MSD System Installation

The Electro-Optical System consists of 3 Sony XC-7500 CCD video cameras with extended infrared sensitivity. This system can be configured to capture information in many different regions of the visible and near infrared spectrum by simply changing the optical filtration.

The signals from the cameras are digitally captured using a 32-bit Everex video capture board, and are recorded to Iomega zip drives. A GPS encoder records aircraft position, speed, and time of image acquisition. A real-time video signal helps the pilot identify imaging targets. Camera gain settings are controlled manually and proper colour balance is achieved through the use of a waveform monitor.

The MSD is mounted in the rear camera port of a Cessna T185C aircraft that has been modified for aerial survey.