Vexcel Imaging Unveils Game-Changing Aerial Mapping Systems: UltraCam Dragon 4.1 and UltraCam Merlin 4.1

Vexcel Imaging is raising the bar in airborne photogrammetry by introducing two groundbreaking aerial mapping systems: UltraCam Dragon 4.1 and UltraCam Merlin 4.1. These new systems, part of the 4th generation UltraCam lineup, were unveiled at Intergeo in Berlin.

UltraCam Dragon 4.1

The UltraCam Dragon 4.1 marks Vexcel’s first hybrid aerial mapping system designed for deep insights into complex environments. The system integrates high-resolution nadir and oblique aerial imagery with elevation data from a powerful 2.4 MHz RIEGL OEM LiDAR scanner.

Key Specifications

• Camera: 14,144 x 10,560 pixels nadir (RGB Bayer pattern & NIR) and oblique (RGB Bayer pattern)
• CMOS imaging sensors
• 2 focal length options
• 1 frame per 0.7 seconds
• Adaptive Motion Compensation (AMC)
• True Pixel Processing (TPP)
• LiDAR Scanner: High pulse repetition rates of up to 2.4 MHz
• Nadir, forward and backward scan line directions at 0, ±10, ±20 degrees along track
• Wide field of view of 60 degrees across track
• Multiple target capability

The system will be available in summer 2024.

“We are delighted that Vexcel has chosen the RIEGL VQ-680 OEM LiDAR module to integrate into their brand new, radical UltraCam Dragon 4.1 system design and thank our friends and colleagues at Vexcel for their trust and wish them all the best for a successful go to market with this new product,” commented Dr. Johannes Riegl, CEO of the RIEGL Group.

UltraCam Merlin 4.1

The Merlin 4.1 is built on the 4th generation UltraCam architecture and maximizes the collection window while reducing project costs. It comes in two models: the 2010 and the 3020, catering to a variety of mapping project needs.

Key Specifications

• 20,544 x 14,016 pixels color image size (Merlin 4.1 2010)
• 31,300 x 14,016 pixels color image size (Merlin 4.1 3020)
• True nadir imagery without tilting cones
• CMOS imaging sensors
• RGB Bayer pattern and NIR
• Adaptive Motion Compensation (AMC)
• True Pixel Processing (TPP)
• 1 frame per 0.7 seconds

The system will be available on the market by the end of 2023.

“We are excited to present the UltraCam Merlin 4.1 as a strong base for professional aerial data collection. This addition expands our product portfolio, catering to customers who have been seeking the renowned UltraCam quality in Bayer pattern-based sensors already available on the market. The UltraCam Merlin 4.1 offers a high return on investment as it provides full upgrade capability to the high-end sensors Eagle 4.1, Osprey 4.1 and Condor 4.1 as the company’s needs evolve,” says Alexander Wiechert, CEO at Vexcel Imaging.

Final Remarks

Both the UltraCam Dragon 4.1 and the UltraCam Merlin 4.1 are set to revolutionize aerial mapping. They extend Vexcel’s offerings in aerial systems, now inclusive of the Premium, Fundamental, and the newly introduced Integrated lines.