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AIRBORNE CAMERAS

Gyro-Stabilised Video Camera

Gyro-stabilisation of the video camera allows objects to be seen clearly at great distances.

 

Useful surveillance can be achieved at such a distance that the small Helikite being used is invisible to subjects of the observation and out of range of small arms fire. This allows silent, undetectable, persistent surveillance with insignificant running costs.

 

This US-made camera was designed for constant use on small, unmanned aerial vehicles in Afghanistan and Iraq for the US Army within UAVs. This small, gyro-stabilized video camera is one of the most sophisticated units in the world. It can fly up to 2,500 feet high fitted onto the keel of Helikites sized 10 cubic metres or larger. It can also be attached anywhere along the flying line with an ‘Allsopp Fin/Picavet’ which allows batteries to be changed without bringing the Helikite close to the ground. The camera's performance from the Helikite platform is outstanding, allowing steady viewing of people or vehicles from miles away.

 

At such distances, the Helikite is likely to be invisible to the naked eye of those being observed and is beyond the range of small-arms fire. Therefore, this system allows discrete, persistent observation from considerable altitude with little risk to the Helikite or its operators.

Camera Specifications

  • Weight 1.2kg

  • Pan/Tilt/Zoom (10 x Optical, 4x Digital)

  • Two-axis Gyro-stabilised

  • High quality Sony video camera

  • Field of View 1.8 degrees;32 mrads,416ft@2.5 miles

  • 14 hours in standby or 4 hours continuous use from 1kg of standard mercury C-cell batteries.

  • 28 hours in standby or 8 hours continuous use from 1kg of lithium batteries

Receiver Specifications

  • 7-Channel RC Transmitter (Low-power, handles NTSC or PAL)

  • 2.4GHz Video Receiver with high gain antenna

  • Video Display ground station operates from 12 Volts or AC supply

gyro cam
GYRO CAMERA Trillium Orion
4. Gyro-Camera Mount on Helikite 700mb

Modular Video Camera

When it comes to robustness, foul-weather use, and ease of camera exchange, this U.K.-made camera has significant advantages.

 

It was very successfully used by the British Army for the 2005 URBEX Urban Warfare Exercise on Salisbury Plain. 

 

During two weeks of winter rain, wind, and snow the Helikite Camera was 100% reliable as the urban aerial overview camera. Its instant deployment and direct controllability from the Operations HQ was greatly valued by the URBEX commanders.

It was noted that simply the knowledge that the camera was airborne was enough to significantly alter individual troops’ military actions and their personal behaviour.  

 

The Helikite Camera is a very practical piece of equipment. It is perfect for surveillance within 800 metres.

 

Additionally, an aerial camera designed for British conditions cannot afford to be just a fair-weather friend! It is water-resistant, and probably the only aerostat-borne, radio-downlinked video camera with a windscreen wiper – essential in wet weather. The unique modular camera/radio transceiver/battery pack configuration allows the attachment of an optional thermal camera, eases maintenance and speeds up battery changes.

Modular Camera Features

  • Water-resistant – allowing it to exploit the Helikite’s all-weather capabilities.

  • Weighs 2kg - including 8 hours of batteries.

  • 350 degrees pan / 120 degrees tilt.

  • Sony 18X Zoom Colour/Low-light Video Camera.

  • Radio 2.4 GHz Video Downlink.

  • 466 KHz Telemetry Control Up-Link.

  • Omni-Directional Antenna.

  • Can use both rechargeable Li-Ion batteries and easily available Li AA non-rechargeable batteries.

  • Separate battery pack for ease of use and safety.

  • Up to 24 hours endurance.

  • Robust construction.

  • Optional thermal camera.

  • Easily attachable to All-Weather Skyhook Helikites of 11 cu metres or larger.
     

Tactical Ground Station

  • Bright LCD screen.

  • Video capture.

  • Pan/tilt/zoom controls.

  • Optional Image Stabilising System.

  • Freeze-Frame.

  • Digital zoom.

  • Video-Out (to the big screen).

  • High Gain Antenna.

  • 12 Volt battery or mains electricity supply.

  • Water and shock-proof case.

  • Weight: 8kg.

  • Dimensions: 35cm x 25 x 15cm + Antenna.

  • Tough, water-resistant, self-balancing unicycle Mil.Spec. case.

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