MULTI-AXES SYSTEMSTest and alignment tools for gimbals, drones, and airbone optics
Testing complexity in multi-sensor optical systems
Modern multi-axes optronic systems integrate a wide range of sensors across several optical channels. Found in gimbals, drones (UAVs), helicopters, and multi-function goggles, these systems often include:
- Visible and low-light cameras
- Thermal imagers
- Laser rangefinders (LRFs) and laser designators
Each axis and each sensor come with its own performance criteria. For manufacturers and integrators, the challenge is twofold: measure the performance of individual sensors, and assess the geometrical alignment between all axes to ensure coherent multi-sensor operation.
Performance validation across all sensor channels
Testing multi-axes systems involves evaluating specific parameters for each sensor:
- Resolution and image quality of visible to SWIR channels
- Detection, recognition, and identification range of thermal imagers
- Accuracy and repeatability of LRF distance measurements
These tests must be performed in controlled, repeatable conditions using optical test benches and high-precision equipment designed for multi-channel systems.
HGH provides advanced tools to perform these tests with precision, reliability, and automation.
Measuring and correcting distortion in wide field-of-view optics
HGH has developed an exclusive method for distortion measurement, especially useful for wide field-of-view (FOV) sensors commonly used in countermeasure and surveillance applications.
This technique allows precise characterization of optical aberrations that can impact detection capability, particularly in wide-angle or panoramic imaging systems.
The distortion measurement module is fully compatible with IRCOL collimators and our INFRATEST software, offering a fast and accurate way to qualify large-FOV optronic systems.
Axis alignment – a critical step in multi-sensor testing
Beyond testing each sensor individually, the relative alignment between the different optical axes is the most critical verification process in a multi-axes system. Misalignment can compromise data fusion, target tracking, and system reliability.To address this, HGH offers:
- Large-aperture collimators to cover all optical channels simultaneously
- Autocollimator modules for precise angular residual misalignment measurement, also applicable to eye-safe LRFs.
- Alignment targets and software tools integrated into the INFRATEST platform
These solutions allow the user to simulate common scenes across all axes and measure angular offsets with microradian accuracy.
HGH SolutionsFor multy-axes system testing
HGH delivers a complete ecosystem of equipment and software dedicated to testing and aligning complex optronic platforms. Our offer includes:
- DCN1000 Blackbodies: for thermal imagers testing
- IRCOL Collimators: with wide aperture and long focal lengths for multi-sensor setups
- INFRATEST Software: central control and data acquisition for optical test benches
- ISV Integrating Sphere Sources : for testing and calibrating complete imaging systems, from visible to SWIR
- Autocollimator modules – for precise, fast alignment verification of optical axis versus mechanical axis and laser axis versus optical axis.
These tools are used by defense contractors, aerospace integrators, and electro-optical system manufacturers around the world to ensure optimal sensor performance and multi-axis coherence.
Applications in airborne, ground and naval systems
HGH’s multi-axes testing solutions are designed to meet the specific demands of:
- Electro-optical gimbals for UAVs and aircraft
- Naval surveillance systems
- Targeting pods and sighting systems
- Multifunction soldier goggles and headsets
- Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) and situational awareness platforms
Whether for production-line testing, R&D development, or in-service verification and maintenance, our systems guarantee confidence in sensor alignment and optical performance.
Contact us to build your multi-sensor test bench
Need to qualify a new multi-axes system? Want to improve alignment precision across sensors?
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