Teledyne FLIR Launches RS8480 HD MWIR Science Camera

Teledyne FLIR has launched the RS8480, marking the introduction of the first smaller form-factor high-definition midwave infrared science camera in its RS lineup.

Designed for large-scale and outdoor scientific research, including commercial aerospace and space launch sites as well as government and defense test ranges, the system fills a gap between the existing RS6780 and the larger, faster RS8500. By pairing a new 1280 × 1024 sensor with the proven RS6780 chassis, the platform enables users to detect, identify, and measure small or distant objects with more pixels.

The high-definition sensor provides four times the pixels of a standard 640 × 512 video graphics array detector, equivalent to twice the linear sampling across a target. This increased spatial detail supports temperature and radiometric measurements, as well as the resolution of test articles and spatial measurements over long distances. Radiometric data is available from every pixel and frame for measurement and analysis rather than simply display purposes.

Roger Martinez, Senior Principal Systems Engineer, Teledyne FLIR, commented, “Long-range outdoor scientific research teams need measurement data per pixel, not simply a high-quality video they can watch. The RS8480 combines the resolution needed to put more pixels on small, distant objects with the proven RS platform, optics, and workflows that users already know. It therefore provides a straightforward path to HD MWIR performance without the disruption associated with introducing an entirely new camera platform.”

At the core of the camera is a FLIR hot midwave infrared strained-layer superlattice detector operating at 120 K, delivering a 1280 × 1024 resolution image, 37 mK typical NETD, and a 14-bit dynamic range across the 3.4 to 5.1 μm spectral range. Optical features include a 50–250 mm continuous metric zoom, which can be extended to 150–750 mm using an optional 3× afocal multiplier.

Full-frame rates reach approximately 45 Hz via GigE Vision and 60 Hz via CoaXPress. The camera also provides fully adjustable integration times and frame rates, with windowing down to 32 × 4 for high-speed transient events. Range-grade synchronization includes IRIG-B, tri-level, and lock-in sync, alongside TSPI-accurate timestamping.

The cooler has a mean time between failure of 27,000 hours, supporting long-term operation in demanding outdoor environments. Potential applications include outdoor scientific campaigns, commercial space launch monitoring, aerospace test and evaluation, combustion research, high-temperature materials research, and defense range instrumentation.

For existing RS6780 users, the camera is positioned as a detector and resolution upgrade rather than a complete platform change. The RS8480 retains the RS6780 electronics, chassis, mounting interface, continuous-zoom optics, factory calibration model, video interfaces, and rugged IP65 housing.

It also maintains the FLIR Research Studio acquisition, radiometry, and analysis workflow, enabling existing teams to continue using familiar software and data pipelines.