Global geospatial solutions provider CHC Navigation has launched the AlphaAir 15 Pro, a premium airborne LiDAR system developed for large-scale geospatial mapping and high-density point cloud capture.
The system is equipped with an extended-range laser core that supports measurement distances up to 3,200m, allowing survey teams to collect aerial data from higher flight altitudes and improve operational efficiency across large project areas. Designed for demanding environments such as mountains, valleys, forested areas, and transportation corridors, its typical operating altitude range of 500 to 1,200 m AGL reduces flight line requirements while maintaining reliable point cloud acquisition over complex terrain.
Accurate airborne laser scanning relies on stable trajectory data, which the platform addresses by integrating a high-performance positioning and orientation solution featuring a 600 Hz IMU update rate. This architecture delivers a post-processed attitude accuracy of 0.005 degrees RMS for pitch and roll, and 0.010 degrees RMS for heading, ensuring consistent georeferencing during large-area aerial surveys. The system also supports a maximum measurement rate of 2.4 million points per second and uses a concentrated beam with increased pulse energy to enhance vegetation penetration under dense canopy, backed by an advanced multi-period processing algorithm supporting up to 12 zones for continuous point cloud acquisition.
Featuring a compact architecture measuring 245 × 131 × 159 mm and weighing 2.6 kg without cameras, the payload can be deployed on large fixed-wing UAVs and manned aircraft for enhanced operational flexibility. With an optional streamlined airborne pod configuration, the system can support coverage of up to 60 square kilometers per hour when flying at 600 m AGL, accelerating large-area LiDAR data acquisition in a single flight.
