FLIR MU/MV Series

Gyro-stabilized, ultra long-range multi-sensor thermal night vision system

Thermal imaging cameras have found their way to many vessels. Captains, of both yachts and commercial vessels, have discovered the power of thermal imaging and are using it to their benefit.

Unlike other night vision systems that require low amounts of light to generate an image, thermal imaging requires no light at all. It’s ideal for seeing channel markers, shipping lane traffic, outcroppings of land, bridge pilings, debris, exposed rocks, other vessels and indeed any other hazardous floating object. Other applications include long range threat detection and man-overboard searches.

FLIR MU-Series

It is a powerful, gyro-stabilized multi-sensor, long range, thermal night vision system.

The top model, FLIR MU-602CLW features four different payloads in the same system.

A thermal imaging camera with optical zoom with a cooled Indium Antimonide (InSb) detector: It produces crisp thermal images of 640 x 480 pixels on which the smallest of details can be seen and allows for long range detection. An object the size of a small vessel can be detected at a distance of no less than 15,000 m. It comes with a 14 X optical zoom on the thermal image.
A wide field of view thermal imaging camera equipped with an uncooled Vanadium Oxide (VOx) detector: Also, this module provides images of 640 x 480 pixels, ideal for detecting objects at short distance or when docking in port.
A visible color camera: Equipped with a 28 X optical zoom.
A black & white low light camera: Equipped with a 18 X optical zoom. It can be used when at least some moonlight or starlight is present.

By the touch of a button the user can switch between the different cameras.

The FLIR MU-602C comes with a cooled thermal imaging camera and a daylight camera, the FLIR MU-602CL has an additional low light camera.

FLIR MV-Series

The FLIR MV-Series offer a thermal imaging camera equipped with an uncooled vanadium Oxide (VOx) detector producing thermal images of 640 x 480 pixels. It is the more affordable multi-sensor solution. The thermal imaging camera zooms between a 24.5° x 4.1° field of view. The FLIR MV-604C is equipped with a thermal imaging camera and a visible color cameras. The FLIR MV-604CL comes with a black & white low light camera as well.

Key features:

All versions of the FLIR MU- / MV-Series come with a number of useful features:

Pan/tilt: all versions of the MU- / MV-Series can pan 360° continuously and tilt +/- 90°. This provides excellent situational awareness.
Active gyro-stabilization: provides steady imagery, even in rough seas; this is critical for getting the most out of the FLIR MU- / MV-Series long-range imaging capability.
Radar Tracking: allows operators to use the FLIR MU- / MV-Series to identify and track specified radar returns, enhancing vessel safety in low visibility conditions.
Video Tracker: The user can select a given target that can be automatically tracked by the video tracker. Selecting and engaging in tracking mode is easily done by the touch of a button. Once the tracker is engaged, the camera will follow the object as long as it can be seen.
Picture-in Picture mode: With the Picture-in-Picture mode (PIP) two sensors can be displayed on a single display. The user can select which sensor to display as full screen.
Digital detail enhancement (DDE): assures a crisp thermal image even in scenes with extreme temperature dynamics.

Joystick Control Unit

The FLIR MU- / MV-Series come standard with a remote Joystick Control Unit (JCU) to operate the Pan/Tilt and to access all features. Additional JCUs, which can be used to control the FLIR MU- / MV-Series from different locations on board of a vessel, are optionally available.

The JCU is the primary method of control for the FLIR MU- / MV-Series. It can be used to move the camera (pan or tilt), zoom the cameras in and out, switch between different camera images, adjust the image quality, and access the on-screen menus.

The FLIR MU- / MV-Series control panel is fully sealed for use in a maritime environment. The joystick provides precise proportional speed control. Use it to have the FLIR MU- / MV-Series look in the exact direction you want.

Designed for use in harsh maritime environments

All versions of the MU- / MV-Series have been designed to be highly rugged. Their vital core is protected against humidity and water. A built-in heater is included to defrost the camera’s protective window. It ensures a clear lens and perfect thermal images even in extremely cold environments.

Easy installation

The FLIR MU- / MV-Series JCU comes with “Power over Ethernet (PoE)”. They can easily be installed on board of any vessel. Various options exist to connect the FLIR MU- / MV-Series. They can be configured for stand-alone use or as part of a TCP/IP network:

About thermal imaging

Thermal imaging is the use of cameras constructed with specialty sensors that “see” thermal energy emitted from an object. Thermal, or infrared energy, is light that is not visible to the human eye because its wavelength is too long to be detected. It’s the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that we perceive as heat. Infrared allows us to see what our eyes can not.

Thermal imaging cameras produce images of invisible infrared or “heat” radiation. Based on temperature differences between objects, thermal imaging produces a clear image. It is an excellent tool for predictive maintenance, building inspections, research & development and automation applications.

It can see in total darkness, in the darkest of nights, through light fog, in the far distance, through smoke. It is also used for security and surveillance, maritime, automotive, firefighting and many other applications.