Teledyne FLIR Announces ION M640x Next-Gen Tactical Quadcopter

Rhea-AI Summary

Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies (NYSE:TDY), has launched the ION™ M640x tactical Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) designed for military and government applications. This UAS is an enhancement over the ION M440, featuring a 640x512 infrared sensor for double the resolution of comparable systems, and includes a Near-Infrared laser illuminator and smart object tracking capabilities. Weighing around 4 pounds, the portable M640x is suitable for challenging environments. With its advanced technologies, it aims to deliver top-tier solutions in defense and public safety sectors.

Positive

• Launch of ION™ M640x tactical UAS enhances military capability.
• Features a 640x512 infrared sensor providing twice the resolution of competitors.
• Introduces smart object tracking and Near-Infrared laser illumination.
• M640x is lightweight (4 pounds) and portable, suitable for demanding conditions.
• Backed by Teledyne FLIR’s reputation for service and support.

Negative

• None.

American Designed, Developed and Manufactured System Provides Unmatched Capabilities for Defense and Public Safety Customers

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), today announced the launch of the ION™ M640x tactical Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). The American designed, developed, and manufactured UAS builds on the capabilities of the ION M440 (a Blue sUAS) and will provide military and other government customers with best-in-class capabilities for their unique missions.

The Teledyne FLIR ION™ M640x tactical Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) is an American designed, developed, and manufactured UAS that will provide military and public safety users with best-in-class capabilities for their missions. The ION M640x features a 640x512 infrared sensor providing twice the resolution of similar UAS, and a Near-Infrared (NIR) laser illuminator. ION M640x includes all-new smart object tracking that enables operators to designate an object for the aircraft to detect and track while it moves. The M640x is MAVLINK compliant and interoperable with Common Ground Control Stations (C-GCS), including the U.S. Army Tactical Open Ground Station Architecture (TOGA). Easily rucksack portable at about 4 pounds, the M640x is rated for operation in demanding environments, including rain and wind. The ION M640x is evolved from the ION M440, one of the original five UAS platforms approved by the U.S. Dept. of Defense under the Blue sUAS program. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Our proven, U.S.-based engineering expertise and focus on defense and public safety markets means our customers are getting the most secure and capable UAS solutions,” said Thomas Rambo, senior director of Unmanned and Integrated Solutions at Teledyne FLIR. “The ION M640x builds on our unique position as a domestic provider of unmanned systems and sensing technology and boasts high resolution infrared imaging, smart object tracking, laser illumination, and industry-leading support and service.”

The ION M640x features a 640x512 infrared sensor providing twice the resolution of similar UAS, and a Near-Infrared (NIR) laser illuminator. The NIR illuminator enables operators to pinpoint objects of interest for increased coordination and visibility for other mission participants. ION M640x also includes all-new smart object tracking that enables operators to designate an object for the aircraft to detect and track while it moves. Other new features include an SD card to easily retrieve photos and video recorded during flight, as well as tri-band radio capabilities.

Open system architecture is another key feature of the ION M640x, and the system utilizes a high-powered discrete mission computer for advanced autonomous functions. It is also MAVLINK compliant and interoperable with Common Ground Control Stations (C-GCS), including the U.S. Army Tactical Open Ground Station Architecture (TOGA). Easily rucksack portable at about 4 pounds, the M640x is rated for operation in demanding environments, including rain and wind.

The ION M640x is evolved from the ION M440, one of the original five UAS platforms approved by the U.S. Department of Defense under the Blue sUAS program, for sale to U.S. military and federal agencies. The M440 was developed by Gainesville, Florida-based Altavian Inc., which FLIR acquired in December 2020.

Leveraging Teledyne FLIR’s longstanding reputation as a trusted provider of unmanned systems for military and public safety organizations, the ION M640x is backed by the company’s world class standards for service, training, and technical support.

About Teledyne FLIR

Teledyne FLIR, a Teledyne Technologies company, is a world leader in intelligent sensing solutions for defense and industrial applications with approximately 4,000 employees worldwide. Founded in 1978, the company creates advanced technologies to help professionals make better, faster decisions that save lives and livelihoods. For more information, please visit www.teledyneflir.com or follow @flir.

About Teledyne Technologies

Teledyne Technologies is a leading provider of sophisticated digital imaging products and software, instrumentation, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems. Teledyne's operations are primarily located in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Western and Northern Europe. For more information, visit Teledyne's website at www.teledyne.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211011005025/en/

Joe Ailinger, Jr.

Teledyne FLIR

Phone: +1 781-801-6161

Email: joe.ailinger@teledyneflir.com

Ryan Williams

Targeted Victory

Phone: +1 617-697-9072

Email: rwilliams@targetedvictory.com

Source: Teledyne FLIR

FAQ

What are the key features of the ION M640x tactical UAS from Teledyne (TDY)?

The ION M640x features a 640x512 infrared sensor, smart object tracking, Near-Infrared laser illuminator, and is lightweight at about 4 pounds.

When was the ION M640x tactical UAS launched by Teledyne Technologies (TDY)?

Teledyne launched the ION M640x tactical UAS in October 2021.

How does the ION M640x compare to the previous model, the ION M440?

The ION M640x builds on the ION M440 by offering advanced features such as higher resolution imaging and smart object tracking.

Is the ION M640x compliant with military standards?

Yes, the ION M640x is MAVLINK compliant and interoperable with the U.S. Army Tactical Open Ground Station Architecture.

What markets does Teledyne FLIR target with the ION M640x?

Teledyne FLIR targets military and public safety markets with the ION M640x.