The Requirement
On a moving vehicle the limiting factor is not sensor resolution but line of sight stability.
Every gimbal in the range is qualified to MIL-STD-810G tactical armoured vehicle vibration and 20 g functional shock, and uses IMU or fibre gyro dual-loop stabilisation. Choose by the stabilisation figure the mission needs: 0.1 degrees for situational awareness, 0.005 degrees for long range observation, below 50 microradians where the imager feeds a weapon system. Masts that stay usable while the vehicle is on the move are listed under the ultra stable line.
Step 01
Sensor
On a vehicle the sensor is used moving, so stabilisation is the first specification, not a later option. Two-axis stabilisation across the range reaches 0.05 deg down to 0.003 deg; the tighter figures come from dual-loop control with a secondary encoder or a fibre gyro.
Step 02
Positioner
The vehicle roof sets the envelope. A gimbal with an integrated positioner keeps height down; a separate pan-tilt gives more payload and a configurable interface. Momentary peak torque of 400 Nm and 875 Nm covers what a moving vehicle demands from the drive when the hull pitches.
Step 03
Elevation
Where the vehicle must see over a berm or a wall, a compact electromechanical mast raises the sensor without leaving the vehicle. Retracted height is the governing number here, because it must clear bridges and hangar doors.
What governs the choice
- Stabilisation accuracy
- The figure that decides whether the image is usable at speed. Ranges from 0.1 deg to 0.003 deg across the gimbal family.
- Roof envelope and weight
- Height, diameter and mass drive the mounting decision as much as the optics do.
- Shock and vibration class
- Wheeled and tracked platforms differ. MIL-STD-810G Method 516.6 at 20 g and 40 g / 11 ms are both qualified in the range.
- Vehicle bus and power
- Control over RS-422, RS-485 or Ethernet, and 20-32 V DC vehicle supply, decide the interface package.
Where the site sets the limit
- EMI/EMC on a vehicle is not optional: designs follow MIL-STD-461, and connectors follow MIL-DTL-38999.
- Slip ring line count limits what can pass through a continuously rotating axis: 36 and 76 line options carry Ethernet and HD-SDI.
Qualified Products
All Products| Model | Product | Family |
|---|---|---|
| SEB20 | Multi Channel (EO-MWIR-LRF-LD) Thermal Imager | Thermal Imagers |
| SEG14 | Multi Channel (EO-LWIR-LRF) Stabilised Gimbal System | Thermal Imagers |
| PED10 | Ultra Precision Electromechanical Pan-Tilt | Pan-Tilt & Positioning Systems |
| PED12 | Stabilised Electromechanical Pan-Tilt | Pan-Tilt & Positioning Systems |
| MEM10 | Ultra Stable Electromechanical Mast System | Mast Systems |
| MES10 | Locked Electromechanical Mast System | Mast Systems |
