Leonardo DRS Unveils Compact Thermal Camera for Unmanned Systems
Event summary
- Leonardo DRS launched Tenum® 640 Orbit™, an uncooled LWIR thermal camera module for unmanned platforms, at SOF Week (May 18-21, 2026).
- The camera is optimized for Group 1-3 UAVs, UGVs, and USVs with 640x512 resolution and 10 µm pixel pitch.
- Tenum® 640 Orbit™ supports 60 fps and <20 mK thermal sensitivity, designed for detection, tracking, and obstacle avoidance.
- The module is MIPI CSI/CCS compatible with optional USB connectivity and configurable video outputs.
The big picture
Leonardo DRS is targeting the growing demand for compact, cost-effective thermal imaging solutions for unmanned systems. The launch aligns with the broader trend of scaling unmanned platforms across air, ground, and maritime domains. The company's focus on SWAP-c optimization positions it to capture market share in high-volume deployments.
What we're watching
- Market Adoption
- How quickly integrators and operators will adopt Tenum® 640 Orbit™ for small unmanned platforms.
- Competitive Positioning
- Whether Leonardo DRS can sustain its lead in uncooled thermal imaging against competitors.
- Integration Success
- The pace at which OEM partners integrate the camera into their unmanned systems.
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