Industrial Cameras for Counter-UAV Systems

Cameras and 360° solutions for reliable airspace surveillance day and night

Modern industrial cameras deliver high-resolution images with minimal latency, enabling precise real-time object detection. High-performance SWIR, NIR, and LWIR cameras ensure reliable detection even in darkness and under challenging visibility conditions. When used in combination, they enable seamless 360° surveillance and enhance the performance of modern drone defense systems.

Cameras for Airspace Surveillance
  • Scalable production

    Whether you require a single unit or high-volume production, we deliver the quantities you need with short lead times and reliable availability
  • Detailed imaging

    High-resolution electro-optical cameras and high-performance SWIR, NIR, and LWIR cameras
  • Image preprocessing

    Our image preprocessing enhances image quality, cleans up image data, and reduces data volume
  • Engineered and made in Germany

    Our cameras are developed and manufactured in Ahrensburg, near Hamburg, Germany

High-resolution imaging in daylight

Reliable detection and tracking of drones during daylight requires high-performance image processing solutions. Whether it’s high-resolution cameras for maximum range or intelligent image preprocessing to manage large volumes of data—the right technology provides the foundation for precise situational awareness in modern counter-UAV systems.

ace 2

Powerful 25 MP for long-distance shots

ace 2 camera series

Combined with a high-resolution lens, the ace 2 a2A5060 camera enables reliable detection and tracking of small drones over long distances. The high resolution supports early target identification and improves situational awareness in counter-UAV applications. Thanks to its 5GigE interface, the camera delivers 21 frames per second.

Basler CoaXPress frame grabber and boost CoaXPress industrial camera

Maximum object detection efficiency through image preprocessing

CoaXPress camera systems

High-resolution cameras, high frame rates, and especially multi-camera systems generate enormous amounts of image data. By performing image preprocessing on the FPGA of the CoaXPress frame grabber relevant information is extracted during image transmission. This significantly reduces the data volume, relieves the host CPU, and provides the foundation for high-performance real-time applications.

Learn more about our data reduction system

Need help selecting the right product?

We're happy to help. Our team of product managers and application engineers will find the right solution for your application.

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Your custom camera solution

Our standard portfolio includes a wide range of industrial cameras. In addition, we develop customized camera solutions for a broad variety of requirements. Our project and engineering teams will be happy to assist you in developing the right camera for your specific application.

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Project-specific cameras

Based on your requirements, we modify interfaces or develop custom camera designs, such as bareboard models.
Fixed focal length and telecentric lens from Basler's extensive portfolio of Machine Vision Lenses

Project-specific objectives

We supply application-specific focal lengths, aperture settings, or factory-focused lenses tailored to your requirements.

360° situational awareness with industrial camera technology

Different system concepts are available for complete 360° monitoring of an environment—depending on the required resolution, dynamic range, and system configuration.

Schematic representation of a 360° airspace surveillance system using area cameras
Schematic representation of a 360° airspace surveillance system using area cameras

Option 1: 360° coverage with area cameras

For ground-based counter-UAV systems, a comprehensive 360° field of view can be achieved by using multiple area scan cameras—such as those from the Basler ace and ace 2 series. The cameras continuously deliver high-resolution image data, enabling reliable surveillance of short- and medium-range airspace.

For longer distances, the system can be expanded with an additional high-resolution camera with a long focal-length lens. Using a swiveling mirror system or a comparable tracking system, this camera can precisely track detected drones and provide detailed image information for classification and verification.

Benefits

  • Wide, panoramic view

  • Early detection and effective response

  • Detection and monitoring of UAVs at longer ranges

Schematic representation of a 360° airspace surveillance system using line scan cameras and image stitching
Schematic representation of a 360° airspace surveillance system using line scan cameras and image stitching

Option 2: 360° imaging with a line scan camera

Alternatively, a single line scan camera—such as a model from the Basler racer 2 series—can be used to create a high-resolution 360° surveillance system. In this setup, the camera’s field of view is continuously scanned across the surroundings using a rotating scan optic or mirror array. Software then combines the captured image lines into a high-resolution 360° panoramic image through precise image stitching.

Benefits

  • Complete 360° coverage

  • Very high angular resolution

  • Detection and tracking of UAVs at long ranges

Reliable environmental monitoring at night

Modern infrared imaging technologies provide significant advantages for reliable surveillance in darkness. SWIR (short-wave infrared), NIR (near-infrared), and LWIR (long-wave infrared) enable the detection of objects and structures under low-light conditions or in complete darkness.

Depending on the application, these technologies reveal hidden details, detect temperature differences, and generate high-contrast images for surveillance, inspection, and automation tasks.

ace 2 X visSWIR camera

Night and ambient sensing

Basler ace 2 X visSWIR

The Basler ace 2 X visSWIR combines imaging in the visible spectrum with SWIR technology up to 1.7 µm, making it ideally suited for environmental monitoring at night and in poor visibility conditions. Its sensitivity in both the NIR and SWIR spectral ranges enables visualization of structures, objects, and materials that are barely detectable with conventional cameras.

A high frame rate is essential for dynamic applications. Depending on the model, the ace 2 X visSWIR captures up to 240 frames per second, allowing precise capture of even fast-moving objects. At the same time, its compact design makes it ideal for mobile and space-constrained systems.

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