AUVSI 2012 : IMT Announces Partnership with Leptron

Integrated Microwave Technologies (IMT), part of the Vitec Group’s Videocom division  announced the formation of a technology partnership with Leptron, a small VTOL UAS manufacturer, on 6 August.

The latter's Avenger, integrated with IMT’s VSTx COFDM ultra-compact transmitter is being displayed on IMT’s booth at AUVSI's Unmanned Systems North America 2012. In addition, IMT is employing its MobilCMDR dual diversity handheld receiver/monitor on the receive side to view the video. 

According to IMT, its VSTx COFDM ultra-compact transmitter will be integrated into Leptron’s complete product line of industrial unmanned helicopters. Leptron manufactures several different lines of small-to-medium unmanned helicopters. VSTx’s small form factor, weight and reliability makes it compatible with the whole of Leptron's family of helicopters.

Leptron’s product line includes the small RDASS4 and RDASS6, capable of carrying up to five pounds of payload. Leptron’s medium Defender and Avenger models are capable of a payload of up to 15 pounds. Leptron’s largest systems are its Alliance and Alliance HD family, which has a payload capacity of up to 70 pounds. 

'As IMT is the class leader in wireless video, we are excited about this partnership,' Leptron's president, Scott Heath, stated. 'By integrating IMT’s state-of-the-art equipment and technology into our product line, we are able to provide civilian and military law enforcement as well as first responders with a high-quality, extremely reliable unmanned aerial system that not only helps keep them out of harms way but also greatly reduces the risk to human life.'

IMT's ultra-compact VSTx COFDM transmitter is a small, low-power, standard definition (SD) transmitter ideally suited for UAV/UGV, robotic, concealed body-worn video and other surveillance applications. It features H.264 SD encoding and operates in the standard 2k DVB-T COFDM mode.

It is only two cubic inches in size and weighs 26.3 grams, the VSTx is available with two connector options. The first model features a standard connector for simple interfacing in the field. The second model features a small flex-ribbon interface cable that is ideal for direct integration in OEM systems’ design.