This guide covers the integration and operational parameters for FLIR-class thermal sensors and low-light optical sensors on Blackwasp FPV carrier platforms. Night operations currently account for 31% of total platform usage across active deployments.
Supported Sensor Configurations
The OPTO-10 and OPTO-13 payload bays support three sensor configurations for low-light operations. The standard low-light optical module uses a 1/1.8″ CMOS sensor with f/1.6 aperture, providing usable imagery at illuminance levels as low as 0.001 lux — comparable to overcast starlight conditions.
For complete darkness operations, the uncooled microbolometer thermal module provides 320×256 resolution at 25Hz in the 8–14μm longwave infrared band. Detection range for human-sized targets is 800 m under standard atmospheric conditions.
The dual-sensor configuration mounts both modules simultaneously with a 15° offset, providing simultaneous optical and thermal feeds to the ground station. This configuration increases platform weight by 240g and reduces flight time by approximately 18%.
Operational Considerations
“Thermal is not a replacement for optical in all conditions. Rain, fog, and surface heating can all degrade thermal contrast significantly. The dual-sensor configuration gives operators the ability to choose the best feed for current conditions.”
Battery management is critical for sustained night operations. The thermal module draws 4.2W continuously, which reduces OPTO-10 flight time from 28 minutes to approximately 23 minutes per charge. Plan battery logistics accordingly for operations exceeding 4 hours.
Calibration
Thermal sensors require a flat-field calibration procedure before each sortie. The VELES ground station firmware 2.4 includes an automated calibration wizard that takes 90 seconds and requires no external equipment. Optical sensors require only a focus check and white balance confirmation, typically performed during platform pre-flight.