DRS Technologies announced its reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA) business unit has produced an advanced, full-featured thermal camera that consumes less than one watt of power to produce a thermal image.

Slightly smaller than a golf ball, the Tamarisk 320 occupies less than 30 cubic centimetres of space and, depending on the selected configuration, weighs as little as 30 grams (just over one ounce). It is available with a variety of lens focal lengths and horizontal fields of view.

DRS RSTA developed the Tamarisk 320 thermal camera, which it will manufacture at its facilities in Melbourne, Florida and Dallas, Texas. The thermal imager detects infrared (heat) energy that is emitted by persons, objects and structures. It produces clear imagery for the viewer, even through smoke, dust, haze, light fog and total darkness.

DRS’ original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers plan to incorporate the imager in a variety of applications including security and surveillance, unmanned aerial vehicles, portable handheld devices, and other commercial applications.

“This latest innovation extends RSTA’s standing as the thermal imaging industry’s technology leader and largest producer of uncooled detectors in the world,” said RSTA President Terry Murphy.