DX3 Thermal UAV Gimbal: Compact 4K EO/IR Surveillance Payload
Compact Multi-Sensor Imaging for Day-and-Night UAV Missions
The DX3 thermal UAV gimbal combines stabilized visible imaging, thermal observation, laser ranging, and automatic tracking in a compact 280 g payload. Its sensor cluster includes dual 4K visible-light cameras, a 640 × 512 infrared camera, and a range finder rated for measurements up to 1200 m. Therefore, operators can search broad areas, inspect distant subjects, measure range, and follow selected targets through one integrated system. The dual-sensor 4K EO IR camera arrangement supports both wide and tele perspectives. Meanwhile, the thermal channel extends observation into day-and-night missions. The integrated laser rangefinder gimbal provides ±1 m ranging accuracy, while the built-in target tracking payload supports vehicle and human tracking modes. Moreover, three-axis stabilization helps maintain steady imagery as an aircraft or mobile platform changes direction. The DX3 also supports Ethernet RTSP video, H.264 or H.265 encoding, picture-in-picture viewing, rich OSD information, and MP4 storage. As a result, it can fit established network-video and mission-control workflows without requiring separate imaging payloads. Its rounded black housing has a finely textured metal finish, large side-axis enclosures, and a circular top mounting plate. Notably, product imagery shows the complete unit resting in an adult hand, emphasizing its micro-pod form. These capabilities make the DX3 thermal UAV gimbal suitable for public security, environmental observation, forest-fire monitoring, law enforcement, and other airborne surveillance tasks.
Key advantage: The DX3 consolidates EO, infrared, laser-ranging, and tracking functions into one 280 g three-axis micro-pod. Consequently, UAV integrators can add several surveillance capabilities without installing multiple independent payloads.
DX3 Thermal UAV Gimbal Specifications
The main specifications below summarize the DX3 sensor package, stabilization system, interfaces, and operating requirements. In particular, they show how the wide-angle EO channel, telephoto channel, thermal camera, and laser range finder complement one another.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type and weight | Three-axis micro-pod, 280 g |
| Sensor combination | Dual visible cameras, infrared camera, and laser range finder |
| EO output | 3840 × 2160 at 30 fps |
| EO viewing options | 83° × 53° wide view and 20° × 11° tele view |
| EO optical zoom | 5× continuous optical zoom, 3.2–16 mm focal range |
| Thermal imaging | 640 × 512 at 30 fps, 19 mm lens, 22.9° × 18.4° field of view |
| Laser ranging | Up to 1200 m with ±1 m accuracy |
| Stabilization accuracy | 0.1 mrad at 1°/2 Hz, 1σ |
| Axis movement | Yaw ±140°, pitch -90° to +30°, roll ±45° |
| Video and storage | Ethernet RTSP, H.264/H.265, and MP4 |
| Control | UART, TTL 3.3 V, RS-232 protocol, and optional SBUS |
| Power | 12–24 V DC, average consumption ≤15 W |
| Temperature range | -20°C to +60°C for operation and storage |
The mechanical drawing also lists a 92.94 overall front-view height, a 63 front body width, and a 78.43 side-view depth. However, the drawing does not explicitly state the measurement unit. It also identifies an Ø52 mount and four Ø2.60 mounting holes with 45° position markings. Therefore, integrators should confirm the units and mounting tolerances before producing an airframe bracket.
4K EO IR Camera for Search and Detailed Recognition
The 4K EO IR camera system gives operators several observation options without changing payloads. Firstly, the 83° × 53° wide view supports broad-area searches and short-range observation. Secondly, the 20° × 11° tele view helps operators recognize smaller subjects at greater distances. The EO focal range extends from 3.2 mm to 16 mm. Moreover, 5× continuous optical zoom supports closer inspection while preserving optical detail. Product data also states that tracking remains stable while the zoom level changes.
The thermal channel records 640 × 512 imagery at 30 fps through a 19 mm lens. Therefore, the 4K EO IR camera can combine visible scene detail with thermal observation during day-and-night missions. Picture-in-picture output allows both feeds to appear together. In addition, rich OSD can show camera, target, and platform information on the video display. Automatic image correction and integrated image compression further support practical video handling.
Operational benefit: A pilot can begin with the wide EO view, switch to the tele perspective, and compare the subject with thermal imagery. Thus, the imaging workflow supports both rapid scene awareness and focused recognition.
Laser Rangefinder Gimbal and Automatic Target Tracking
The integrated laser rangefinder gimbal measures targets at distances up to 1200 m. Its specified accuracy is ±1 m. Consequently, range data can complement live EO and thermal observations during surveillance missions. The on-screen information system can also present target data alongside camera and platform status. Therefore, operators can review essential mission details without leaving the primary video display.
In addition, the target tracking payload provides dedicated modes for human and vehicle recognition and tracking. Once a valid subject is selected, the tracking system helps keep it within the frame. Meanwhile, the gimbal can move at 60°/s or more to respond to platform movement and changing target positions. This cooperation between the laser rangefinder gimbal and target tracking payload can reduce repeated manual corrections. As a result, the operator can devote more attention to flight safety and mission decisions.
Three-Axis Stability and Platform Integration
The yaw, pitch, and roll axes work together to stabilize the sensor cluster during airborne or mobile operation. Specifically, yaw provides ±140° of left-right travel. Pitch covers -90° to +30°, supporting steep downward views and elevated perspectives. Meanwhile, the ±45° roll range helps maintain a level horizon during platform movement. The specified stabilization accuracy is 0.1 mrad, while angular-position accuracy is ≤0.3°.
For integration, the DX3 thermal UAV gimbal accepts 12–24 V DC and consumes an average of no more than 15 W. TTL is the default control interface. However, UART with TTL 3.3 V, RS-232 protocol, and optional SBUS are also documented. Ethernet RTSP delivers network video, while H.264 and H.265 encoding help manage transmission requirements. Additionally, MP4 storage supports recorded mission review.
All electronics are encapsulated inside an integrated CNC metal housing. Consequently, the enclosure provides structural protection and supports heat dissipation. The metal-shell packaging also incorporates EMC-focused design. Furthermore, the listed -20°C to +60°C operating range supports deployment across varied outdoor conditions.
Mission Applications for the DX3 Payload
The DX3 supports missions that require several types of visual information from a small payload. For instance, public-security teams can use wide-area EO search before applying telephoto recognition. Meanwhile, the target tracking payload can follow selected vehicles or people. The laser rangefinder gimbal then adds measured distance to the observation workflow.
- Public security: stabilized observation, target identification, and mobile tracking.
- Environmental projects: combined EO and thermal observation for environmental or industrial-emission monitoring.
- Forest-fire monitoring: day-and-night patrol support and thermal scene observation.
- Law enforcement and border monitoring: vehicle or human tracking from UAV and robotic platforms.
- General aerial inspection: wide-area searching followed by telephoto or thermal review.
Overall, the DX3 thermal UAV gimbal offers a focused balance of low weight, multiple sensors, stabilized movement, and network connectivity. Moreover, its 4K EO IR camera, automatic tracking, and precise laser ranging reduce the need for separate payload modules. Therefore, it is a practical option for UAV projects that require compact day-and-night surveillance capabilities.
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