ACSL SOTEN High Resolution Thermal Camera: Radiometric 640x512 Thermal and 64 MP Visible Payload for the SOTEN Platform
The ACSL SOTEN High Resolution Thermal Camera is a dual-sensor thermal-optical payload designed and manufactured in Japan by ACSL, built exclusively for the ACSL SOTEN unmanned aircraft system.
Known as the SAMO, it pairs a Teledyne FLIR Hadron 640R module—combining a radiometric 640 x 512 Boson thermal sensor with a 64 MP visible camera and 20x optical zoom—in a compact, IP54-rated package weighing approximately 1.98 oz (56g).
It mounts via the SOTEN's one-touch swappable camera bay and integrates natively with the ACSL TAKEOFF ground control application and the TAITEN Smart Controller, giving field operators real-time radiometric thermal data and high-resolution visible imaging from a single payload module.
Key Features and Benefits
- Thermal sensor: radiometric 640 x 512 Boson thermal camera with 12 µm pixel pitch
- Visible sensor: 64 MP visible camera with 20x optical zoom on the visible imaging path
- Thermal sensitivity: less than 20 mK NETD typical for detection of subtle heat signatures
- Temperature accuracy: ±5°C across 0°C to 100°C for reliable radiometric measurement
- Thermal optics: 13.6 mm EFL, F/1.0, 32° HFOV for calibrated thermal scene coverage
- Visible optics: 4.8 mm EFL, 67° HFOV wide visible channel for contextual situational awareness
- Frame rate: full resolution at up to 60 Hz subject to regional export regulations
- Ingress protection: IP54 module-level sealing for operation in rain, dust, and field conditions
- Power draw: approximately 1.8W typical and no more than 2.9W maximum for efficient operation
- NDAA and ITAR-free: Hadron 640R module meets compliance requirements for government procurement
Designed for public safety, search and rescue, industrial inspection, and disaster response operations where thermal detection and visual identification must work together, the SAMO delivers a thermal sensitivity of less than 20 mK and temperature accuracy of ±5°C across a 0°C to 100°C measurement range.
The visible channel adds 20x optical zoom for long-standoff subject confirmation, and the ITAR-free, NDAA-compliant Hadron 640R module makes the payload suitable for government and enterprise procurement programs with sourcing restrictions. MSX thermal-visible edge fusion is planned as an upcoming capability through ACSL's collaboration with Teledyne FLIR.
Thermal Detection and Visual Confirmation in One Payload
Public safety and industrial inspection missions share a common operational requirement: the ability to detect a heat signature and then positively identify the subject without repositioning the aircraft or swapping sensors. The ACSL SOTEN High Resolution Thermal Camera handles both within a single payload module.
The radiometric Boson 640 x 512 thermal sensor detects temperature differentials as small as 20 mK, providing the sensitivity needed to locate personnel in low-visibility environments, identify electrical hotspots in infrastructure, and detect fire spread in wildland or industrial settings.
The 64 MP visible camera with 20x optical zoom on the visible path then allows operators to zoom in on a flagged thermal signature and confirm subject identity, structural damage, or equipment condition at long standoff distance without a separate imaging payload. At approximately 1.98 oz (56g) and IP54-rated, the SAMO adds this dual-sensor capability to the SOTEN without meaningful impact on airframe weight or weather operability.
Compatibility and System Integration
- ACSL SOTEN: exclusive compatible aircraft via one-touch swappable camera bay interface
- ACSL TAKEOFF: fully integrated ground control application for mission planning and camera control
- ACSL TENSO Smart Controller: compatible for standard operational range thermal missions
- ACSL TAITEN Smart Controller: primary recommended controller for full SAMO capability and range
- Teledyne FLIR Prism ISP: compatible with contrast enhancement, turbulence mitigation, and AI detection
- MSX thermal-visible fusion: planned upcoming capability via Teledyne FLIR collaboration
- FCC Part 15 Class B: Hadron 640R module tested to EMI compliance at module level
Applications and Use Cases
- Search and rescue: thermal sensitivity below 20 mK locates personnel in darkness and obscured terrain
- Public safety response: dual thermal-visible imaging supports situational awareness in dynamic incidents
- Wildfire monitoring: thermal sensor tracks fire perimeter and hotspot activity through smoke and haze
- Electrical infrastructure inspection: radiometric data identifies hotspots in lines, connections, and hardware
- Solar farm inspection: thermal mapping detects underperforming panels and junction box anomalies at scale
- Industrial equipment monitoring: heat signature detection identifies bearing failure and process equipment faults
- Disaster response: thermal imaging locates survivors and assesses structural heat conditions after events
The ACSL SOTEN High Resolution Thermal Camera gives SOTEN operators a dual-sensor thermal and visible imaging capability in a compact, NDAA-compliant payload that adds no meaningful weight penalty to the airframe.
For public safety agencies, utility inspection teams, and industrial operators who need both thermal detection and visual confirmation from a single sortie, the SAMO is the payload that closes that gap on the SOTEN platform.
DSLRPros is an authorized U.S. dealer for the full ACSL SOTEN payload lineup, including the High Resolution Thermal Camera. Our team can help you determine whether a standalone SAMO purchase or a complete Thermal Bundle configuration best fits your mission requirements.
Order the ACSL SOTEN High Resolution Thermal Camera at DSLRPros today.
