High-resolution LIDAR sensor AlphaAir 6

lightweight3Dfor mapping

Overview
The CHCNAV AlphaAir 6 (AA6) is an airborne LiDAR system designed for high‑density, long‑range aerial surveying in complex and high‑relief environments. It pairs prism‑based long‑range laser scanning with a high‑grade IMU (500 Hz) and 5th‑generation real‑time waveform processing to deliver improved penetration, point completeness and mapping accuracy. Available in single‑camera (AA6) and dual‑camera (AA6D) configurations for multirotor and fixed‑wing UAV integration.

Main highlights

• Maximum range up to 2,100 m (80% return); typical operating altitudes 100–600 m AGL.
• 5th‑generation real‑time waveform processing (RWP) for enhanced point density and penetration.
• Lightweight integrated design (AA6 single ≈1.35 kg) enabling extended endurance and large area coverage.
• Open interfaces for straightforward integration with common UAV platforms.

Main features

• Long range + high‑grade IMU: up to 2,100 m range; IMU with ~0.3°/h bias stability and 500 Hz update.
• High point throughput: supports up to 1,000,000 pts/s at 120 m AGL and 200,000 pts/s at 400 m AGL (system/pulse rates reported up to 2,000,000 pulses/s in some configurations).
• Imaging options: single camera 25 MP (4/3" CMOS, switchable to 100 MP) or dual‑camera AA6D with two APS‑C sensors (26 MP ×2) and ultra‑wide 110° FOV.
• Ultra‑lightweight form factor: AA6 single ≈1.35 kg; AA6D ≈1.85 kg; example endurance ~50 minutes and mission coverage ~15 km² on CHCNAV X500 (platform dependent).
• High data throughput and field‑swap storage: supports high transfer rates (up to ~200 MB/s) and user‑swappable media for continuous operations.

Benefits and performance

• Longer ranging laser core and high‑grade IMU provide robust positioning and mapping accuracy in challenging terrain.
• Real‑time multi‑period waveform processing improves vegetation penetration, multiple‑return separation and point completeness at high PRR.
• Flexible imaging modes allow trade‑offs between sensitivity (25 MP) and resolution (100 MP) to match flight altitude and GSD requirements.
• Modular design and open interfaces simplify integration, maintenance and mission continuity.

Use cases

• Topographic surveying and mapping in mountainous or high‑relief areas.
• Forestry and biomass assessment.
• Road, bridge and highway corridor mapping.
• Powerline and linear infrastructure inspection.
• Emergency response and rapid aerial mapping operations.

FAQs (selected)

• Improvements vs previous generation: extended range (up to 2,100 m), higher point density via 5th‑gen RWP and improved IMU stability (~0.3°/h).
• 25 MP vs 100 MP: 100 MP provides finer imagery at higher altitudes (better GSD); 25 MP yields higher sensitivity and lower data volume for low‑altitude flights.
• Single vs dual camera: AA6 single offers 25/100 MP switching; AA6D uses dual APS‑C sensors with 110° FOV to reduce side overlap and increase operational efficiency.
• Data handling: high transfer speeds (up to ~200 MB/s) and user‑swappable cards support continuous field operations; actual throughput depends on configuration.

Technical specifications (typical values)

• Laser range: 2,100 m (80%); 960 m (10%).
• Scan / pulse capability: up to 2,000,000 pulses/s (product literature); typical throughput up to 1,000,000 pts/s @120 m AGL, 200,000 pts/s @400 m AGL.
• FOV (scanner): 90°; returns supported: up to 16.
• Imaging (AA6 single): 25 MP (6144 × 4096), optional 100 MP (12288 × 8192). AA6D (dual): 26 MP ×2 (6252 × 4168) with 110° FOV.
• Focal length: AA6 ~12 mm; AA6D ~16 mm (configuration dependent).
• GNSS: full‑constellation support; IMU: 500 Hz update, bias instability ≈0.3°/h.
• Reported precision (operational): horizontal <5 cm; vertical <5 cm (dependent on survey configuration and processing).
• Operating temperature: −20°C to +50°C.
• Weight: AA6 ≈1.35 kg; AA6D ≈1.85 kg. Power/endurance: platform dependent (example: up to ~50 min on CHCNAV X500).
• Data transfer: supports high transfer rates (up to ~200 MB/s); user‑swappable storage cards.