Integrated Microwave Technologies and Leptron form Technology Partnership

Integrated Microwave Technologies, LLC, a Business Unit within the Vitec Group’s Videocom Division, and a leader in advanced digital microwave systems for MAG (Military, Aerospace & Government) markets, announces the formation of a technology partnership with Leptron, the leader in industrial robotic helicopters. Leptron’s Avenger, integrated with IMT’s VSTx COFDM ultra-compact transmitter, will be on exhibit at IMT’s booth at AUVSI 2012, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International’s Annual North American Symposium and Exposition (Booth 2917). In addition, IMT will employ its MobilCMDR dual diversity handheld receiver/monitor on the receive side to view the video.

IMT’s VSTx COFDM ultra-compact transmitter will be integrated into Leptron’s complete product line of industrial unmanned helicopters. Leptron manufactures several different lines of small-to-medium UAV helicopters. Due to the VSTx’s small form factor, weight and reliability, it is compatible with even the smallest Leptron model. Leptron’s product line includes the small RDASS4 and RDASS6, capable of carrying up to five pounds of payload. Leptron’s medium Defender and Avenger models are capable of a payload of up to 15 pounds. Leptron’s largest product line is its Alliance and Alliance HD family, which has a payload capacity of up to 70 pounds.

“As IMT is the class leader in wireless video, we are excited about this partnership,” says Leptron President Scott Heath. “By integrating IMT’s state-of-the-art equipment and technology into our product line, we are able to provide civilian and military law enforcement as well as first responders with a high-quality, extremely reliable unmanned aerial system that not only helps keep them out of harms way but also greatly reduces the risk to human life.”

IMT’s ultra-compact VSTx COFDM transmitter is an ultra-small, low-power, standard definition (SD) transmitter ideally suited for UAV/UGV, robotic, concealed body-worn video and other surveillance applications. It features superb H.264 SD encoding and operates in the standard 2k DVB-T COFDM mode. Only two cubic inches in size and weighing in at 26.3 grams, the VSTx is available with two connector options. The first model features a standard connector for simple interfacing in the field. The second model features a small flex-ribbon interface cable that is ideal for direct integration in OEM systems’ design. The VSTx transmitter can be operated in 1.25-or 2.5-MHz narrow-bandwidth COFDM (NBCOFDM) modes with an RF output of up to 100mW. This mode uses the RF spectrum more efficiently, permitting more transmitters to be used simultaneously, or allowing their usage range to be extended. Narrow bandwidth also delivers an extended usable range, with no additional power output required.

“Both Leptron and IMT provide key components in creating the best small unmanned aerial vehicles on the market today. We are thrilled to be working with such a great company,” says Integrated Microwave Technologies Divisional Chief Executive Stephen Shpock. “This partnership is positioned for success, as it provides all the functionality that civilian and military law enforcement as well as first responders are seeking to help them collect information and receive video surveillance in real-time, mission-critical situations.”

IMT’s MobilCMDR (C-COFDM M-Mobile D-Diversity R-Receiver), ruggedized (DVB-T-compliant) dual-diversity handheld receiver/monitor will be on display at this year‘s exhibition, available in the 4.7- and 6.4-GHz frequencies used most often for law-enforcement and public safety. The MobilCMDR is ideal for airborne downlinks and mobile vehicles that operate in tactical and/or strategic settings. It offers exceptional RF performance and durability, combined with true ease of operation and superb H.264/MPEG-2 decoding. The unit displays received video images on a built-in nine-inch high-brightness display. The display also features an easy-to-use menu-driven interface. The MobilCMDR is also available with AES decryption capabilities.