgstraat 2
2321 Meer
Belgium

Tel. : +32 (0) 3665 5100
Fax : +32 (0) 3303 5624
e-mail: flir@flir.com